Where to Now, UP Boy?

The Great White...Lion...

2006-11-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

There was this huge white lion when I visited the Pahinungod office a couple of days ago.

It was the cutest and it looked so pure because it was all white.

Jean told me it was for one of the volunteer teachers who is currently deployed in the province.

Since it was just too cute and I was feeling goofy, hence the pictures.

Hahaha!

Visit to "The Rock" Part 2...

2006-11-02T22:54:00.000-08:00

Alright, I was in Corregidor because the children's chorale of the Company had a singing engagement at the Corregidor Hotel.

The kids were asked to serenade hotel guests while the latter enjoyed their lunch.

So you see, the trip to Corregidor was more of a volunteer thing because I sort of babysitted.

The kids and I had only about an hour for a tour around the island, and because the time was so short, we didn't get to see much. Neither did we have enough time to really enjoy the places that we got to go to.

It was a good trip though and I plan to go back to historic Corregidor so I can really visit the different landmarks, especially the laterals found inside the Malinta Tunnel.

Visit to "The Rock" Part 1...

2006-10-29T17:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the first batch of pictures from a trip I had yesterday.

Enjoy the pictures first. Text and another set of pics to follow.

Extended Birthday...

2006-10-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

After a tiring day at work, I found something when I got home that just took away all the fatigue and stress.

I was about to go to my room, when I saw this medium-sized FedEx box sitting by our old piano. Hmmm, to be honest I wasn't expecting any packages or gifts since my birthday was over. But as I've said earlier, the seeing FedEx box was such a pleasant surprise.

Somehow, I didn't have to guess who sent the package. And I just want to say, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

Uhm, so excited boy that I was, I brought the package to my room and placed it on my bed. I took a cutter and carefully opened one of the flaps.

When I saw the contents of the box, I forgot that it was already close to midnight. I just had to bring out all the contents and look at them. Hehehe!

My favorite was the pink birthday card.

You know that was more than enough. But still, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Birthday Celebrations 2 and 3...

2006-10-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I had celebration #2 all by myself. That's how I wanted it. I wanted to spend time alone on my special day.

Though I've been lately spending much of my time by myself, the Sunday thing was special because it was my birthday.

I went to Mass, I watched this performance, I went to the spa, I had a good dinner, and then I bought some stuff for celebration #3.

After the YWCA party and celeb #2, yesterday I had birthday celebration #3 at work.

Uhm, I just served lunch to close friends at work. It was extra special because the whole thing was a family effort. My Mom was the chief cook. My two brothers assisted her and brought the food to the office. My Dad was the runner for last minute missing ingredients. I took care of the groceries, the giveaways and the lootbags, the decors of the office (yes! I decorated our office. That's what you get when you're Kapampangan and homo. Hahaha!).

Whew! I didn't expect my 27th birthday to be this tiring. But I have no one else to blame but myself for all these "toxicities." Hehehe!

It's all fun though and very memorable. Hearing my friends praise the cooking of my Mom just made me happy. And then seeing my colleagues look like excited kids at a kiddie birthday party when I brought out the lootbags was also really enjoyable and memorable.

So that's basically how my birthday went. (Hmm, for my birthday next year, I'll just go and get a vacation. Hehe!)

Thank you Lord for another year!!! Thank you to all the well-wishers!!! Thank you to all who helped make the YWCA party a success!!! Thank you for the gifts!!!

Birthday Celebration 1...

2006-10-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had our party with the kids of YWCA in Manila.

Friends from Pahinungod and from work came so it was all good. I thought only a few people would be able to go because the party was scehduled at 10AM (the kids had an activity in the afternoon), but I was surprised when all the people who came came.

The program was very simple. We had a getting-to-know-you activity for the kids to know their new Ates and Kuyas. For our game, we had a modified version of the classic Charade. And then the kids had two performances, which we all enjoyed watching.

It was really fun.

The kids also surprised me when I saw the backdrop they prepared for the party. I was also touched by the handmade card the kids made and signed.

I'm really glad that this party pushed through.

Will write about what I did today in another entry. That's Birthday Celebration 2...

"Shopping" at Divisoria...

2006-10-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Went to Divisioria this afternoon together with Karen.

I needed to go there to buy some stuff for a party this Saturday, and since Karen knows where I could buy a lot of good stuff at a very low price, I asked her to join me.

We met up at 5.30PM near the Pahinungod office, and took a jeep to Divisoria. It's good that it's already sem break because there was no traffic at all.

By the time we got to Divisoria, stores were starting to close. Yaiks!!! We had to move fast. Thankfully, we found one store that was still open and had a lot of really good stuff - pens, papers, pencil cases, wallets, coin purses, scarves, hankies, badges, pins, hair accessories, and so on and so forth. It was perfect.

In a way, it was also good that Karen and I got there when the store was near its closing time. Otherwise, I would have been tempted to buy more than what was on my list. Hehehe!

From Divisoria, we brought the stuff to the office. Tomorrow, need to make gift bags and assemble goodie bags.

Whew! Toxic. Hay birthdays! Hehehe!

Start of "Another Year"...

2006-10-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

Here's how the invitation read...

Hi everyone,

It's my 27th birthday.

I'm celebrating with the kids of Young Women's Christian Association on October 21, Saturday, 10AM - 1PM.

Venue is at the YWCA compound (beside Emilio Aguinaldo College), UN Ave. cor. Taft Ave. (Parking available at The Pearl Manila Hotel or at Times Plaza along UN Ave.)

I hope you can join us for a morning of fun and games.

Thanks much!

Cheers,
Angelo 0:-)

Uhm, Marc...

2006-10-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Is this for real?!

Marc Jacobs sent these out on the recent Spring 2007 collection for Louis Vuitton.

Uhm, I'm still not sure how I feel about these creations.

One part of me is saying, "Leave it to Marc Jacobs to glamorize our Lola's bayong."

Another part of me wants to say, "What was he thinking???"

I wonder if it would have helped if Mr. Jacobs visited Divisoria or Nepa-Q Mart to see these bayongs being used by tinderas, Lolas, yayas, and Nanays.

First Aid Competition...

2006-10-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

The entire was spent at the Company's school in Cavite.

We had a First Aid Competition, and I sort of acted as emcee/photographer/videographer. Hehehe! Talk about multi-tasking.

It was fun though.

Events like this are one reason why I enjoy the corporate world.

Happy Birthday, Pahinungod...

2006-10-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

I attended the Pahinungod anniversary a couple of weeks ago.

It was great. I got to see a lot of the volunteers and student assistants I used to work with.

It didn't matter that there were only a few people who showed up, and that I sometimes get scared that the administration will soon pull the plug on the program.

At least, for a couple of hours, I got to enjoy the company of people who mean a lot to me.

Happy anniversary, Pahinungod.

Single is the New Gay???

2006-10-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

Image via Out.com

Steven Bereznai's Gay and Single...Forever?: 10 Things Every Gay Guy Looking for Love (and Not Finding It) Needs to Know looks like an interesting read. I hope it'll be available locally.

When did being alone become the modern-day equivalent of being a leper? Will restaurants soon be divided up into sections? Smoking, non-smoking, single, non-single?—Carrie Bradshaw (a.k.a. Sarah Jessica Parker), Sex and the City

Hahaha!

Found an interesting article on Out.com.

Read a paragraph below.

"Now, as I look toward the next 10 years and beyond, I begin to wonder, What if this is it? What if Singlesville is my final destination? Is there room for me in a post-Stonewall era, where the push to partner with a man has replaced the pressure to marry a woman? Where being gay is fine but the answer “No, I’m not dating anyone” receives looks of pity, and in my mom’s eyes, fear that I will grow old and lonely, dying of AIDS from a presumed life of unsafe promiscuity? Again, not because I’m gay, but because I’m single and gay, and the old bird knows I must be getting my rocks off somehow."

Chicken Soup for You?

2006-10-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

Look who was at the office the other day.

I'm not really a fan, because I don't know much about his work but he seemed like a great guy.

And I've done some research on him, and now I know why a lot of people follow his advice.

This photo was taken by our President.

There are Still a Few of 'Em...

2006-10-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that straight men are also victims of stereotyping.

One of my girl friends is getting married next year to her boyfriend of two years or so. And I wonder why it has to take something like this for other people to bring out their feelings.

Over lunch last week, she asked me to read a text message that one of her guy friends sent to her.

The guy was telling my friend that he's always had a thing for my friend, and that he loved her from a distance.

Weeks before that, another guy friend told her that he had strong feelings for her. Actually, my friend found out about the guy's feeling from another friend. (The guy recently "left.") My friend found out that similar to the guy mentioned above, this guy loved her from a distance. In fact, when he found out that she was getting married, he cried for a week over her. She also found out that the reason why the guy wouldn't hang out with them sometimes was because he gets hurt seeing my friend together with her boyfriend.

To make things more complicated, this guy was the best friend of my friend's husband-to-be.

Here's another story shared with me.

A gay friend has had feelings for this straight guy for the longest time. They were good friends, I think. During a recent out of town trip, he managed to profess his true feelings for his straight guy friend.

I've almost always had this thought that doing such a thing would be enough for the straight guy to run away and take the next trip bound for home.

But in this situation, the straight guy just broke the stereotypes of straight men.

He said that he was flattered and all, but the thing that really struck a cor. He didn't have the capacity to love beyond. He also said that if he ever did one day find himself falling for another guy, it would be the gay friend.

Sure, it may sound like the guy was just offering words of consolation, but you have to give him major, major pogi points for doing it in the most sensitive way.

It's good to know that there are still straight men like these.

A Much Enjoyed Late Night...

2006-10-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

I don't remember the last time I was out till two in the morning. Lately, my night life, if you can call it a night life, has been nothing but movies, dinner, maybe coffee, before heading home and hitting the sack before midnight.

But the other day, it was already past 1AM and yet, I was still wide awake and enjoying the company of friends who I haven't seen for a long time.

It started in the afternoon. Roy and I met up at Mall of Asia, where we watched Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. I already saw the film when it was shown last year, but I didn't mind watching it again because it is a good film. After the movie, we had dinner at Baang Coffee, followed by walking around the mall. I ended up buying the Madonna cover issue of Out (it was on sale), two issues of Vogue (they were on sale), and two pillows from Sleepcare (they were also on sale). Grrrrr!!! Bad Angelo. I should be saving for a vacation.

After several hours of walking and buying unnecessary items, Roy and I decided to go grab cheap dessert at Go Nuts Donuts.

From Mall of Asia, we moved to Greenbelt where we met up with Suki, Richie and Edsel at Mezze. All the restaurants and bars at Greenbelt 2 were full you wouldn't think it was already close to midnight.

Anyway, we just chatted while enjoying our drinks. I had two bottles of San Mig Light and I didn't even feel a buzz. Damn it! Haha!

A little before 2AM, we decided to leave Greenbelt 2. Suki and Richie had to go to another party, Edsel was in the mood for Government, I was ready to go home. Hahaha!

After Roy dropped me off at 6750, I decided to walk to Makati Stock Exchange. I could have gotten a cab at 6750, but I thought I could use the walk. Weird as it may sound, walking down the deserted streets of Makati at night is kind of therapeutic for me. Some may find it gloomy, but I find it to be a chance to just think.

Got home by 3AM. It was a good night.

American Idol?!

2006-09-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here are photos from the American Idol/Philippine Idol-inspired birthday party...

Dinner and Coffee...

2006-09-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Highlight of Tuesday was meeting Ella and Thea for dinner.

We met at Greenbelt 3 and had dinner at Cafe Bola. Thea had the Adobo Flakes on Rice, Ella had a Penne with Tomato Sauce, while I had my usual - Carambola on pasta with Parmesan Cream Sauce and Ham. For appetizers, we got the Banana Heart Spread with Crostinis. Yum yum!

It's always a joy to see these two friends because we always have a good time. Our lives may have its low points, but whenever I get together with these two ladies, we just seem to forget everything and we manage to laugh at even our biggest booboos. Hahaha!

From Greenbelt, we went to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branch in Salcedo Village, where it was much quiet and much relaxed. We just continued about various things from parenthood, partners, being single, body clocks, birdwatching, employee benefits of a particular logistics company, among others. Hahaha!

By 10.30PM, we decided to call it a night.

Lucky me, I got to catch the last bus at Makati Stock Exchange so I got to be home and fast asleep a little before midnight.

Good Tuesday night.

Blow the Candles...

2006-09-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the birthday celebration of three dear friends from work - Weng, Cathy and Shy.

They hosted a lunch party at their office, and friends from other departments joined the get-together.

Weng brought delicious pasta, while the rest of the mouth-watering dishes were prepared by another friend.

Things were quite toxic that day so the birthday lunch also served as a very short breather. Hahaha!

As I've said earlier, the celebrants are three dear friends at work.

