La Buzz

I tagged along with my favorite friends, Jim and Vic to the Sunday gossip show The Buzz.  Well we were basically there for Vic, that was the plan.  I’m so out of the showbiz thing, I’m practically just there for fun and of course for blog content.

We first saw the Gretchen interview, with her mistle toe shoes.

Yeah guys, that wasn’t live, that was taped 30 mins before the actual show.

Then Kristine Hermosa came, she’s beautiful.

I learned that if you do a drive shot on your camera long enough, you get something interesting like this.

Ruffa is beautiful btw.

and Christine Reyes, too.

Anyway, after that fun ride we met the other guys at Trinoma.

Fun day, but not without issues…

But that is for another cryptic-filled entry in the days to come.

Orange Friday

I think my laptop is suffering a flu, a virus that’s just annoying… haaays I’m trying to fix the files manually this evening, so goodluck to me…

Anyway, I had a great Orange Friday

Had lunch with Steph, Rubi and Jeff at Secret Recipe.

And in the evening, dinner with Jimmy and Vic, plus Jim Nev at Serendra

Fun, fun, fun…

Vic asked me, “Isn’t that your new shirt?”

I said, “No, this is my lucky shirt, because I always get lucky when I wear it…” lol

Kung Hei Fat Chow!

Our supposed merienda this afternoon turned out to be such a feast.  Steph and I went to Sakae Sushi and ended up doing the eat-all-you-can Sushi Buffet.  Believe me, this was a 50/50 endeavor.

No offense Vic, but it certainly looked like this petite woman was you, consumption-wise.

Count that, 13 plates of sushi.  As we stepped out of the Japanese restaurant, I saw the chinese lanterns at the door and realized:  Wow, we really did celebrate Chinese New Year!

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Oh, That’s Odd

Vic called my attention to this sign when we were at North Park in Glorietta.  This sign is inside the male washroom.

Sanitary Napkins?!  TOING!!!

Good Friday

Great Friday even, since it spilled over to early Saturday morning

We celebrated some of the guys’ birthdays collectively over lunch.

Good food, great people…

In a few days, our group would’ve spent its first year in the Firm.  I swear, the past year has been such a blur.

Which means that I must be having fun…

We were so full we couldn’t stuff in the cakes (Yes, plural!).  So, the celebration spilled to merienda.

Of course before that, I had to have my picture taken with my two fave girls in the world, Steph and Rubi.

The day didn’t feel like a work day at all.  It felt like one BIG PARTY!

After work (or play), I met with friends at Makati.

Ended up redboxing. (Yes going to Redbox KTV is a verb now, thanks to Carl.  Miss you Carl, like sooper miss )

(What a shirt, Abbu?!)

Ahh friends, eyelav!

Post Script:

Get your butt back here Jimmy, now na.  We miss you so much!

Spidey, Isdatchu?!

What a day today!  There was a face painter at our monthly KEG meeting (Knowledge Exchange Group) at the firm.

To my utter surprise, people still took me seriously when I participated in the discussion today lol.

Well everyone had something put on their faces hehe.  But I still heard, “Nagsalita si Spider-man” (Spider-man spoke!) – said the guy with the Winnie the Pooh on his cheek

All in good fun…

Sandwich, Anyone?

 

I just got the latest(?) Mandy Moore album.  Just look at the titles…

Mandy Moore the sandwich lady… That’s hot!

Oh Holy Night, Oh Holy Loot

I like the holidays, especially this one.  I like getting things I wouldn’t normally buy for myself, which is not a lot.  I’ve been quite indulgent this year.  Part of being positive ala The Secret.

I really get delighted when I receive small tokens, keychains, alarm clocks… you know, tchotchkes and things.  Haaayz

It’s Not Just Another Christmas Eve

Forming these words, I can’t help but be thankful for how happy this Christmas has been for me, comparing it to last year.  I started the eve right by having dinner with two of my most favorite people in the world.

In a span of a few months, Vic and Jim have become one of my closest friends.  I guess they’re one of the gifts that the Universe has given to me this year.

After dinner, I went home to find an abundance of kin in my house.

The atmosphere was light and festive…

And very happy…  People were happy…

 

and Chica (What a pose! lol)

This day is really for gathering all the people you love.  There’s just no other way to spend it…

I hope you did it the same way I did, and I hope that it’s just as happy.

Merry Christmas everyone!

