herstory

I am so watching these

2009-12-29T02:29:00.000+08:00

There is really something about Robert Downey Jr. After Heart and Souls a few years back, you really wanna watch all his works. Chaplin, Only You (wehehe), Tropic Thunder, Ironman --anyone?

The writing sounds good. Dry humor, perhaps? Not a fan of Guy Ritchie but this movie might make me a Ritchie convert.

And there is something about Kang Don-won that makes me want to stop what I'm doing and watch him at work. He had me at "Maundy Thursday" and it wasn't even a romantic film. It must be the voice with the Busan accent. No wonder his voice was featured in the movie Voice of a Murderer.

Of course, I won't forget "I Am Happy." I would definitely get a copy of that film. Keber ba if Hyun Bin-sshi eventually dies at the end of the movie.

Dong-won & Song Kang Ho for Sworn Brothers

a high weekend

2009-12-06T07:36:00.000+08:00

it all started with a trip to galleria for some chain belt and a pair of sandals for baby's wedding today. and all of a sudden, i was in the middle of the mall's entertainment center looking at some stuff of the lovers in paris series. i am not a fan of the series - the kc-piolo starrer or the original PSY korean version. i thought i might have a chance for some celebrity sightings.

unfortunately, it was some sort of a bazaar event of the series. and they were selling almost all the costumes used for the series. there were baubles, earrings, necklaces, clothes (even that green gown that looked so familiar) and bags. i was trying to make my way in the middle table looking at the merchandise and something caught my fancy.

not the chanel shoes. or the miu miu platforms. or those italian sandals (buti na lang they were a shoe size smaller!). i can hear the heels calling. if heels could talk! a maroon and black michael kors pumps with 2 inches cone shape heels. man, the heels i was dreaming about for such a long time! no Q asked (not even if kc concepcion wore it). I went home poorer but with a big grin on my face.

another reason to smile about is armada's win at davis cup.

ask me about the composition of Philippines' Davis Cup team and I would just give you a blank expression. Or maybe a quip like "I dunno."

Ask me about Armada, aka Spanish Team and i can roll out the names rafa, feli, david, fernando and team manager alberto costa. i realized during the us open that tennis matches are bad for your body. especially when you try to stay awake at 2 am just to catch the night games. unless it's the do or die match (but rafa's matches, i think, are always do or die. hehehe), it's much much better to sleep and watch the replays on the net.

as for davis cup, i just watch out for cnn's worldsports or asia news channels's running text or if i am lucky enough, desportes news at tv espanol. i need to forego some matches for my sanity and health.

back to davis cup, yes, they did it again. for the 4th time! vamos, team armada!

(feli,david, fernando, rafa and alberto costa. source: nadalnews.com)

Go Mi Nam...

2009-11-13T08:05:00.000+08:00

I forgot to watch The Amazing Race and had to forego Top Chef just because I love hearing, "Go Mi Nam?..." uttered by Tae Kyung in every eppy of You're Beautiful (Minami Shineyo) for the past few nights.

The boyband - A.N. JELL (Shinwoo, crossdressing Minam , Taekyung and Jeremy)

You're Beautiful is a story of a boyband (think Super Junior, SS501 or even DBSK--which I love spelling it out - Dong Bang Shin Ki. hehehe) looking for a new member but ended up with a novice pretending to be a guy as their backup vocalist/keyboardist. It's Coffee Prince meets Hanadan! But the similarity ends at her crossdressing as a guy and she getting involved with ultrafamous guys (they look so young, I can't call them men.) There are lies, deception and funny moments, thanks to the good story written by the Hong sisters. I really don't know the Hong sisters but I heard they are famous...or they works are such as Delightful Chunyang, Hong Gil Dong and My Girl (all Wookie fans, please rise.)

It has a cult following due to popculture reference and it got great feedbacks from drama addicts. Jang Geun Seuk leads the cast. Jang who? Someone you might know if you followed Hwang Jin Yi on tv. Or maybe a fan of One Missed Call. He has couple of movies and series under his name although he's not that Lee Min Ho-after-BOF-famous. I saw a couple of his movies and even got interested to watch Beethoven Virus. I say, he knows how to pick his projects at such a young age.

The lead girl is not bad either. Eun Hye lookalike when her hair is short. Reminiscent of EunChan in Coffee Prince. She looks more boyish though compared to YEH.

And the 2nd lead. Now, if this guy played Jihoo in BOF ---sensitivity and all. You would actually cheer for him and not LMH (dang, I forgot Min Ho's name in Hanadan oh, it's Gu Jun-pyo).

The series shows the quirks of Hallyuwood, including the fans, netizens, press and the attitude of popstars after the director says "Cut!" or after the curtain call.

It is a rom-com, as usual. (Hey, what can you expect from a light or even heavy Kseries?) It is sure a fun watch. Light and easy. Stress reliever. Funny.

celeb hook-up

2009-08-06T06:33:00.000+08:00

and i am loving this! as much as hye kyo was so much identified with bi (aka rain/jung ji hoon), she is actually going out with biN. hahaha, can't complain. two of the most goodlooking people in hallyuland. maybe the too many kisses in worlds within made all the difference. good thing i am saving my best-english subtitled version of worlds within on my passport. time to re-watch over the weekend!

read news here.

At long last

2009-08-06T04:48:00.000+08:00

i finally got my portable external hard drive! i can finally watch the shows i saved some time ago - supernatural, big bang theory, some eppies of nonstop 4 and my precious version of world's within. besty can finally watch nomnomnom aka the good, the bad and the weird - the movie pre-GI Joe of Lee Byung Hun...

and much much more media files.