Weng is a manager, but you'll never be scared to approach her. She has a petite frame, but she has the most boisterous voice in their department. She is always a source of energy in get-togethers, and everyone just enjoys being with her. Of course, she's also dear to me because we came from the same university and with the same degree. Hahaha!

Cathy is the one responsible why I and another hundred people have jobs with the Company. She was the one who interviewed me, and she processed my papers. Oftentimes, I forget that she's still very young because she looks mature (in a very good way) for her age. People like her because like Weng, she is also fun and full of life.

Shy is one of the very few Maria Claras walking on the face of the earth. Hahaha! She's very softspoken, and she never gets angry (or I have yet to see her get mad). Because of her simple beauty, she's been gotten as a face of the Company posing for the different marketing collaterals of the Company. Hehehe! She is much liked by everyone for a lot of reasons. I like her because we shared a common experience this year. Hahaha!

When I took this corporate job, one of my biggest apprehensions was finding true friends. The corporate environment is just so different. I have no idea who I can trust, and who's just being nice because we need each other.

But these three ladies are among the very few who I'm quite sure are really friends. I couldn't be more grateful for having met them.

Happy birthday, Weng, Cathy and Shy!

Not Making Any Sense...

2006-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a mixture of disappointment, frustration, stupidity, happiness, and excitement.

I left the house past 10 to catch the 11AM Mass at Lourdes. After Mass, my itinerary for the day was primarily to look for gifts for three friends who are celebrating their birthdays.

So from church, I went to Shangri-la to do some gift hunting. After three hours, I finally found what I thought would be liked by my friends. So I bought the gifts, had them giftwrapped and walked out of Rustan's.

I've been wanting to watch Step Up and there was a 5PM screening at Shang. Instead, I found myself boarding the MRT to head to Gateway to catch the screening of a movie that I've already seen two times.

After the movie, went home and just stayed up till 12MN. I rarely stay on the side of the bed beside the wall but last night I did and I really slept well.

I'm also glad I went to Sleepcare and bought that fabric spray. Hahaha!

I'm not making any sense here, am I? Haha!

Feeling American/Philippine Idol....

2006-09-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we had our birthday get-together for the Company's August-September birthday celebrants. Our theme for this celebration was American Idol-inspired.

Hahaha!

I got to download the opening theme of American Idol (how can you not fall in love with the Internet?!), and I also had the songs of Carrie, Kelly, Jasmine, Jon, and other AI contestants playing in the background. Our gimmick for this birthday get-together was to have our mini American Idol competition.

We set up one of those videoke machines at the venue, and then randomly selected celebrants who would compete.

This was a great idea, because the celebrants really enjoyed either performing or just watching.

The prizes included Crabtree & Evelyn and Marks & Spencer gift packs, as well as tickets to Repertory Philippines shows.

We ended the party by 7PM, but some close office friends and I still stayed for another hour to enjoy the videoke and just be crazy. Hahaha!

That was really a low budget gimik for a Friday night.

It Happens to the Best...

2006-09-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

In the recent Proenza Schouler Spring 2007 show during NY Fashion Week, Elise Crombez, one of my favorite favorite models, tripped while working the runway.

But just like any great model, Elise picked herself up and continued to walk down the runway with the shoe in her hand.

The last fall that I know was that of Naomi Campbell's. It was during the Vivienne Westwood show in 1993. Who wouldn't trip while wearing a pair of 12-inch platforms?!

But apparently, there are a lot of runway disasters. Here are some that I didn't get to see...

Angela Lindvall tripping at Dior...
Nadine Strittmater attacked by PeTA at Dior...
Karen Elson falling flat on her face at Dior...
Maria Carla Boscono tripping at Alessandro Del'Acqua...

See, it just really happens to the best.

To Be a Mom or To Be a Mrs....

2006-09-14T03:07:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of last week was meeting two good friends from college. One of them, I regularly see, while the other one, I haven’t seen for the longest time. So it was such joy to see these two friends. Who cared if it was a week day and I had to wake up early the following day?

Anyway, the friend I haven’t seen for a long time shared that she was currently facing a dilemma. Long story short, she has a medical condition where her capability to bear child is at stake. The first three or four doctors she went to suggested surgery. The last doctor she went to suggested she get pregnant, because that could also help improve her condition.

So that’s what we discussed over dinner.

My friend is in relationship for the past six or seven years, but the guy isn’t really too enthusiastic about the “baby” idea. My friend, on the other hand, isn’t that open to surgery because it is possible that something might go wrong. When I remember the things I said that night, it kind of surprised me because I would never have brought up those suggestions ten years ago. Not just because those suggestions were borne out of practicality, but mainly because, ten years ago our concerns were more about passing our Statisics class, and not about statistics of having a child.

Going back to the dinner, I remember telling my friend, “Maybe you should think about which is more important for you – to become a Mom or to become a wife.”

I really hope things go out well for her, whatever her decision would be.

That's Just Sad...(?!) Huh?!

2006-09-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, a friend I haven’t seen for quite some time now and I agreed to meet up to have coffee.

The reason we met up was because he needed to talk to someone. After we got our orders, my friend started to talk. And I basically listened to the things he said. After he opened up, he also asked me to share what’s been going on with me. So I did. I told him that a lot of changes have happened, and that I’m getting used to thee changes. I shared my thoughts about certain things, thoughts which I shared with only one man in the past four years.

After I did my talking, the first words that came out of my friend’s mouth was “That’s just sad.”

This surprised me. One, because I never saw the recent changes as “sad,” and two, I don’t feel sad at all. It’s weird, huh? Could it be that I’m just accustomed to the way things are and I’ve started to think that things aren’t sad, but it really is sad, if I’d only look from an objective point of view? Or could it be that I’m just really okay with my current situation? Period. I mean, yeah, work could be better, but generally, I seem to be enjoying having control of my own schedule.

When I told my friend the reason why I’m not dating, he had this surprised look on his face again. But again, the reason why I’m not dating is something that I think is natural and acceptable.

Weird, huh?

One More I Want...

2006-09-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here's one more thing that I want.

From Style.com:

Models, celebrities, even first ladies—everybody wants to be in Vogue. A new book by Alberto Oliva and Norberto Angeletti chronicles not only the famous faces who made the covers but also the photographers and editors who have shaped the century-old magazine. Editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, creative director Grace Coddington, and Condé Nast chairman S.I. Newhouse, Jr., all contributed commentaries, and the lavishly produced volume features a thousand illustrations and photographs by the likes of Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, and Mario Testino. And you thought the September issue was heavy.

It's $75.00, but on Amazon.com, it's currently being sold for $47.25.

I don't know if it'll be available here in Manila. Haaay!

I want.

Farewell to Another Loved One...

2006-09-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

This morning, I received a text from someone who used to be a big part of my life that his grandma passed away.

Hay. What is it about this year? I don't know with you guys, but three people in my life have passed away this year.

First, my Lolo Nonong. Then there was the sudden death of Mang Yoyong. And now, Lola Tuhod.

I hope that that's it for this year.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2006-09-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the birthday of Our Lady, and as toxic as I am at work, I just had to find time to be able to attend Mass. So about ten minutes before twelve, I left the office and headed to PGH to attend the 12:15 Mass together with Jean and Reku.

If there is one devotion that I really keep, it's the devotion to Our Lady. On so many occasions, Our Lady has always been my source of strength and hope.

So the least I can do to thank her for everything is to find the time to go to Mass on her big day to personally greet her a happy birthday.

My Favorite Word at the Moment...

2006-09-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Ostentatious.

That's my favorite word for the week.

Why? Because it was the word that made me bag first place at the spelling bee contest we had in the Company yesterday. Hehehe!

The Organizational Development unit of the Company organized language activities this week, and I was volunteered to be part of the spelling contest. Hehehe! The language activities served as a post-activity for the Corporate English/International English training participants.

Anyway, believe it or not, the words that I found difficult to spell were the ones that most people would probably initially think easy to spell. Uhm, what made it difficult was because I wasn't sure whether the word was hyphenated or now, whether it was two words or just one word.

I thought I would only place second, but I guess my prayers worked and I managed to get first place.

So, thank you Lord.

You are the One...

2006-09-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but I've been watching those cheesy Tagalog movies lately. Hehehe!

The Pinoy cheesy movies I've watched so far were Dubai, Close to You, Moments of Love.

The latest Tagalog movie I watched was Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga's You are the One. Uhm, I'm not really a big fan of Sam or Toni, but there was something about them that made me want to go see their movie.

So last Saturday, after finishing my tall White Chocolate at Starbucks, I headed to Greenbelt I to catch the movie.

I liked it. Not only because it had at the "kilig" factor, of which I am such a sucker for, but maybe because I thought that there was something different about the story.

I was already expecting that it would have the usual Pinoy love story plot (which I don't really mind), but there was a slightly unexpeceted turn of events as the story of the lead characters proceeded. So I guess that's one reason why I enjoyed the movie.

And then, I also thought that the pa-charming personality of Sam Milby went very well with Toni Gonzaga's pa-hard to get character. Hehehehe!

Anyway, the next movie on my to-watch list is Dingdong Dantes and Iza Calzado's Eternity. Hehehe!

I Want...

2006-09-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

I want the DVD above.

I want this CD too.

Breathing Again...

2006-09-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

So I'm breathing again.

For the past month, things have been quite toxic here at the office because we're preparing for a big, big event. Actually, it's a small event that only became a huge one because of the guests.

The Company is inaugurating a new structure just outside of Manila, and the guests who were invited were top industry leaders and some government officials.

You see the photos so I guess there's no need who the most popular and most important among the guests is. Hehehe!

This is my second event with the President, and I'm glad that I somehow already learned how aggressive I have to be in the presence of other photographers and cameramen who are all trying to get a good photo of the President.

I came dressed for the event to run around, to be pushed, and to almost be pulled in by a Presidential Security Group guy because I stepped on him. But I swear I only stepped on and slightly pushed the guy because the Company's President shrieked at me, "Go in front! Go in front!" so I can get a photo of the President with our guest diplomats.

When the President and her party of more than 150 people (Yes!) have left the venue, my manager and I were back to breathing normally again.

But only after we have selected and finished writing the event press release which needed to be emailed that moment to Japan.

The whole thing was really enjoyable. I think I've already mentioned this before, but these events are the times when I really feel like a Corp. Comm. guy.

I wouldn't mind doing the whole event again - but I hope the repeat would be next year. Hehehe!

Loved the TJB Trilogy...

2006-08-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

I've finally finished reading the Timothy James Beck trilogy - It Had to be You, He's the One, and I'm Your Man.

And I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed all three books. I have seen the novels on the shelves of National Bookstore, and later on Power Books, but it was Zandro who made me buy the books. Stupid me for not having picked up the books way before, because they were such good reads.

If I had to rank the three books according to my most favorite to so-so favorite, it would be He's the One, I'm Your Man, and It Had to Be You.

It Had to Be You was an enjoyable read, because it's about starting a relationship. But before that, finding out whether the guy is or is not "one of us." Hehehe! Stories of budding relationships are always an enjoyable read.

I'm Your Man is my second favorite because I could relate to it right now, except for the last few chapters. I don't want to go into the details of the book because I'm afraid of spoiling it for people who read my blog and who plan to read the book.

I guess He's the One is my most favorite because there were twists in the story that kept me turning the page. I mean yeah, I love, love, love the story of Blaine and Daniel in the other two books, but in He's the One, I had to keep on reading to figure out what would happen to Adam. Of all the characters in the trilogy, it was also Adam who I found most adorable because he seemed to be the ideal guy, at least for me. He seems to be mature, but could still be a little boy. He has a beautiful heart, thoughtful of others. He manages his own business. He loves the countryside. He has a good sense of humor. He has a very warm family.

Everything that would really make you say, "He's the one..."

But as I've said earlier, all three novels are great reads. Once you pick up the first novel, you just couldn't wait to finish it so that you can start on the next and the third. The way the novels were written makes you feel that you're reading about the lives of old friends who you can't be with, because you're in another country at the moment. The authors - Timothy Lambert, Becky Cochrane, Jim Carter, Timothy Forry - are able to include the reader in the lives of Blaine, Daniel, Adam, Jeremy, Ethan, Sheila, Josh, Martin, Ken, Gretchen, and the people who surround them.

If you’re looking for a good gay lit read, I highly recommend TJB’s trilogy.

P.S. They also have a new novel “Someone Like You.”

Breaking a Routine...

2006-08-27T22:25:00.000-07:00

Today, I broke my Sunday routine.

Before I go to what I did, let me bore you with what my Sunday routine is. Hehehe! The entire morning is spent cleaning, rearranging, and fixing stuff in my room, so that I can disarrange them again during the week. Hehe! After lunch, I take about an hour's nap, before I prepare to leave the house. I will attend a 4:30PM Mass in Makati and then spend the next few hours aimlessly wandering around in the mall. By 8PM, I would take one of the blue buses across Makati Stock Exchange to go home. When I get home, I do my evening rituals and then make sure that I'm asleep by 11. Hahaha! So that's how my Sunday has been for the past couple of months.