… now back to watching Fred Astaire movies

Eyelav Q

I’ve been cooped up in bed all Monday.  Waking up at 930AM this morning, just felt dizzy, my throat was hurting, and my hands burning with allergies. (Sorry, too much info)  So I decided to sleep it off.  I guess we now know that my structural integrity is indeed compromised.  Haaayz

I did have a fun weekend though…  Started with the Avenue Q play at RCBC…

Don’t I look tired and struggling?  I was…

Rachel Alejandro looked chica all throughout the play, even after

Joel Trinidad and Aiza Seguerra kicked major ass! lol

This is us with the lead actor, Felix Rivera.

I definitely LOVE Q. (with Rychard Everley)

Thanks Carl for the invite to this play…

Now I’m going back to bed… Xoxo Zzz Zzz

Eurasta

From the Golden Compass, this is my Daemon:

The game assessed me as modest, responsible, assertive, sociable and proud. 

I love the idea of this movie.  You should watch it.  I just can’t wait for the continuation.

Knocked Out Knock-off!

When I saw this Anya Hindmarch bag at Ms. Cecile’s Blog, I found it super cool for it’s (environmental) cause.

This 5 English Pound bag (less than 500Php) caused long lines and stampedes when it came out worldwide.  Anyway, I had a fun day with Dave, Chris and Cholo yesterday at Greenhills.  I didn’t get to hangout with them for a while now, it’s just great to do so again.  I saw a knockoff version of that bag for 650Php.  You heard it right, the knock-off that costs more than the original. 

I just couldn’t believe it when I heard the tindera say it, but eventually proceeded to mentally correct her: “that’s not the lining, that’s the handle… etc. etc.”

Bright Retail Future

Saw this at bizjournals.com

Gap Inc. is upping its commitment to international expansion through franchises.

The company said Tuesday that it, with help from its franchise partner Rustan Group of Cos., will open eight Gap stores and four Banana Republic stores throughout the Philippines over the next five years. The first Gap store will open by year’s end and the first Banana Republic will open by spring 2008.

We already know about the Gap stores in Trinoma and G4.  Heck, I already made my first purchase last weekend.  But I’m also excited about Banana Rep .

I always said 2008 is going to be a great year.

Geek-O Convention

Jimmy and I found ourselves in geek heaven today.

I must say the SMX Convention Center at MOA is impressive!!!

Bridge to Engineering

I’m getting this error right now

Where is B’Lanna Torres when you need her?  :D

Freebies at Redbox

Do you know that Tuesday night is ladies’ night at Redbox?  This means that girls can enter free at the KTV place.  We took advantage of it yesterday.

That’s Ivan, Dinah, Kat and me.

Rubi went home an hour earlier (11PM).  I forgot I had a camera.  I only got to take pics at around 1130-ish.  Sorry rubi!!!

I came with three girls and only paid for 2 out of 5.  Nice deal, ei?

What fun!

Photo Fix

Having a Canon Powershot A400, I probably own the oldest digital camera in the office.

So old that sometimes I opt not to take it out when there are photo opps. hehehe   I don’t know, maybe it’s not a priority.  I have not travelled anywhere spectacular.  At least, nowhere that merits the thought of buying a new camera.  But that may change very soon.

Recently, I learned a trick for taking photos.  I think it’s called over exposing, where your camera flickers slower than usual to get a more vivid image.  I know, this might be ancient for other people.  That’s how lame I am with the camera. 

What’s the best camera to buy these days with a budget of 15-30K Php?

Duo Music

When my dad first got me my first CD Player and component, the first cd I bought was a set of instrumental music.

It has Terms of Endearment as one of its tracks, I like! 

It’s so old.  I think I got it mid 90’s.  Fortunately it’s still tucked away in one of my cd racks all these years – one of the racks that I alphabetized.  I know!  I’m such a nerd.

This cd will be available on Monday at Fully Booked.  I can’t wait to hear it.

In this collection of Filipino works composed or arranged for two pianos are compositions that draw inspiration from folk songs, kundimans, European classics, and American popular music—influences that helped shape the unique mélange that is Filipino music today.

I just love it when familiar songs are shown in new light, especially if it’s in the genre that I like.   

It makes for a great Christmas gift, doesn’t it?

Intercontinental Effort!

Our batchmates who were deployed in Sweden came back home this week.  They brought pasalubong, of course.  Forget the chocolates, what’s unbelievable is that they hauled boxes of snowglobes for us!

What an effort! Even I wouldn’t do it for myself.

Chalapchalap

This just came in for me…

I always ask people to buy me these whenever they go to Scandinavia.  Now it costs 25 Swedish Krones or 175Php a pop.  Mahalia jackson!!!  Oh well, I  can’t say that it’s not worth it. 