Today, I texted Thea to ask what she was doing for the day. I guess I was thinking of dragging her into my routine. She told me there was celebration at her house because of her niece's christening. Thea invited me and after a couple of text message exchanges, I was getting ready to go to her house.

Thea lives in Paranaque. I don't remember how to get to her house, but I figured if I can find some remote barangay in Mindoro or in Ifugao (these are true examples), then I could certainly find Thea's house. Hehehe!

So the afternoon was spent with Thea's lesbian circle of friends. It was a somewhat fresh experience since most of the time, I'm in the company of either the barkadings or the girls at work.

I also spent the afternoon with Ken. I really enjoyed his company. I can't remember the last time I saw him, but he has really changed. He's become cuter and less shy.

Hehehe! Before any reactions, Ken is Thea's nephew who's a Grade 2 or 3 student. Hehehe! The last time I saw him, I think he was still a baby. It's funny because when I got to Thea's place, Ken said hi to me. It's funny because Thea told me that she and her friends have a feeling that Ken is "part of the family." So I joked with them and said, "Maybe his heart skipped a beat because he felt the presence of another homo in the area." Hehehe!

Alright, so aside from hanging out with Thea and her friends, my other companion was Ken who I enjoyed watching play with the other kids, before he'd run back to me and sit on my lap. Awww!

I could never have felt more fatherly. I'm not sure how many of my friends know this, but I really want to be a father. I could actually see myself raising a son or a daughter, and I think that to be a father would be my greatest experience in life.

Okay, I won't start talking about fatherhood. Hehe! So basically, that's how my Sunday went. I'm so thankful to Thea for inviting me over to her house, even if it's such a short notice.

And I'm even more thankful because my routine has finally been broken, at least for one Sunday. Hahaha!

More DWP...

2006-08-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

I'm still on a Devil Wears Prada high, so this entry will be about some of the memorable dialogues from the movie. Hehehe!

Sit. 1: Emily and Miranda

Miranda Priestly: I don't understand why it's so difficult to confirm an appointment.

Emily: I know, I'm so sorry, Miranda. I actually did confirm...

Miranda Priestly: The details of your incompetance do not interest me. Tell Simone I'm not going to approve that girl she sent me for the Brazilian layout. I asked for clean, athletic, smiling; she sent me dirty, tired and paunchy. And RSVP yes to Michael Kors' party, I want the driver to drop me off at 9.30 and pick me up at 9.45 sharp. Then call Natalie at Gloria's Foods and tell her no, for the 40th time, no, I don't want dacquoise, I want tortes filled with warm rhubarb compote. Then call my ex-husband and remind him that the parent/teacher conference at Dalton is tonight. Then call my husband. Ask him to please meet me for dinner at that place I went to with Massima. Also, tell Richard I saw all the pictures that he sent for that feature on the female paratroopers and they're all so deeply unattractive. Is it impossible to find a lovely, slender, female paratrooper? Am I reaching for the stars here? Not really. Also I need to see all the things that Nigel has pulled for Gwyneth's second cover.

That's all.

Sit. 2: Andy and Nigel
Andy Sachs: Doesn't anybody eat around here?

Nigel: Not since two is the new four and zero is the new two.

Andy Sachs: Well, I'm a six...

Nigel: Aha, the new fourteen.

Sit. 3: Emily and Andy
Emily: It's no fair though, I mean you eat carbs!

Sit. 4: Andy and Nigel
Miranda Priestly: [to Andy] Emily... Emily... Emily...

Nigel: [to Andy] She means you.

Sit. 5: Miranda and Andy
Miranda Priestly: ...You have no sense of fashion...

Andy Sachs: I think that depends on...

Miranda Priestly: No, no, that wasn't a question.

Finally Watched It....

2006-08-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't been seeing any of the barkadings lately. I've been all work, work, work lately, and the words "social life" are so close to being eradicated from my vocabulary.

So it was such a pleasant surprise for me when Suki invited me to watch The Devil Wears Prada, together with the other barkadings. Though it was a weeknight, I decided to go because I'm sure that if there were any people who'd enjoy the movie as much as I would, it'll be the barkadings.

We watched at Rockwell. Suki and Richie were able to get very good seats. The moment the opening scene began, I got all excited. I knew I would enjoy the movie, and it became more enjoyable hearing my friends laugh out loud, having small chats with Suki to compare the movie and the novel, seeing Vince seated on the edge of his seat and his eyes totally glued to the big screen.

After the movie, we all went to Mati to talk about the film, of course, and to have a drink.

My favorite part of the movie was the one where Miranda would come into office and just hurl her coat and bag at Andy's table day after day after day. Don't get me wrong. I didn't enjoy seeing Andy go through hell. What I loved about it was that no coat and no handbag was repeated. That was really a "high" moment. Hehehe!

I also enjoyed the scene where Miranda gave an in-depth lecture about the two belts, after Andy smirked when a Runway editor showed the similar looking belts to Miranda and said, "This is going to be a tough one."

Uhm, I guess my only slight disappointment was that I thought the movie would be faithful to the novel, but as with most novels turned into movies, it wasn't.

Still, I enjoyed the Devil Wears Prada and I think I'll see it again. Hehehe!

That's all.

At Pac-Man's New "Ring..."

2006-08-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, two of my officemates - Carol and Joel - and I were discussing Manny Pacquiao over lunch. I don't know how the guy came up in our discussion, but I remember that we were talking about his last match. Uhm, I'm not really a fan of boxing (or of any contact sport, for that matter). I still can't understand how people can enjoy watching two men beat each other up. On Manny's last match, I left the house to go to the mall while my enter family sat in our living room, their eyes all glued on to the television.

Anyway, a day after the Pacquiao lunch talk, my manager told me that I'd be covering a Manny Pacquiao event. She wasn't sure what the event was. What she did know was that Manny was there, and he'll be raising the hand of one of the Company's people in front of an audience (sort of like declaring the person to be a champion.)

So my Friday night was spent at Baywalk, together with another colleague, Mel, who was just as clueless what the Manny Pacquiao event was.

When we got to the venue, we were told that the venue was Manny's new investment - it's a bar cum restaurant. The name of the venue is Knockout.

While waiting for Manny's arrival, Mel and I just chatted with the other guests and enjoyed the buffet. After about an hour of waiting, Manny arrived. And so did other celebrities - KC Montero, Geneva Cruz, John Estrada, among others.

And along with other press people who were pushing and pressing, Mel and I pushed and press with the others to get a decent photo of Manny. Later on, the Company's guy walked over to Manny and the raising of the hand took place. The guy and his wife clearly enjoyed the presence of Mr. Pacquiao.

After that, there was a min-concert where Manny sang two songs. (Wow, I didn't know the guy could also sing.)

By 10PM, we left the party. I was just tired, and I wanted to go home and enjoy the weekend. I did have a good time at the Manny Pacquiao event. He seemed to be a very nice guy.

Check out his bar cum restaurant if you happen to be in Baywalk.

Long Weekend...

2006-08-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's a long weekend.

While I wish I were in some other place besides Manila, I have to be happy with where I am now. Hehehe!

Saturday afternoon was spent at Starbucks, finishing Timothy James Beck's "He's the One." I think I'll rest for a week, before I start on another book.

Tomorrow, I have a meeting in the morning. Yes, it's a holiday and I set a meeting in the morning. Who does things like this??? Hehe!

Okay, quick entry. Hope you're all well.

Check Out Michael Brandon's New Site...

2006-08-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

In the latest issue of ICON, we had a feature on porn icon Michael Brandon.

This has got to be one of the best assignments/experiences I ever had from ICON, mainly because it's not everyday that you get to meet a celebrity, who's also a porn icon. (I wonder what my folks would say if they ever do get to read this.)

Anyway, Michael is a really nice guy. I never got to meet him in person, but you can tell from the way he writes his emails that he is a nice guy.

Uhm, after the feature on him came out, Michael said he'll publish the article on his website - www.xxxmichaelbrandon.com. I never got to check it out, until a week or two ago.

Michael has just re-designed his site, and it looks really great.

Should you ever decide to visit his site, check out the interviews section and look for that ICON article. Hehehe!

Start of Something New...

2006-08-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday was spent watching and watching High School Musical.

I asked a friend to get me a "copy" of the movie, and I wasn't sure if she'll be able to get me one. When she went to work the following day and handed me the "copy," I kept it in my bag and just waited for the weekend.

Uhm, I haven't really read much about it and that's the reason why I just let the DVD sit in my bag.

After I watched the movie, I was quickly addicted to it. The feelings I had for the movie were the same ones I had for Ever After, The Prince and Me, All Over the Guy, among others. Hehehe! (Which means that I watched the movie five times in two days. Hehehe!)

I guess the reason why I am so in love with the show are the following - great music, great dance numbers, cute lead actor. Hehehe! The storyline is familiar to everyone, but you'll love the movie for the music and the dance numbers.

I loved the movie so much, that I bought the soundtrack immediately the following day. And lucky boy I was because Music One was selling the 2-DIsc Special Edition Soundtrack of the movie.

Check out the movie if you have the time.

Rochas, Oh, Rochas...

2006-08-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Suki texted me perhaps one of the saddest news for the week - the house of Rochas is closing.

Yeah, yeah, I know many would say that I'm nuts for feeling sad that a fashion house is closing when there is a war going on between Lebanon and Israel.

(Guys, just because I'm writing about the closure of the house of Rochas, it doesn't mean I don't care about other pressing issues. You'd have to know Rochas and at least, have a thing for fashion to know why Suki, me and a million other fans are mourning its demise.

I was also surprised to find out that this fantastic fashion house is owned by Procter & Gamble, yes, Procter & Gamble. Not even in my wildest dreams have I ever imagined this.

From what I've read P&G acquired the company after the former bought Wella.

To those who are not familiar withRochas, its designer Olivier Theyskens is one of our generation's fashion geniuses. I daresay he's a future Karl Lagerfeld or a Yves St. Laurent.

Season after season, Mr. Theyskens' collection have received nothing but praise and acclaim. The designer himself has been a favorite in the fashion world. He was recently given the International Designer of the Year at the CFDA Awards.

US Vogue editrix Anna Wintour says,"“It is really very unfortunate. It seems Proctor & Gamble was not the right company to capitalise on Theyskens’ design strengths and was not willing to go the extra distance to support him. If he’d been with LVMH or Gucci, it would have been a different story. “He (Theyskens) is exceptionally talented and so brilliant at understanding that fashion success is not just beautiful ballgowns. He can do well-crafted, well-made suits and clothes that women really want to wear.”

So you ask what the issue is then? Well, the pricing of Rochas is quite steep. A jacket can cost around $3,500, while a gown may go as high as $100,000.

Sigh.

The last collection to be shipped would be the Fall/Winter 2006 collection.

After that, Rochas would only continue producing fragrance.

Sigh.

Rochas dates back to 1924, when it was founded by couturier Marcel Rochas. The couturier is credited as the creator of the two-thirds length coat and the first one to put pockets in skirts.

Sunday Buddies...

2006-08-14T23:40:00.000-07:00

Meet my Sunday afternoon buddies - Mr. iBook, Tom Kavalier and his cousin, Sam Clay, the cast of High School Musical, and the hot men of Dolce & Gabbana.

We all just hung out at Starbucks. They kept me company while I worked.

Hehehe!

Gisele Does Mac...

2006-08-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Images via MadeinBrazil

From the world of fashion, Brazilian goddess now invades the Apple world.

According to this article, Gisele Bündchen had a photo shoot with Apple for an ad campaign.

The article reported though that where and when the ad campaign would be released is still unknown.

This I have to see.

Suki, do you have any pegs in mind of how they'll shoot Gisele with a Mac? Hehehe!

Anyway, the photos above clearly show that Gisele, and fellow Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, are both Mac users.

Cool.

Check this Out...

2006-08-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

If you're one of the lucky ones living in California, check this out.

Mrs. Prada has an ongoing exhibit. What's on display? Skirts.

Look at the e-invitations. I just love, love, love the idea and I love the design of the invitation. It's so simple but very sleek and edgy.

When I found out about this, I told the Zand Man about this exhibit and I'm sort of trying to convince him to go see it since he hasn't really met Mrs. Prada.

He's never really met Mrs. Prada and I told him that if gay men were to be asked to choose one designer to worship, it would most probably be Mrs. Prada.

Haha!

Anyway, I hope this exhibit also travels around the world just like Christian Lacroix's.

Another One...

2006-08-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

Got this from a random blog. You should try it. It’s really entertaining.

How it goes:

1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn’t make sense. NO CHEATING!

1. How are you feeling today?
Push – Madonna
“You push me to go the extra mile… You push me when it’s difficult to smile…“ Hahaha! Yes, this is SO what I’m feeling today. With a million things to do at work, how can I not sing

2. Will you get far in life?
The World Is Not Enough – Garbage
Hmm, does this mean that I’m going to conquer the world and afterwards, move to conquering other galaxies... Hahaha!

3. How do your friends see you?
This Thing Called Love – Michael Buble
“This thing called love, I just can’t handle it…” Alright, this is getting weird.

4. Will you get married?
Rocket Man by Jason Mraz
If I ever do get married the “traditional” way, I would definitely be singing “I’m not the man they think I am at home.. Oh no no no… I’m a rocket man…” Hahaha!

5. What is your best friend’s theme song?
After the Rain Has Fallen - Sting
”After the rain has fallen… after the tears have washed your eyes… you find that I’ve take nothing… that Love can’t replace in the blink of an eye” Okay.

6. What is the story of your life?
Vogue - Madonna
”Strike a pose… Vogue!” Hahaha! Yes, I want to work for Vogue, even if that means having to be at the mercy of Anna Wintour. Hahaha!

7. What was high school like?
Da Coconut Nut – Smokey Mountain
Yeah, high school was nuts. And I did go nuts over a lot of things during high school.

8. How can you get ahead in life?
See Her Smile – tick...tick...Boom
Does this mean I have to make the Company’s President smile for me to get promoted??? Uhm, that’s kind of a tall order, isn’t it?

9. What is the best thing about your friends?
It Might Be You – Erik Santos and Marinel Santos
Hahaha! I can say this to my friends, and they would probably think I’m crazy.

10. What is today going to be like?
O Fortuna Carmina Burana - Mozart
I have a meeting later with one of the Company execs, and I would probably hear this song playing in my head as I walk towards his office. Yaiks! Is this an omen?

11. What is in store for the weekend?
Cue the Pause to Begin – Queer As Folk OST
Yes, I need that pause to begin on the other tasks I have to do.

12. What song describes you?
Strong – Robbie Williams
Hahaha! “You think that I’m strong... You’re wrong...” Tissue please.

13. To describe your grandparents?
On My Own – Whitney Houston
My grandfather passed away recently, and I guess this song is more appropriate for my Mom and her siblings.

14. How is your life going?
Nothing Hurts Like Love – Daniel Bedingfield
”Broken hearts… Broken dreams … These are just some things that love brings…” Oh yeah, baby!

15. What song will they play at your funeral?
Alapaap - Eraserheads
”Ako’y lumilipad at nasa alapaap na…Gusto mo bang sumama?” Hehehe!

16. How does the world see you?
Thoroughly Modern Millie – Thoroughly Modern Millie
”So beat the drums 'cause here comes thoroughly… Hot off the press! One step ahead! Jazz age! …Whoopee baby!... We're so thoroughly modern” Uhm, am I thoroughly modern? Maybe just moderately. Hello, had my Nokia 6210 not given up on me, I wouldn’t be getting a new phone. Hahaha!

17. Will you have a happy life?
I’m So Tired of Being Alone – Al Green
Yes, I will have a happy life and I have a happy life. Will I ever get tired of being alone? Uhm, I don’t think I’m ever alone. Hehe!

18. What do your friends really think of you?
Happy – Square Heads
See, I told you I have a happy life. “Happy… I’m feeling so happy… Can’t you see I’m happy now?!” Hahaha!

19. Do people secretly lust after you?
Should’ve Never – Jennifer Lopez
“Should’ve never told you that I cared about you…Never thought that it would be, so bad…” Hahaha! This is more like my song for someone else.

20. How can I make myself happy?
I Just Don’t Love You No More – Craig David
Yes, Craig. Acceptance is one key to happiness. Unfortunately, that door of happiness happens to have several other bolts and locks. Hahaha!

21. What should you do with your life?
Push the Button - Sugababes
”If you’re ready for me, boy… you better push the buttons and let me know…” Yep, if you know which buttons to push, then we just might have a good time.

22. Will you ever have children?
Mama – Spice Girls
”Mama, I love you… Mama, I care.” Hahaha! Does this mean I’ll be a Dad and Mom rolled into one?

More Pics from Sonya's Garden...

2006-08-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are more pics from the Tagaytay trip last Sunday...

Can't post much this week. Got a lot of work.

Yaiks!

Much Deserved Break...

2006-08-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

At the Pink Sisters Convent

Josephine's Yummy Food

At Sonya's Garden

I spent morning in Tagaytay together with friends from work - Shy, Tita Sonia and Rose.

We met up at 6 in the morning, and drove to Tagaytay to attend the 7AM Mass at the Pink Sisters convent.

Afterwards, it was brunch at Josephine's. Man, was I hungry.

Then it was a trip to Sonya's Garden, which had changed so much since I went there ages ago.

Back in Manila by 1PM.

After all the "toxicity" from work last week, today's morning trip was such a treat for me.

More Sonya's Garden photos in next post.

Hope you all had a good weekend too.

Location Shoots for Work...

2006-08-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

Shooting Front Office...

Some Tricks I Learned from Icon...

Shooting at the Kitchen...

I'm Hungry...

Pastry Lab Location...

Some of the Wonderful Pastry Creations...

Happy Boy After the Shoot...

What has been occupying most of my time for the past week was preparing for a two-day photo shoot.

The company will be opening a school soon, and we did the photo shoot for the marketing collaterals of the school.

Uhm, the shoot was quite an experience because I had to do most of the coordination for the shoot. And let me tell you, location shoots are such a logistical nightmare. (I can imagine Suki saying, "Now, you know.") There were just too many things to take care of, and up until the last minute something happens. For the Friday shoot, our location was in the Company's school in Cavite, while today it was in one of the hotels in the Malate area.

The two-day shoot almost didn't push through, and I was informed of this after I've booked the photographers and the makeup artists, after I've searched for talents (I had to look for talents within the company, because we're doing this on a "thank you" basis. And 15 talents aren't that easy to look for.)

But thankfully, the shoot proceeded and although there were glitches here and there, I'm just glad we're done with it.

I just hope the final deciding person would like the photos as much as we did.

Much thanks to people who helped out, especially Suki and Kate for referring our amazing makeup artists and photographer.

Lovely New Home...Well, Same Unit, Different Home...

2006-08-03T05:16:00.000-07:00

The home I was referring to in the previous entry was Richie's.

The whole unit was renovated, and it just looked so, so wonderful!

And the interior designer behind the fantastic transformation is no other than, Wilan Dayrit!!! Check him out on Icon's Andrew issue.

Great work, Wilan!

And Richie, enjoy your "new" home!!!

Just a Tease...

2006-08-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

A very good friend recently had his house go through a transformation.

He was excitedly talking about it way before the actual renovation began. I visited his house recently, after not seeing him for the longest time and the moment I stepped into the door of their family's unit, my jaws just dropped.

It was much, much better than I had imagined.

You'd Think...

2006-08-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Photos via Dolce and Gabbana

Seeing the photos above, it's quite easy to assume that working backstage is all fun, especially when you're surrounded by (some of) the most beautiful beings on earth.

But I'm sure it's not as fun as you think it is. I haven't really been backstage at any fashion show, but I've seen some backstage coverage. While it could be exciting because you're among the first to see the season's collection and because of the adrenalin rush, it could also be quite stressful and intense - dressing the models, making sure every model has good makeup, seeing to it that all the clothes are perfect, (or at least appear to be).

In one of the photo shoots of Icon, I had to put shoes on two guys and two girls who are only in their undies. I had to be the one to put the shoes on the models, because the slightest crease or scratch on the shoes may result in unwanted shelling out of money. And some of the shoes cost as much as P25,000!

When I showed some of the behind-the-scenes photos to some friends, they were like, "Whoa!!! That looks fun! Did you flirt with any of the models?"

Yeah, sure it appears to be exciting being surrounded by gorgeous scantily clad men or women, but really, when you're there, you don't think of anything but making sure that the merchandise (and I'm referring to the shoes) look that they're really worth buying.

Still, being a dresser backstage is one job I would want to do.

Mr. Dolce, Mr. Gabbana, Mrs. Prada, are you reading this?

I'm writing about shoots because I have two shoots coming up this Friday and Saturday for work. The logistical preparation is such a nightmare (Suki, I now know what you feel), but I'm really looking forward to doing the shoots.

Playing at the Office...

2006-07-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

On a Saturday afternoon...

I was waiting for Shy, Cathy and Lenly to finish whatever it is they're busy with. So in between their mountains of paperwork, we decided to be kids for a while and pose for my Moto. Hehehe!

Feeling there's a paparazzi and just being funny for the camera. Hehehe!

Uhm, Getting Married...

2006-07-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would get married...to a girl. Yesterday afternoon, I sort of got married to Lenly, a very good co-worker. Hehehe!

No, it was the birthday snack for the June and July celebrants and our theme for the get-together was "Weddings." Hehehe! (The theme for the last get-together was "Hawaiian Luau.")

It was a good get-together. Tito Ric catered and he really had his men prepare the buffet table with a wedding theme. Even the cocktails and food would pass for the food at a simple wedding reception. We also ordered a cake from Kink Cakes. (We got a heart shaped cake which had a man and woman kissing. Hehe!)

As you can see from the photos above, Lenly and I dressed up for the occasion and I think everyone appreciated it. And by appreciate, they laughed at us. Hehehe! It's good because our aim was to entertain the guests, anyway.

The HR and Corp. Comm. Birthday Snack team also prepared a program for the get-together. Since the theme was "weddings," we had everyone paired up and we played couple games. One game had each couple draw questions that were either serious or naughty. Our very good President got this question, "How far will you go in bed? a.) Roleplaying, b.) Handcuffs and Blindfolded, c.) Get Videotaped." I love our President for being game enough to answer the question. I'm not going to tell you what the answer was though. Hehehe!

The get-together I think was successful because everyone enjoyed the games that we prepared, and everything went as planned.

The birthday snack is close to my heart, and I really get look forward to each get-together. I just hope the celebrants appreciate our efforts to make them feel that the Company takes care of them through activities like the birthday snack.

Getting Homo-fied Again...

2006-07-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last night was a very rare night for me because I was out til midnight...on a work day!!!

Hehehe!

I left at the office at 5.30PM because Jay and I had to meet with a photographer. Two photo shoots have been sort of assigned to me (yaiks!) for next week. It's quite scary, but it's also exciting. I'm looking forward to do it. (Thanks to Kate for referring Eric the photographer to us!!!)

Anyway, our meeting with Eric was at RCBC Tower. Jay and I reached Starbucks a couple of minutes late. Yaiks! Everything turned out okay, and I'm just hoping that everything would also be well during the shoot itself.

After the meeting, I dropped by Richie's home. It's been soooo long since I last visited their home and what a treat it was for me when I got to his house. The place has been renovated and it looks really, really, really, really good. (Credits go to Wilan Dayrit - check him out in The Next feature.).

It was great seeing Richie, and his brothers and sister-in-law, and yes, let's not forget NiGemma. Hehe! Suki was also there, of course, and I was really, really happy to see him and Richie.

We had a good dinner, and the chat was even better. Their home has really been transformed and it just looks really, really amazing.

After dinner, we met up with Roy at Morato. We hung out for about an hour at Cafe Breton and we just chatted about the past and the present. Hehehe! It was good. There are new things happening in Roy's life and I'm just really happy for him.

As I've written earlier, we went home by midnight. I know it was really late already, but I was having so much fun I didn't care that it was that late already.

I really missed my friends and I'm just glad to see them and be with them again. I need to be homo-fied once again. Hehehe!

HR Person for A Day...

2006-07-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

The Company joined the PDI Job Expo a couple of weeks ago.

I went with Cathy and some of the Recruitment people to help fix the booth, and to take photos of people visiting our booth.

Cathy and I left the office at 7.30AM. We got to Glorietta at 8.30AM. That gave us a good two hours to prepare the booth. The original plan was that the Recruitment people would arrive at Glorietta at the same time that Cathy and I did. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, they arrived much later.

Cathy and I ended up setting up the booth, which was okay because there were two helpful people who gave us a hand in putting up our tarps.

At 10AM, the mall opened and so did the job expo. Uhm, it was my first time to be a participant in a job expo and I didn't think that there would be that many people!!! People were flocking to our booth, all hoping that they could get a job from one of our many businesses. Sigh. I wish there was a job for everyone who gave their resume.

Anyway, I thought I would only just be helping out with setting up the booth and take pictures, but when I saw how many people were visiting our booth, I found myself putting down my camera and helping out in fixing our brochures, handing them out and receiving resumes.

It was tiring. But it was also fun. That was quite an experience, and I would have to say it was a good one.