Yipee!!!

Two more on Monday, I hope…

What I Want for Christmas

For Christmas, this is what I want to buy for myself.

 

I want!!!

This is the Jack Spade Nylon Canvas Bale Case, in chocolate with bright red lining.  I checked the local Jack Spade store and it costs 7000+ Php. 

I call on the goddess of discounts, hummmmmm… I’ve been a good boy…  I hope Santa’s listening… Santa!  Santa Santita! Hahahaha

—

Update Oct 30 2007, 6:30AM: Mordechai Rubenstein a.k.a. Mister Mort, the famous publicist for Jack Spade, just commented on this entry.  I’m so happy huhuhu!  (insert tears of joy here)

The Shoe Wanting Journey

I heard my jaw drop when Jimmy told me that they saw a Sanuk store in Glorietta.  So before my meetings, I made it a point to visit the first Sanuk store in the world.  I’m not kidding, it is the first.

 

I bought the pair of tan slip-ons.  I’ve been wanting them for so long that I wore them right away, walking out of the store with my older Sanuks I came in with in tow.  This is perfect for me because Sanuks are very comfortable.  I know, Havs may be more affordable and just as comfy… but my toes are NOT for public viewing.

I also bought the Springfield sneakers that I’ve been wanting.  I had to go to two branches to get my size.  At 45% off… very affordable… even if I may not be able to wear it until next year because of the color.  I’d have to ask my aunt if it’s OK.

I just love productive Sundays…

Clicker Eyelav

I bought this software online today, and I’m so addicted to it, like super addicted! It’s the Salling Clicker for Windows.  Salling Clicker is the award-winning remote control software. It lets you control popular applications from a mobile phone or handheld computer through a user interface similar to a portable media player.

• Control PowerPoint, iTunes, Windows Media Player, and more with your mobile device.
• Works with all major Bluetooth stacks (no configuration required).
• Amazingly easy-to-use WiFi connectivity for long-range control.
• Works with over 300 devices.

I can control my computer, especially my iTunes, and change the music from anywhere around the house.  It’s better than remote because it uses WiFi (and Bluetooth).  I use my cellphone to access my computer from anywhere.  Di ba ang cool?!

This is not an advertisement ha, I heard about it at the office and decided to try it out as soon as I came home.  I bought the serial ten minutes after trying it. 

Crepe Love Affair

My love for crepes (not creeps, but I fell for one recently, argh!) was reaffirmed when I visited Paris.  See me below, sorry but the phrase fashionable tourist is REALLY an oxymoron…

But I’m wearing a fleece sweatshirt from GAP!!!  Oh well…  Anyway, we went to this restaurant that serves all kinds of crepes right by the Louvre.  So, I had an all-crepe lunch…

That’s their ham, cheese and egg crepe, and below is the blueberry crepe…

I have yet to find crepes as thin as those, but I’m loving Crepes and Cream at the Fort.  Especially their Pork floss breakfast crepe, yumyum…

 

Not to mention their Javapaloozas

 

If ‘heaven’ had another name… that would be it…

When September Ends

Carrie Bradshaw said this line about heartbreaks

It’s bad for the heart, good for the economy.

I decided to spend Sunday in Greenbelt, instead of locking myself in my room.  I felt so inadequate that the first thing on my agenda was to get a facial.  I looked at Piandre’s and they’re prices are just up there at 1100Php a pop.  Then I thought, against my friend Rach’s voice nagging in my head, to try out Let’s Face It nearby.  If you’re ever  going to a Let’s Face It branch, the one in Greenbelt1 is the best.  I only planned for a seaweed pack facial but ended up with three treatments: seaweed, exfoliation and this other one where they put a cold mask on you.  I’ll definitely come back.

My next stop was at National Bookstore, to browse.  I ended up buying two books: A Purpose Driven Life and Core Energy.  I bought the Core Energy module so that I can lend it to Rach.  Since I have already been practicing it for a little over a decade now, I can read the book later.

Then I found myself at the mezzanine area of Greenbelt 3 and fell in love with this bag.  The Sales Representative laughed when I hugged it. hahahaha

It’s the CK Jeans Flat Satchel, my first Calvin Klein bag.  Eyelavet!