Surprises from Kavalier and Clay...

2006-07-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

I'm still reading Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay.

When Chari lent it to me and I found out that the story was primarily about how two cousins developed a character that would become one of the bestselling comic books in the 40s and 50s, I wasn't sure if it would be able to keep my interest level very high.

I mean, come on. The last few books I've read were almost all chick lit and now, I'm about to read a book of a completely different type. I mean, yeah, I've read comic books back when I was still much younger, but I wasn't really the type who became addicted to it.

Anyway, I did start reading the book and although it has taken me a while to get to uhm, page 400, I'm glad that I decided to keep on turning the page.

The last few chapters I've read had a very pleasant surprise. Woo woo woo!

And even if that "surprise" wasn't included, I would still continue reading the book because the writing is just really, really superb.

No wonder it's Pulitzer prize winner.

Learn more about the book here.

Thanks Chari for introducing me to these two wonderboys.

I Love You, You're Perfect , Now Change...

2006-07-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

"Back in this lovesick mess I dive
Back in this reckless joy I thrive
I hereby concede what I need to survive
Is to look at you and say
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change."

So Saturday evening was spent at the theater.

I was planning to watch this musical when it was staged early this year, but unfortunately I missed it. So when I read that it was going to be restaged, I made sure I'll get to watch it.

And I'm really glad I did watch it.

It was really, really enjoyable. And it was a nice way to enjoy on a Saturday night. Uhm, for those who missed the show, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is basically about the trials and tribulations people go through in the realm of contemporary love and relationships.

The musical begins with the four performings going onstage wearing terry-cloth robes. One would think they were monks or religious because they were chanting and speaking lines from the Book of the Genesis. But it turns out that they were actually single people, getting ready to go out on a date.

Here are some of the lines from the opening:

“The Lord God said let there be light, and there was light. And the Lord God said let there be man and woman, and there was man and woman. Later, man asked woman if she was busy that night, and woman said she still wanted to see other people. Hee hee hee. And man said that there are no other people. Ha ha ha.”

The musical is composed of vignettes - from having first dates to courtship, marriage, and parenting, and even becoming a widow. While the vignettes were all about heterosexual relationships, it wasn't difficult for me to place these same scenarios in gay relationships. I somehow see the issues of gay and straight relationships to be the same. Like Margaret Cho says, "Love is love is love..."

I only know two of the performers - Niccolo Manahan and Cathy Azanza, both of whom I've just seen in Doubt. But all four performers did really, really well. All of them just played out the more than 40 characters very well.

I had a lot of favorite vignettes, but I guess the most romantic song was "Shouldn't I be less in love with you?" The setting for this song was a couple who's been married for a quite a while now, and they were having their breakfast routine. Husband reads the papers, while drinking coffee. Wife does the same. Husband looks at wife, and then starts to sing the song. It's really romantic.

Alright, so that's basically the summary of what the musical was.

Weird... Weird... Weird...

2006-07-22T03:56:00.000-07:00

The weirdest thing just happened hours ago.

I was at Greenbelt 3, withdrawing money from the ATM near Hobbes. I was going to meet Sean and Romil at Ebun.

After I got my money, I started walking to Ebun.

And who do I see????

There he was in very casual attire - athletic top, shorts and flipflops. I don't remember the last time I saw him. I was the first to see him, and I wasn't sure if I should turn the opposite direction and walk fast away as I could.

But then, the next thing I know, our eyes meet and all I remember was that I broke into a smile and blurted out a "Hello!"

And here's what makes the situation much funnier, I turn my head to the left and as I expected, she was there too.

She also breaks into a smile, as I smiled at her and said hello. I wasn't sure whether I should walk with them or go ahead.

I found myself continuing to walk towards Ebun, not looking back. I was watching the pace I went as I walked away. Hahaha!

It was the weirdest situation. I was dreading this occasion, and I had some ammo prepared actually. Hahaha! I dunno what happened.

I've Had It With You...

2006-07-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you think that you can just keep on taking shit, but there is that moment when you say, “That’s it. I’ve had it with you.”

A friend of mine had this moment early this week, and I’m sort of happy that she already had this “moment.”

For a couple of months now, my friend has been in a one-way relationship with this guy. I think the two of them met at an out of town activity. The two hit it off (as friends), and when they got back to Manila, they exchanged numbers so they can get together.

Since then, the two have been meeting up every now and then. It started out with coffee at Starbucks. Then came dinners. From time to time, they would also watch movies.

While my friend enjoyed every minute that she spent with the guy, she also noticed that it was always her who would initiate meeting up. She would regularly text the guy to ask if he’d like to watch a movie, to have coffee or to go to dinner.

My friend told me that she knows she can’t have a relationship with the guy because the latter was in some sort of relationship. (It’s a weird situation. The guy says he has a girlfriend, but never talks about her. One would easily think that he’s single because he hardly mentions his girlfriend.)

Anyway, what my friend has been complaining about lately is that the guy takes her for granted. They would engage in a text conversation, and all of a sudden, the guy just suddenly doesn’t reply anymore. Sometimes, my friend would text the guy but the guy would send a reply the following day already.

Last Wednesday, the two of them were supposed to visit a common friend together. The guy told her they’d go together. When it was almost five and the guy still hasn’t texted, my friend asked him where he was. Only then did the guy tell him that he was still in some faraway place, and that he wouldn’t make it to my friend’s office at five.

This really pissed my friend, so she just decided to go ahead to the person they were supposed to visit together. On her way, the guy would text her to ask where she already was. Half of her did not want to reply just so he can have a taste of his own medicine, while the other half said she should reply just to be the bigger person. And she did reply.

Later that night, when they were already together, my friend had the courage to tell the guy that she was pissed with him. The guy was totally clueless. Aughhh!!! When they left the friend they visited, the guy insisted that he’ll bring my friend home (he was probably feeling guilty.) My friend was like, “Where are you going? Why are you bringing me home?” The ending that night was that my friend insisted she didn’t need to be brought home.

My friend talked to me the following day, telling me how pissed she was over what happened. She said she wrote an email for the guy just to tell him how she felt. I don’t really know what to tell my friend. It seems to me like she knows what to do, but she just couldn’t do it yet. I hate seeing her get hurt and all, but what help would I be if she doesn’t want to help herself.

But with what happened last Wednesday, I have a feeling that that would really push my friend to do what she has to do.

Vogue or Elle...

2006-07-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting buzz article I came across on Yahoo.

Fashion Mag Smackdown
By Molly McCall

As "The Devil Wears Prada" continues its stiletto-shod trek across the big screen and the third season of "Project Runway" sashays its way across the small screen, we couldn't help but wonder: What happens when Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue (and the inspiration for "Devil") meets up with Nina Garcia, fashion director of Elle (and eye-fluttering co-judge on "Runway")? D

o they air kiss and make like girlfriends? Or do they hiss and back away, the Fendi fur flying?

The chance of our glimpsing such an encounter is about as tiny as Heidi Klum's waist, so we resorted to the next best thing—a showdown between the two fashion mags, web-style. Where do the look books fall in the big popularity challenge known as Buzz? And how does each editrix fare with searchers?

Take a ringside seat and find out...

Check the complete article here.

Lonely Monday...

2006-07-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Mang Yoyong passed away last night at 9.45PM.

Sigh.

That's the news that greeted the whole UP Manila community when they came in for work this morning.

Everything just happened so fast.

His heart was still beating when we visited him last night at 6PM. But we were also told that that's the only organ that was functioning, and that the heart was the last one to go.

And then at almost 10PM, we got the news no one wants to hear.

DNR...

2006-07-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

It means Do not rescuscitate. That's the situation.

I got a most distressing text message, yesterday afternoon, while I was on my way to meet the Kid.

Mang Yoyong, our ever-reliable driver and all-around man at Pahinungod and a good friend, had a stroke. He was in Quezon for a medical mission with Ate Beng, when he had the stroke. Ate Beng was on the way back to Manila with Mang Yoyong.

I headed to the Pahinungod office. Yang and Karen were at the ER waiting for the arrival. Charmaine and I stood by at the office. As soon as we got word that Mang Yong has arrived, we went to the ER to help getting supplies. It was a good thing that there were about 5 of us. One person can get this, while another person waited for more instructions. Still another person waited for Mang Yoyong's wife.

It wasn't after almost an hour that I got into the ER, and saw Mang Yong.

He was unconscious, all sorts of tubes were attached to his forearms and his nose. A friend of Ate Linda, pumped the ambubag that helped Mang Yong breathe. The moment Ate Linda saw me, she came over and was just crying very hard. During these moments, I try not to cry and just be strong. Ate Linda held my hand, and you could feel her tension with the way she held my hand. I just hugged her and tried to look for some words of comfort.

But really, what can you say during these moments?

When Mang Yoyong's son arrived, Karen, Ate Beng, Marian and I stayed at the Pahinungod office, just in case the doctors needed something. It was really a blessing that Lia was easily contacted by Ate Beng. She immediately responded and attended to Mang Yoyong.

This morning, I went home to get some rest before going back to hospital. And that's when I got the text that the doctors and Mang Yong's family have decided to do a DNR.

Let's just pray for Mang Yong and his family.

Mang Yong, you'll be missed very much.

Loving Avalon.ph...

2006-07-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Check out www.avalon.ph.

It's quite similar to EBay, but almost all the items are books, books and more books.

One of the things why I really like the site is because the titles are very good, and there are a number of hard-to-find titles available on the site. (Also available are signed copies of some books.) Another good thing about the items on this site is the price. It's very cheap!!!

My first purchase from this site is a hardback copy of Lauren Weisberger's "The Devil Wears Prada."

How much did it cost me???

Only P500. Yes, it's second hand but the copy I got was really in very good condition. You should check out the items being sold by macs01. (I think he's the site owner.)

Other titles I'm planning to buy are Michael Chabon's Kavalier and Clay (which I'm currently enjoying thanks to Cheacherchowee, but I still have to finish it), and maybe books from David Sedaris and some chick lit titles. Hehehe!

The only downer is that there aren't good LGBT titles. Yes, there's a section for LGBT titles but all that's available there are erotica, erotica and more erotica. Sigh. I emailed the owner some LGBT titles, which I hope he can find for me. In particular, books 4 and 5 of the Mark Manning series of Michael Craft. (As if I don't have a long list of LGBT titles to read right now. Haha! But I want to know what happened to Mark Manning and Neil Waite. Hehe!)

Anyway, so if you're a book lover. Make sure to check out www.avalon.ph.

Thanks, thanks, thanks to Noreen for telling me about this wonderful site.

P.S. I'm now selling my paperback copy of "The Devil Wears Prada" for only P250. I can assure you that it's in very good condition. All my books are wrapped in plastic cover and wrapped in another plastic cover to be protected from dust. Yes, that's how much I love my books.

Photo Shoot at the Company...

2006-07-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Rhaye works his magic...

Loving the styling job...

Smile for the camera...

Shoot done! Yay! Happy People!

Things have just been crazy here at work. A photo shoot project was dropped to me at the very, very, very last minute and I had to do a million things a day before the photo shoot itself and during the actual photo shoot. (Much, much thanks to Suki for giving me Rhaye’s number.)

On a very rainy and a very early Wednesday morning, I arrived at the office with tapes, alligator clips, extra ties, extra shoes, extra belts, extra shirts (from my own closet), a flat iron, a shoot list, among others.

By 7.30 AM, I’ve already began setting up the location. My project partner, Cathy, also arrived and we started identifying where to set up the hair and makeup, where the food section would be, where the pressing area would be. We had to convert Corp. Comm.’s small unit into a studio. (I miss Raymund’s studio. Hehe!)

Then, I brought out the clothes, that the talents would wear and started pressing them. In between clothes, I called the uniform suppliers to request for more uniforms and some shoes, which we didn’t have yet. Thank gawd they were efficient.

By 9.30AM, all hell was starting to break loose. We had a very late photographer. We had a very good makeup artist (everyone loved his makeup on the talents.). Talents were already starting to arrive.

While two of my officemates took care of the art direction, Cathy and I took care of the styling. I would press the clothes. And then Cathy and I would decide what clothes the talent should wear, what accessories to go with the clothes. I dressed up the male talents. When I was done with the male talents, I assisted Cathy with the female talents. (She really enjoyed this whole styling thing. I'm really glad. When she got home that night, she called me to say she learned so much from me and that she had fun. Isn't she the sweetest?)

Like in Icon shoots, I started to get a bit tense. I can just imagine Suki telling me, “Relax. Relax.” And I tried to. Very much. At the end of the day, I was actually happy because I really do enjoy shoots.

The shoot ended a little before six. I was dead tired. But at least, Cathy and I (and the rest of the team) pulled it through, thank God!

Believe it or not, it is only today that my life is starting to get back to its “normal” track again. Hehehe!

I owe everything to the training I got from Icon. If not for the numerous photo shoots we had, I would be totally clueless about what to do in a photo shoot. I must say that Icon is really such a good training ground. The benefits you get from being part of the Icon team are way beyond material benefits.

You develop character and skills, which help you in your other undertakings.

I know, I know. I sound like I’m tooting our own horn, but I’m not. I’m just stating a fact.

You Two Just Don't Go Together...

2006-07-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

"I think I'm in love with you," Matthew says suddenly.

Mike's jaws tensed as he grips the steering wheel tighter. Still, he keeps his eyes on the road.

"It's a joke, right?" He does not look at him.

"I'm gay, Mike," Matthew continues, closing his eyes tightly. "And I think I've fallen for you. Ever since we'd met, I guess."

Mike suddenly stomps on the brakes. His car screeches to such a sudden halt that both of them lurch forward, their seatbelts straining to keep their bodies in their seats.

"Get out," Mike orders, his voice flat and freezing. Wordlessly, Matthew unstraps his seatbelt, opens the door and gets out on the sidewalk. As soon as he slams the door shut, Mike speeds off into the near-deserted avenue of Ayala, leaving Matthew standing on the sidewalk.

Matthew watches the car disappear into the night, shaking his head and whispering Mike's name.

He felt his chest tightening; a maddening pain is slowly blooming like a poisoned flower.

A tear rolls down his cheek.

- From Nelz Agustin's "Where Angels Fear..."

Weekend with Pahinungods...

2006-07-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Millionth Souvenir Shot with Taal Backdrop

Hanging out - Joi, Jon, Me, Sheila, Jean and Yang's skinny arm...Haha!

Sing it

Alcohol, alcohol, alcohol...

Still more alcohol...

But where's the buzz??? Haha!

Happy to be in Tagaytay...

Beautiful Cliffhouse...

Jon's Angels???

Very Familiar Taal Panorama

The Gang Sans Joi

A week ago, former officemates and some friends from Pahinungod planned to go to Joi’s house in Tagaytay for a get-together. However, this didn’t push through because there were those who weren’t available and others already had commitments for the weekend.

So the out of town trip was rescheduled this weekend. Again, I wasn’t sure if it would push through because of the heavy rain. That, and the fact, that I was feeling very sick since last Thursday.

But I needed the break, so sick or not sick, rain or no rain, I packed my bags and went off to meet my friends.

The trip didn’t go without some concerns though. Saturday morning, Joi and I were talking about the details of the trip – what the menu was, what the itinerary was, where to do the grocery, what time to leave, what to do with those who confirmed at the last minute, how to fit 12 people in one vehicle. Haha! Can’t really blame us. The almost irritating habit of coordinating comes from the fact that we were Pahinungod program coordinators.

Moving on, we left Manila a little before five p.m.. Our first destination was Jean’s house in Cavite. It was her birthday a couple of weeks ago, and the dinner at her house was the nth get-together for her birthday. Hehehe! The drive going to Jean’s was a good one. Though we were stuck in traffic at some points, the company of each other kept us all entertained. By seven, we arrived at Jean’s house. Everyone’s stomach was already grumbling so the moment we entered Jean’s house, everyone proceeded to the dining table where the yum food waited for us. Pancit bihon (my request), lechong manok, ginataang langka, black gulaman – it wasn’t surprising almost everyone got second helpings of the great food.

Afterwards, we headed to Tagaytay. I asked to be dropped off at the familiar Tagaytay rotunda so I can do the grocery, while the rest got ready for the night's gimik. Good thing Jon was there and he had no choice but to go with me, since I dragged him. Hehehe! While waiting for our fetch, I brought Jon to Sanctuario, which was right across the grocery, to show him Sean and Romil’s wonderful, wonderful restaurant and to have a nice cup of hot chocolate. It was perfect for the very cool, slightly drizzling weather that night. Too bad Sean or Romil wasn’t there that night.

By the time we finished our hot choco, Joi and Andrei were already waiting for us at the grocery. After loading all the stuff into the car, we headed to Joi’s house and got ready for the gimik .

We met up with the rest of the gang at Viewsite. It’s one of the big restaurants-cum-bar along the highway that gave a view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Plus points for not being too crowded and not too smoky. The band playing that night, Epic, had already started on their first set. The group had great seats – we were right in front of the stage because the earlier group were the first ones at the venue. Hehehe!

We stayed at the bar till 3AM. I had vodka tonic and Long Island but I was a bit disappointed because I didn’t even get the slightest buzz. Haha! I don’t know if it’s because I was feeling under the weather. Anyway, it was good since no need to worry about a hangover. Haha!

The following day, we just stayed at Joi's house. Almost everyone did karaoke, while some cooked breakfast with the head chef (read: me. Hehe!). The good thing about being with Pahinungod friends is that you don’t have to tell anyone to help out. It’s automatic for everyone to help the other person. Our breakfast menu included hotdogs, corned beef, cheese and egg omelette, fried rice, bread, and pancit from yesterday. After more than an hour’s preparation (Those omelets took the longest time to prepare! Haha!), everyone dug right in and ate breakfast.

The rest of the day was spent just hanging out. Joi, Sharkie, Jon and I went out for awhile around noon time to buy ingredients for lunch - two kinds of pasta. When we got back, we prepared lunch and then got ready to go back to Manila.

After lunch, we were on the road again for our trip back to Manila. The gang stopped by Cliffhouse though to enjoy the view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, and to have some nice photos. If you’re in Tagaytay, you should check out this venue. It’s a very nice place that has galleries and cafés, including Café Breton. I think it would be a nice date place.

We got back at Manila by 6PM. After saying thanks and goodbyes, we parted ways. Joi and Andrei headed to their apartment, which was near the area. Jo took a ride for UP Diliman. Marian, Karen, Ude and Sheila went to the Pahinungod office to drop off some stuff. Jon and I got a ride home together.

When I got home, I was already feeling tired. It was only 8PM, but after I changed into my clothes, I already fell asleep.

The whole trip was really, really fun. Never mind that it was raining. Never mind that I was feeling sick. There were many memorable moments, and I'd really wish we can have this get-together again. Hope your weekend was as great as mine.

Sick Little Boy...

2006-07-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Feeling under the weather.

I’ve been feeling sick since the other day. And today, it has gotten much worse. I woke up around 3 in the morning, because I could feel my throat hurting. I had to change positions. But that didn’t help much because I already found it difficult to go back to sleep.

I woke up again at 4:45AM. My blanket was wrapped around my neck. I probably half consciously put the blanket around my neck while I was falling back to asleep. Too lazy to get up to get a sweater from the closet, so I just used the blanket as a muffler instead. Hehe! One of these days, that blanket’s probably going to suffocate me and my folks would think I killed myself when they find my cold corpse in the morning. Hehehe!

Anyway, I feel terrible today. I have the snuffles. And I feel like some hairy object is lodged in my throat.

Been drinking lots of fluids though. And I’ve doubled the dosage of Vit. C I’m taking. Also got Strepsils from the drug store at the ground floor of our building.

I hope this wouldn’t get any worse. Hope you’re feeling much better.

Look Who's Coming to Town...

2006-07-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

There'll be book signing at both events.

I hope I can bring my books and have them signed.

An Afternoon with Dr. Kinsey...

2006-07-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

Sundays are starting to be a routine.

In the morning, I stay home to clean my room, dust the shelves, re-arrange things. (I hate it that the shelves get dusty so quickly. If anyone knows a remedy for this, please let me know.) After I’m done with my chores, I just relax, or at least, I try to – read a book, watch a movie I’ve watched a million times, get some sleep.

Right after lunch, I would take a nap before preparing to go out. Afternoons are usually spent at Greenbelt – Mass at 4.30PM, then a trip to the bookstore or the mall. I really enjoy the 4.30PM Mass when the celebrant is Fr. Jun Sescon. He’s the chaplain, and I must say that he’s quite a good priest. His homilies are never boring, and I don’t find myself tuning out when it’s time for the sermon.

Last Sunday, I decided to watch Kinsey. It was screening at Greenbelt 1, and I’ve been really planning to watch it. So after Mass, I headed straight to the cinemas to catch the 6.20PM screening. While everyone else watched the movie about a man in a blue suit and a red cape, I watched this movie about a man in a (tweed) suit who seems to be the one responsible for opening the minds of a majority on issues related to sex. I was a bit surprised by some of the notions people used to have about sex.

Did you know that the “zipper” is a tool of the devil, at least that’s what Dr. Kinsey’s father preached to the people in his community. I’ve always looked at the zipper as well, just a zipper, but according to Dr. Kinsey’s father, the zipper is “a quick access to moral oblivion.”

And what about when you feel like pleasuring yourself? Again, Dr. Kinsey’s father found this act to be a work of the devil. So what do you do when you feel “tempted?” 1.) Keep your bowels open. (Or I must have misheard the sentence.) 2.) Read the Sermon on the Mount. 3.) Sit with your balls submerged in cold water. 4.) Think of your mother’s pure love.

When Kinsey married Clara Macmillen, the two had a problem doing the act because apparently, Dr. Kinsey is well-endowed. So the couple goes to a doctor/therapist to consult their problem and when the doctor asks in what position does the couple do it. A very surprised Mrs. Kinsey replies, “Is there more than one way to do it?”

Before watching this movie, I didn’t have any idea how big Dr. Kinsey’s contribution to the field of science and research was. I’ve always thought that Dr. Kinsey was only about the Kinsey Scale. Turns out he’s much, much more.

Another reason why I liked the film was that it had a “research” angle in it. I could easily relate to it, being a communication research major. I was planning to email my professor from UP about the movie, but I couldn’t find her email address.

When She Left the Company...

2006-07-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

Wednesday last week was a good day.

Bernice made a surprise visit at the office. I don't think I've ever mentioned Bernice in my blog, so let me introduce her to you.

Bernice is the one responsible why I am working with the Company right now. If it weren't for her, I would still be a starving, unemployed (okay, I'm being too dramatic) person. Hehe! Simply put, I was the replacement for Bernice. After being with the Company for more than 4 years(!!!), she decided it was time to leave and move on to another field.

Here's the interesting thing. It seems that we just traded workplaces, sort of. She left the corporate world and is now working with an NGO. On the other hand, remember I used to work with Pahinungod so in a way, I can say that I left the NGO world to join the corporate jungle.

When I started working with the Company, Bernice has already left and since she was on several out of town trips/assignments, it took a couple of weeks before she was able to drop by the office and endorse things. It was kind of weird because we immediately hit it off. It's as if we've known each other for quite some time now. I felt really comfortable with her, and it's easy to like her. And I think she also found me easy to get along with. Either that or she's just really nice. Hehehe!

After that meeting, I think last Wednesday was the only time that we got to see each other again. And it's all because she had a conference at one of the hotels in the area.

She was at the office at 4PM, and waited till 6PM for Shy because they were going to have dinner and catch up. Lucky me, I got dragged along. Hehehe!

We headed to Chef D' Angelo and just chatted away while having a good dinner. It was really great to know that things are going really well with her. She enjoys her new job. She's loving what she's doing. And she now has this guy who loves her very much. Yep, she had to leave the Company to find the boyfriend. Hehehe! Maybe the Company has a curse. Hehehe!

But seriously, I'm really happy for her because everything seems to be smooth sailing for her.

After talking about old and new jobs, ex-boyfriends and new boyfriends, relationships, "scary" moments (Hehe!), we decided to call it a night. It was only a little past 8 when we decided to go home. Augh! Is this what happens when you near 30? Hehe!

So that's how Wednesday afternoon till early evening went for me. Thanks Bernice for the surprise visit. I hope we could all hang out again soon.

F-ing Surf Control...

2006-06-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Sigh.

I can't blog at work anymore. Huhuhu! Early this week, when I tried to access Blogger.com and websites that have the word "blogspot" in its URL, I got the f-ing surf control window instead.

Sigh.

He Returns...

2006-06-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

Superman Returns hits the Philippines today.

I guess I won't be watching till next week. Planning to watch at the iMax cinema at Mall of Asia. Checked the schedule, and almost all the screening times are sold out till next week(!!!). The only available screening times are 9AM, 12NN and 12 midnight!!!

I hope this movie is really "super."

From Pinamalayan...

2006-06-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the trip to Pinamalayan last Thursday and Friday.

As I have mentioned in a previous entry, we left Manila at 6AM. We reached the Batangas Pier just in time to board the 10:30 barge bound for Calapan. Two hours after boarding, we reached the Calapan port and took another hour's drive to get Pinamalayan.

Just a side note, the whole RORO(roll-on/roll-off) thing is a great idea, actually. You don't have to worry about transprotation once you get to the province you're going to.

Anyway, upon arrival at Pinamalayan, some of my co-workers proceeded to the municipal hall to pay a courtesy call on the Mayor. I, on the other hand, headed to the local hotel where we would stay for the night.