The best part, I had dinner and desserts with the best couple of friends I had this past month.  A good way to spend the last hours of September. :)

When Nerds Panic

Today at breakfast, I decided to finish off the Coke Light in the fridge.  I poured it into my glass, and it started bubble up so quickly that the bubbles rose to the brim of the glass.  I stopped pouring, raised my hand as if to stop it, and I thought:

Surface tension, surface tension, surface tension!!!

That’s when I realized, ang nerd ko!

Blessed Drunkenness

After drinking on a Monday night with one of our foreign mentors, I didn’t really retire immediately.  Believe it or not, I still had the energy and coherence to chat until 3AM with friends.  During the long conversation with some of my new friends with whom I am surely to be fated as drinking buddies, it seemed like a good idea to form a group.  The Group’s requirement for members would be to ingest alcohol, and not be killjoys.  Anyway, it’s going to be fun.

We even came up with a poster.  Such commitment to the joys of partying.   I’m cyclops, and we derived it from an X-MEN poster, if anybody’s wondering.

Thanks to my brother Aki for the help.

The Move!… Back!

After staying in Goodland, Buendia (a.k.a. Badlands), we finally moved back to the Net2 Building.  No more rickety walls, noisy neighbors and an elevator reminiscent of the movie Shake, Rattle and Roll 1: Refrigerator.  As you may have known from my previous posts, I volunteered to coordinate the move.  I went to Net2 at 8:30AM on a Saturday (Insert jawdrop here), and immediately saw my nook on the 10th floor.  More space!

After a couple of hours of tallying the boxes that came in, we went to Pier One for lunch.  I ordered a soda but ended up with a bottle of beer which I gladly didn’t complain to anyone about.  When we came back to work, I learned that tally and tipsy rhyme, but thats the only positive thing that I can say about these words when put together.

We eventually survived the moving process.  After about a couple of hours, I finally claimed my space at Global City.

I didn’t bring my laptop so I decided to stay and chat with some of my friends.   I wanted to confer with them because I found the root of my despair, beyond the heartbreak.  My self-esteem issues developed because I felt ugly – definitely the byproduct of the rejection.

But I don’t have that problem now.   Thank God!

Programmers’ Day

Netscape Gadgets and Tech announced the following today:

Today is Programmers’ Day.  Today is the 256th day of the year, otherwise known a Programmer’s Day. Have you hugged a programmer today?

This whimsical “holiday” is set on September 13, the 256th day of the year, since there are 256 possible values for 8 bits, which forms a byte.  To all nerds out there, happy Programmers’ Day.

I think this is the best post to include my many thanks to the people who have read and relayed their appreciation of my work.  The site has been running for two and a half years now.  To most of the first readers of this blog, thanks for telling me that it’s as if I am still with you when you read this blog.  Most of them are abroad now.  It is true, it’s still like me talking.  I have been nothing but honest in my entries.  Believe me, since I lay out my thoughts, heart and soul into every entry, new readers also find the authenticity in them.  They often feel like they know me a lot, even if we are strangers to begin with.

Thank you very much.

—

Erratum:  The day is supposed to be the 13th, not the 12th. 

Cathartic Song

I am finding myself listening to Carrie Underwood’s album more and more.  The song that hits me most is Don’t Forget to Remember Me, mainly because it reminds me of my Mum.  When I listen to it, I feel myself choke up, as if I am about to cry.  Happens ALL the time. 

Here are the lyrics:

“Don’t Forget To Remember Me”

18 years have come and gone
For momma they flew by
But for me they drug on and on
We were loading up that Chevy
Both tryin’ not to cry
Momma kept on talking
Putting off good-bye
Then she took my hand and said
‘Baby don’t forget

Before you hit the highway
You better stop for gas
There’s a 50 in the ashtray
In case you run short on cash
Here’s a map and here’s a Bible
If you ever lose your way

Just one more thing before you leave
Don’t forget to remember me’

This downtown apartment sure makes me miss home
And those bills there on the counter
Keep telling me I’m on my own
And just like every Sunday I called momma up last night
And even when it’s not, I tell her everything’s alright
Before we hung up I said
‘Hey momma, don’t forget to tell my baby sister I’ll see her in the fall
And tell mee-ma that I miss her
Yeah, I should give her a call
And make sure you tell Daddy that I’m still his little girl
Yeah, I still feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be
Don’t forget to remember me’

Tonight I find myself kneeling by the bed to pray
I haven’t done this in a while
So I don’t know what to say but
‘Lord I feel so small sometimes in this big ol’ place
Yeah, I know there are more important things,
But don’t forget to remember me
But don’t forget to remember me’

Buy the album, the original ha.  Not one song wasted.