It was right by the seashore, and it had a fantastic view of the sea. Didn't go swimming though. I took advantage of the chance to rest in my room and do something I haven't done in a long time...watch TV. Hahaha!

The following day, we went to the city hall to do our business. There was an awarding ceremony for people who helped the Company when one of our "vehicles" got into major trouble during the time that tropical storm Caloy lashed Pinamalayan.

I met a very interesting person. I say he's interesting because he saved the 13 of the Company's men during this "vehicle" incident. The ironic thing is that very few know about what this guy did. When the media went over to Pinamalayan after the storm, they just took a footage of the "vehicle" and left. They didn't even interview the guy responsible for the saving of 13 lives. I'll write about this guy in another entry.

After the awarding ceremony, we left for Manila.We were in Batangas by 5 in the afternoon, and back in Manila by 9PM. I had a difficult time going home. Waited for about an hour to get a cab. I thought it would be easy to get one because it's already a bit late, but then it was a Friday night.

So that's it for my first inter-island assignment with the Company. I hope there'll be more. And I hope that some of these would be inter-continental too. Hahaha! Wish!

This is it for now.

Gemma Goes Naked for Dolce and Gabbana???

2006-06-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

From the Dolce and Gabbana website, here are the duo's ad campaigns for Fall 2006, if I'm not mistaken.

What is most surprising to me here is the naked girl, not because she's naked but because of who she is. If it's Gemma Ward, then it will really be surprising for me. I never really thought Gemma would be one to go naked for an ad campaign. Again, not because she doesn't have the body for it, but because her previous ad campaigns have shown her to be more of the very girly, very sweet lady (think Burberry) and not really as a sex kitten (think Cavalii).

I say I'm not sure if it's Gemma because apparently, there is another model who looks exactly like Gemma. This model is Sasha Pivovarova, who is the current face of Prada. All the while I thought the naked girl in the recent Prada ad campaign is Gemma, but after some reading, the girl is actually Sasha.

Check out the photos below of Gemma and Sasha, and tell me if you can see any striking difference between the two. I can't seem to tell who's who.

Gemma in the Fall 2004 Prada Ad Campaign

Sasha Pivovarova in the recent Prada Ad Campaign

Can you?

The Bee Surfs...

2006-06-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

It's a little past 6.30AM and you won't believe where I am blogging right now.

I'm on my way to Mindoro to cover some event for the Company, and we're here at Shell Alabang for our breakfast.

Where am I blogging?

At Jollibee!!!

Can you believe that???

The Jollibee here has four PC stations for Net surfing. And what's the best part???

It's free!!!

Woo woo woo!!!

Anyway, I gotta go because my companions are waiting. Time for breakfast. Will get back tomorrow.

Take care everyone! :D :D :D

Things I Have Lived Through...

2006-06-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Got this from Cheacherchowee.

Put numbers instead of x's (1, 2, 3, 4...).

[1] I have read a lot of books.
[] I have been on some sort of varsity team.
[] I have run more than 2 miles without stopping.
[] I have been to Canada.

[] I have been to Europe.
[2] I have watched cartoons for hours.
[3] I have tripped UP the stairs.
[4] I have fallen down an entire flight of stairs...ok well not an entire flight
[ ] I have been snowboarding/skiing.

[5] I have played ping pong.
[6] I swam in the ocean.
[ ] I have been on a whale watch.
[7] I have seen fireworks.

[8] I have seen a shooting star.
[] I have seen a meteor shower.
[9] I have almost drowned.
[10] I have been so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.

[11] I have listened to one CD over and over and over again.
[12] I have had stitches.
[ ] I have had frostbite.
[ ] I have licked a frozen pole and got stuck there.
[13] I have stayed up til 2 (and beyond) doing homework/projects.

[] I have been ice skating.
[] I have been rollerblading.
[14] I have fallen flat on my face.
[15] I have tripped over my own two feet.
[] I have been in a fist fight.
[16] I have played videogames for more than 3 hours straight.
[17] I have watched the Power Rangers.

[18] I (try to) attend Church regularly.
[19] I have played truth or dare.
[20] I have already had my 16th birthday.
[21] I have already had my 17th birthday.
[22] I've called someone stupid.
[23] I've been in a verbal argument.
[24] I've cried in school.
[25 ] I've played basketball on a team.
[ ] I've played baseball on a team.
[ ] I've played football on a team.
[ ] I've played soccer on a team.
[ ] I've done cheerleading on a team.
[ ] I've played softball on a team.
[26] I've played volleyball on a team.
[ ] I've played tennis on a team.
[ ] I've been on a track or cross country team.
[27] I've been swimming more than 20 times in my life.
[ ] I've bungee jumped.

[28 ] I've climbed a rock wall.
[29] I've lost more than $20.
[30] I've called myself an idiot.
[31] I've called someone else an idiot.
[32] I've cried myself to sleep.
[33] I've had (or have) pets.
[34] I've owned a Spice Girls CD/cassette.
[] I've owned a Britney Spears CD.
[35] I've owned an N*Sync CD.
[36] I've owned a Backstreet Boys CD.
[ ] I've mooned someone.
[37] I have sworn/yelled at someone of authority before.
[38] I've been in the newspaper.
[39] I've been on TV.
[] I've been to Hawaii.
[40] I've eaten sushi.
[41] I've been on the other side of a waterfall.
[42] I've watched all of the Lord of the Rings movies.
[43] I've watched all the Harry Potter movies.
[] I've watched all of the Rocky movies.
[44] I've watched the 3 stooges.
[ ] I've watched "Newlyweds" Nick & Jessica.
[45] I've watched Looney Tunes.
[ ] I've been stuffed into a locker/I have stuffed others into lockers.
[46] I've been called a geek.
[47] I've studied hard for a test and got a bad grade.
[48] I've not studied at all for a test and aced it.
[ ] I've hugged my mom within the past 24 hrs.
[ ] I've hugged my dad within the past 24 hours.
[49] I've met a celebrity/music artist.
[50] I've written poetry.
[ ] I've been arrested.
[51] I've been attracted to someone much older than me.
[52] I've been tickled till I've cried.
[53] I've tickled someone else until they cried.
[54] I've had/have siblings.
[55] I've been to a rock concert.
[56] I've listened to classical music and enjoyed it.
[57] I've been in a play.
[58] I've been picked last in gym class.
[] I've been picked first in gym class... to organize the sportsfest
[59] I've been picked in that middle-range in gym class...our volleyball coach always used to say I was on the team for showmanship.
[60] I've cried in front of my friends.
[ ] I've read a book longer than 1,000 pages. (i think.)
[ ] I've played Halo 2.
[61] I've freaked out over a sports game.
[ ] I've been to Alaska.
[ ] I've been to China.
[ ] I've been to Spain.
[ ] I've been to Japan.
[62] I've had a fight with someone on AIM/MSN.
[63] I've had a fight (confrontation?) with someone face-to-face.
[64] I've had serious conversations on any IM.
[65] I've forgiven someone who has done something wrong to me.
[66] I've been forgiven.
[67] I've screamed at a scary movie.
[68] I've cried at a chick flick.
[69] I've watched a lot of action movies.
[70] I've screamed at the top of my lungs.
[ ] I've been to a rap concert.
[ ] I've been to a hip hop concert.
[ ] I've lived in more than 2 houses.
[71] I've driven on the highway/been on the highway.
[72] I've driven more than 40 miles in a day/been in a car that went more than 40 miles in a day.
[73] I've been in a car accident.
[ ] I've done drugs
[74] I've been homesick.
[75] I've thrown up.
[ ] I've puked on someone.
[ ] I've gone horseback riding.
[ ] I've filled out more than 10 MySpace/LJ surveys.
[76] I've spoken my mind in public.
[77] I've proven someone wrong.
[78] I've been proven wrong by someone.
[ ] I've broken a leg.
[ ] I've broken an arm.
[79] I've fallen off a swing.
[ ] I've swung on a swing for more than 30 minutes straight
[ ] I've watched Winnie the Pooh movies.
[80] I've forgotten my backpack when I've gone to school.
[81] I've lost my backpack.
[ ] I've come close to dying.
[82] I've seen someone die.
[83] I've known someone who has died.
[ ] I've wanted to be an actor/actress at some point.
[ ] I've done modeling.
[] I've forgotten to brush my teeth some mornings.
[84] I've taken something/someone for granted.
[85] I've realized how good my life is.
[86] I've counted my blessings.
[87] I've made fun of a classmate.
[88] I've been asked out by someone and I said no.
[ ] I've slapped someone in the face.
[ ] I've been skateboarding.
[89] I've been backstabbed by someone I thought was a friend.
[90] I've lied to someone to their face.
[91] I've told a little white lie.
[92] I've taken a day off from school just so I don't go insane.
[ ] I've fainted.
[ ] I've had an argument with someone about whether cheerleading is a sport or not.
[93] I've pushed (thrown) someone into a pool.
[94] I've been pushed into a pool.
[95] I've been~~/am~~ in love.

Sunday Morning...

2006-06-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the best day of the week.

I was doing my usual Sunday morning thing, when my cousin called me and told me that a package arrived for me last Saturday. I got all excited because I already knew what that package was. I quickly went over to my cousin and she brought out this really huge (and heavy) package. I couldn’t help but smile. After thanking her, I quickly went to my room and put the package on my bed and just admired it for a good minute or two. Hehehe!

Afterwards, being the (somewhat) OC freak that I am, I got a pair of scissors and carefully cut through the perforation. As soon as the box opened, I took out all the styropor cushions and slowly brought out the contents of the box.

It was the best. I felt like a kid who received his birthday and Christmas gifts on the same day.

The content of the box included, among others, a shirt from Express, the Tom Ford issue of Vanity Fair, a Sound of Music DVD, an autographed copy of David Stukas’s Going Down for the Count, and a USB memory stick.

The ones that really brought a very, very big smile on my face were the latest issue of V Man and a hardcover copy of Michael Thomas Ford’s new novel, Full Circle(!!!).

Woo woo woo!

Freaky as it may sound, I even smelled the pages of the novel. Awww! The smell of the fresh pages of a new book is just so intoxicating. Hehehe!

Now that I have Full Circle, I better hurry up with my reading. Hay, my to-read list is getting longer and longer. I haven’t started yet on the two Timothy James Beck novels I bought. I’m still planning to buy the other Beck novel, Someone Like You. Right now, I’m still trying to finish the book Chari lent me - The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chambon.

I also received a wonderful card that read, "Quit being younger than me, you b*tch." It was hilarious. Hehehe!

Uhm, except for the V Man and Vanity Fair, everything was really a surprise.

I'm not sure if the Zee Man sent all the other goodies to me because of the package I recently FedExed to him - which included two copies of ICON, an ICON backpack, a souvenir keychain from the SEAGames, a notebook from Raymund Isaac, signed photos of Diether Ocampo, signed souvenir program of the Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal, a Government shirt, and a signed copy of Ladlad.

In any case, biggest, biggest, biggest thanks to the Zee Man.

Two new books, two new magazines, a DVD, a USB memory stick, and a shirt – tell me if that’s not more than enough to make you smile. Hehehe!

To Cavite and Back...

2006-06-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

I had to get up early today, and be at the office at seven a.m.

There was a graduation ceremony at the Company’s school in Cavite and I had to go and cover the graduation. Actually, there was really no need for me to go but since we’re currently preparing another presentation to be used by the President, I had to go and take photos and do some video coverage.

And since I was just commuting going to the school, I decided to be early since I don’t know how bad the traffic is.

The event was ten, and I left the office at 8. I took one of those read and yellow buses bound for Dasma and Pala-Pala, Cavite. As it turns out, Saturday is not really such a heavy traffic day. I reached the school by 9AM.
As soon as I got there, I headed to the auditorium where tables and chairs were still being arranged. It was okay. It’s a good thing I brought the book Chari lent me. That kept me company for an hour.

A little after ten, the graduates arrived and the program began. It was just a simple graduation ceremony. The graduates had just completed a two week training on housekeeping, bar and restaurant skills and they will soon be deployed abroad for work.

By 1PM, I boarded the bus that would bring me back to Manila. Since there wasn’t really anything on my schedule that afternoon, I decided to go back to the office and work on the newsletter. As weird as it may sound, I enjoy working on Saturdays. Maybe because it’s just me at the office and I’m more relaxed and have more control of my time. No phone calls to disturb me, no immediate events to be covered. I can work at my own pace.

I finished work by 6PM, but left past 7. One of my good friends at work was still working and I decided to wait for her, so we can have dinner together.

That’s it for Saturday.

Layers, Channels and Paths and (Almost) Everything Photoshop

2006-06-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

I attended two trainings yesterday at the Graphic Expo held at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Buendia.

The session in the morning was “ABCs of Photoshop CS2,” while the afternoon session was “Advance Photoshop Techniques.”

The morning session was okay. Most of the topics that were discussed were not that new to me. When I started working for the Company, I had to learn Photoshop on my own. Wait. Don’t get the idea though that I’m good with Photoshop. I’m not. I can manipulate a couple of things but I still am not confident to do design work. I still don’t know hot create a curved line or those shaped texts. Hehehe!

The afternoon session was much, much more enjoyable. The speaker, Mon Miranda, was really great. I should have walked up to him and told him that he’s such a great speaker. I thought I would be sleepy because the class was held in the afternoon, but surprisingly, I was more awake and more attentive.

Uhm, I would have to say though that the whole day training wasn’t enough. I should probably attend those three-day sessions or weeklong sessions. The topics that were covered in the trainings I attended were surely just the tip of the iceberg. There’s still so much more to learn.

Maybe I can ask my manager to send me the intensive training courses next time.

Wait a minute. What am I talking about? Didn’t I apply as a writer for the Company? Hehehe! Just kidding.

When it comes to learning new things, I’m always open to it, whether it’s related to my actual job description or not. Any good new learning is something that people should almost always take advantage of.

Just a bit of trivia, did you know that you could have up to 8,000 layers for a Photoshop project???

20 Years Ago... 10 Years Ago... 5 Years Ago...

2006-06-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

Got this from Mcvie's blog.

20 years ago I...
1. was afraid of the word “queer...”
2. set foot on the world of normal boys (aka all-boys Catholic school)...
3. wanted to have my own personal superhero...

10 years ago I...
1. almost entered the seminary to be a priest...
2. had my first out of Luzon trip – Bacolod and Dumaguete...
3. met this guy I wish I still had contact with until today...

5 years ago I...
1. started on graduate school, but afterwards went on leave for two years...
2. met people who have helped me be happy with who I really am...
3. was fully convinced that volunteer work is something I want to be a part of my life...

3 years ago I...
1. worked for a call center because I thought I’d join the tide...
2. joined some friends in putting up some magazine called ICON...
3. went back to graduate school and loved it...

So far this year I...
1. got to visit Jolo for volunteer work...
2. finally joined the world of corporate communications...
3. have had my heart crushed, chopped, minced, sliced and diced...

Yesterday, I...
1. got to control myself and not get in touch with my addiction...
2. received a text message from my brother telling me that my Lolo Nonong passed away...
3. took myself out on a date to celebrate what would have been our fourth – went to Mass, had a good lunch, hung out at Starbucks 6750, almost watched a movie, and ended the day with a nice dinner at Friday’s...

Today, I...
1. finished writing a news article meant for the common tao on the very technical “SAP...”
2. got really excited for a friend after I learned she is 15-weeks pregnant...
3. listened to the Rent soundtrack once again and didn’t break into tears...

Tomorrow, I will...
1. attend a training on Photoshop...
2. try to make someone laugh…
3. take another step towards moving on...

In the next minute I will tag...
1. Suki, Chari, Carlo...and whoever needs to take a break from whatever he or she is doing.

June 12...

2006-06-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

Afternoon Companion

Evening Companion

Today would have been our fourth year together.

What a waste. What a loss.

Yesterday was a bad day for me. I found out something which once again triggered feelings of anger and hatred. On top of that, there are two people I call friends who seem to have the idea that everything was my fault. And I don't know if they are purposely making me feel that way.

One of them actually laughed at me, after telling me something. This friend really laughed at me. The person insists that what was being laughed upon was the situation, but I'm quite sure that the person was getting some sort of gratification from knowing that I'm going through shit right now. Anyway...

Tomorrow would be the third month since he broke up with me. I'm feeling better. Trying to move on. Still have anger issues, but trying very hard to move on. There are good days and bad days. The bad days are not that frequent, but when it does happen, it gets really bad.

I hate it that he still has power over me, that I am still affected by him.

I don't recall ever writing that I've been broken up with. I guess I thought that if I didn't see it in writing, it wouldn't be real. But it is real. And writing it down in words is something that could actually be helpful, instead of hurtful.

Hay, 2005 was trying, but I didn't think 2006 would be more trying.

But it's all good. And I'm happy because even if things have been testy for me, very good things are happening to people I love. Carlo's heroin has been brought to life on stage, and pretty soon on the silver screen. I had dinner with him a couple of weeks ago, and he seemed okay and happy. Dr. Doom also just got into a relationship. It's actually a bit weird. Just when I got out of a relationship, he gets into one. But I am very happy for him and his girlfriend.

There have been so many changes in the recent weeks and it's only June. I'm sure there's more to come in the coming days, weeks and months.

Woo woo woo!

Am I Being Stupid?

2006-06-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

Am I being stupid...

The other day I found out that a friend who started out in the company I'm working for on the same that I did has already resigned.

After only three months.

She told me that she was offered a higher position in another company, which is much closer to home.

I have an inkling though that that wasn't the main reason. I had a feeling that she had frustrations.

When I told this to my manager, she said to me, "O if they offer you the management trainee position, you're free to go but don't just drop everything here, alright?"

This is the nth time my manager mentioned that management trainee position. I don't have an exact idea what the position is, but from what I heard, it's a good one in the sense that the trainees will get to travel and the salary's probably higher.

I told my manager, "I'm not really sure if I'd want to take that position. I wouldn't feel confident handling seamen when I don't have the slightest idea what they have to go through on board the ship."

I added, "Besides, my heart belongs to Corp. Comm. I want to be a Vicky Garchitorena some day."

Am I being stupid for having a decision like this?

Uhm, but who knows, my mind might change some day, huh?

I Didn't Think...

2006-06-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't think it was possible to feel so much hate for a person you used to have so much love for.

I never thought it was possible to hate someone you used to love.

But it is.

Does that make me a bad person?

I don't think so. I'm entitled to feel it.

I just wish I could easily let go of the that feeling and start moving on.

Between Loss and Promise...

2006-06-07T02:22:00.000-07:00

The priest’s homily at the Mass I attended last Sunday was so meant for a girl friend of mine that I wished she was with me so she would have heard the it.

Before I go to the homily, let me give a quick explanation why I wished this girl friend was with me. Her boyfriend just broke up with her…over email. The two had just started on a relationship when the guy had to go back to the US to fix some papers. Three months passed and the emails that used to arrive every day disappeared. Phone calls that used to be so frequent were lost as well. My girl friend had an inkling something was wrong but she reasoned out that the guy was just busy. About two weeks ago, the email that broke my friend’s heart for the first time came. For days, she was crying.

How is this relevant to the priest’s homily?

In case you didn’t know, last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. The priest said that after Christ’s ascension, the apostles were left “between loss and promise.” They had just “lost” their Teacher but He also promised he would send someone. In between the Ascension and Pentecost, the apostles were “between loss and promise.”

This state perfectly describes what my friend is going through at the moment, and what I have gone through not too long ago. A guy promised love for eternity to my friend, and all she got was the eternity part - waiting for the guy to come home to Manila. Come home he did, but not to stay but to fix whatever unfinished business he has here, and to end his relationship with my friend.

According to the priest, the only thing that will help get one through this state of “between loss and promise” is faith – that what happened was for the best, that something (or in my friend’s case, someone) better will come along, that one will get through the state of loss and promise and things will get better.

This is one big reason why I hold on to my faith – just when you think you’re already lost in the darkness, He brings back the light and you see that He’s been there with you all along.

Bad, Bad, Bad Day...Augh!

2006-06-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

It must be because of the 06 06 06 date.

Sigh.

Actually, everything was going well most of the day. It was only late in the afternoon when things started to happen, and it just really frustrates me. First, there was a major, major, major error in something that I printed.

Next was that the really, really tall guy's legs were cut off from the photo because if I fit all of him in the picture, the other guys would like dwarfs.

And then when I had to print out the photo on an 8 X 10 paper, the right most guy couldn't fit. I think it's because the camera was set on a somewhat panoramic mode.

Haaaay!!!

Can this day just be over?

A New Mall, The Sea, and A Lost Movie...

2006-06-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

I finally got to visit the newly opened Mall of Asia.

After some work yesterday, I met up with Suki, Richie, Jigs, and Frances at this latest gigantic structure to rise in the city.

I dragged a sick Jon along with me. It was his birthday the other day, and I told him we should celebrate it with X-Men. Too shy to meet my friends (or probably just too phobic to be seen with four queers), he decided to just walk around the mall while I had my meeting.

By the time we met up again, the sick got worse. It was probably from too much walking around, and fatigue from being around too many people. Hence, the movie plan was dropped, and instead we just headed to the nearby Blue Wave complex to have some good food. It turned out to be much better, since the place wasn’t crowded at all, and we were the only people in the restaurant where we ate. Afterwards, we just decided to go home, which again turned out to be a good idea because early that night, it rained really hard. Had we stayed and watched a movie, I’m quite sure I’ll have a very sick friend.

Anyway, about Mall of Asia, what can I say but it really is an SM? You’d think that because it is in a somewhat secluded area, there’d be less people, but no. It felt like all the people from SM North Edsa to SM Makati suddenly went to Mall of Asia. Haaayyy!

Perhaps the only enjoyable part of the mall was the rear section – a string of coffee shops and restaurants facing the sea. That one was really, really nice. We had our meeting at Café Breton, which gave us a magnificent view of the horizon.

I also forgot, but the iMax looks also interesting. Jon and I were supposed to try it, but we figured his temperature might shoot up even more. Hehe!

Currently Playing (Over and Over Again)....

2006-06-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

Haha! This song is so appropriate right now. Thanks to Suki for sharing the song with me.

Below are the lyrics.

Tina Arena - Never (Past Tense)

(I'll never......)

(I can't be with you)

I can't be with you again
Don't remind me of the good times that we had
Learned a lot from us instead
And I never want these feelings to ever come again
No no

[Chorus]
You'll never hear me crying
You'll never see me trying
To love you once again
Your love is so past tense

Please don't tell me that you've changed
Don't wanna hear on how you've lost your evil ways
The one who's changed this time is me
And I won't go back to feeling helpless and deceived
Oh no

[Chorus]
You'll never hear me crying
You'll never see me trying
To love you once again
Your love is so past tense

You'll never hear me crying
You'll never see me trying
To love you once again
Your love is so past tense
Your love
Your love

To think you had me fooled every now and then
You had me believing that I was the reason that you left
But I won't fall back in love with you again
I don't even wanna be
(I don't even wanna be)
Your friend
No no no

[Chorus]
You'll never hear me crying
You'll never see me trying
To love you once again
Your love is so past tense

You'll never hear me crying
You'll never see me trying
To love you once again
Your love is so past tense

(You'll never hear my crying)
So past tense
(You'll never see my trying)
Your love is so past tense

Love the original mix, as well as DJ Tiesto's club mix.

I Can Do This Job...

2006-06-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading an article on New York Times about how "closet organizing" is one of the "in" things today in NY.

The way I understood the article, what a closet organizer would do is to, well, make sure that everything in the client's closet is well-arranged and organized. In the article, two closet organizers took photos every single piece of clothing in a client's closet just in case the client gets into an "I have nothing to wear" emergency. The closet organizers also visit the client twice a year just to rotate her clothes, making sure that the clothes for the season are the ones that are most accessible.

And as for the rates, read below:

"Their clients, of course, are among the more affluent of the obsessively organized, and can afford Visual Therapy's services almost as easily as a manicure. (Mr. Lupo and Mr. Garza charge $450 an hour for the daylong sessions typically required to redo a woman's closet and wardrobe; men's sessions, at the same rate, usually last about half as long.)"

$450(!!!) an hour(!!!)

Whoa!

This is something I'm quite sure I can do. I tend to be OC most of the time, after all, and I just can't can't can't stand clutter (although I do find myself cluttered every now and then).

Whose closets would I want to organize? Ehm, initially, I'd have to say - Sharon Cuneta, Gretchen Barretto, Doyee Tumpalan, and Lucy Torres.

Read the NY Times article here.

No Doubt "Doubt" Will be Good!!!

2006-05-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Konnichiwhat did you say???

2006-05-30T22:10:00.000-07:00

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!

Ralph Lauren and Capone's...

2006-05-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

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!

Next to National Bookstore...

2006-05-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Anna Wintour at the Devil Wears Prada...

2006-05-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

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?"

Bringing Hawaii to...

2006-05-26T03:34:00.000-07:00

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.

After Rent...

2006-05-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

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!

Never Too Late...

2006-05-24T02:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Kids Gone Martha Stewart-esque...

2006-05-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

(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.)

Proudly Pinoy...

2006-05-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Good End for the Week...

2006-05-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Turning the Pages Once Again...

2006-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Loving These...

2006-05-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

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?

The Real Life in Real, Quezon

2006-05-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

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.