Updates on my faves

2009-07-18T08:42:00.000+08:00

extremes, i know. from boy next door to matador...

take your pick...

Bin

or

Rafa

DK on AI...

2009-04-08T07:44:00.000+08:00

Saw Danny Gokey sang this song on AI last week, and it just hits me...maybe it's just with his delivery...

What Hurts The Most lyrics

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don’t bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I’m not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I’m ok
But that’s not what gets me

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin’ to do

It’s hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I’m doin’ It
It’s hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I’m alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting dressed, livin’ with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

Not seeing that loving you
That’s what I was trying to do

Exploring the Countryside

2009-03-19T05:03:00.001+08:00

Chocolate Hills. Loboc River. Tarsier Sanctuary.
Three of the many sites to visit when in the countryside - Bohol, to be exact. For 2 months and 18 days, it was all prepping for the grand 2 days and 2 nights vacay to Bohol. I may say, everything was worth it. It was an almost sleepless trip for us- cousins Che and Tere, adopted cousin Shirl and me- for we booked the earliest flight to Cebu for an early connecting ferry trip to Tagbilaran City. With the not-so-straight-from-the-bed-look, the four of us met at T3 for the very early flight.
Whew! What a way to start your vacay!

Through Tatsky, our contact from PEx (you gotta love connecting through this forum for all travel needs), we explored the province - visiting historical, nature-related and religious sites - along with the rest of bakasyunitas who happened to have the same route as ours. We learned about it when we reached... The Sandugo/Blood Compact Site. With the number of people standing in front of the large monument of the Spaniards and the Datus, one might think that there is another blood compact happening on the ginormous table. Pinoys, Europeans, North Americans, East Asians converged in the first stop of the day tour. I even managed to act like I was with the Japanese group just to listen to the guide explain everything in Nihonggo. (Of course, I didn't understand a thing :D)

Ryan, our driver, then took us to Baclayon Church - the oldest in the province. It has a nondescript structure. With the numerous old churches in Bohol, it just looked like one of the oldies...until you are actually inside the Church. The old pulpit, the altar, the walls...the site from the inside was jaw dropping. And the sunlight from passing through the stained glass windows gave a different feel of the church. Rain started pouring (as usual, it rained on my trip!) so we decided to visit its museum. The Baclayon Museum, they say, is a must if one is in the vicinity. We took in all the religious and historical info that we can get by listening to the tourguide (nakisama lang kami, actually) explaining the candelabras and aparadors and Mass books. We "overtook" the group when the guide started explaining the donation history of the cabinets that stored the artifacts. Better read the notes pasted on each artifact, we thought. That way, we can save a lot of time and visit more places. We were hungry by the time we left the church so we headed to the Loboc River for the cruise, lunch buffet and singing. The rain stopped when we reached the river. We were so excited for the cruise (excited na rin for the lunch)...a novelty for the four us and with the rest of our ka-cruise, I guess. While eating sinugba, pusit, chicken and native veggies, our trip along the river started. The resident singer also started belting out karaoke staples that made us feel sleepy after his first set. There was a stopover in a makeshift stage to make way for Loboc natives performing for everyone on board. Every other person was scrambling to take a pic or two of the performers while the 4 of us were busying ourselves taking photos of..ourselves! Hah! We got all the views of the river covered.

As we headed back north, our entertainer began singing upbeat songs. And then, the rain poured. Not the taliti type, but the big fat drops of water accompanied by wind to wet us all. And then, someone at our next table began doing Laida's raindance (with matching bending of his left leg!) in the tune of Jason Mraz's I'm Yours. It was hilarious since the guy looked like a siga na me pagkacomedian. Hmm, I think he didn't dance enough to make it stop. We were like wet tarsiers when we reached our next stop - the tarsier sanctuary. We can't contain our excitement seeing the tiny creatures sleeping. We, the wet ones, didn't mind the rain as long as we get to see the nocturnal animals perched on the shrubs. So tiny and peaceful. We were so respectful of their nappy time that we kept reminding ourselves - No Flash, Please. From a distance, they are so cute yet when you look at them closely - they look like the a cross between Gollum and an Ewok that hangs for dear life like a koala.

The next site we visited was nothing new to me - a plantation that is packaged as Man-made forest. What's amazing with the sight, though, was the feel that the trees were closing in on you. How cool is that? We made our customary stop and photo-ops and "assigned" Ryan to take a "jump" photo of the four of us. We realized that it wasn't easy to do that shot. Timing was not there, definitely. In short, we were out of breath without a decent jump shot. We were then brought to the hanging bridge. Nothing stupendous - it was just a hanging bridge on top of a river. At the end of the bridge is Buko King, if you wanna see him peel husk from the buko. Che's one goal is to cross a hanging bridge...and what a better way to do it but in Bohol! It was a piece of cake, I believe. She reached the end in no time...no screaming or stopping in any point of the structure. Shirl rewarded us with banana-cue! As in the real banana barbied on a bamboo stick, slathered with margarine and sprinkled with sugar. And so, off we went to Bohol's must see.

Chocolate Hills, here we come! After an hour and 30 minutes trip, we reached our ultimate destination. It was a second time for me so I actually know what the hills look like. Giant Kisses, anyone? It was a steep climb to the viewing deck. Make that, steep and Whiteflower-scented climb to the top (maybe it was the scent of the ahjumma and ahjussi we met along the way). We again saw our fellow turistas posing and smiling and posing again. Some were pointing, some were kissing on some imaginary object...which I believed are the hills. Some even had a long broomstick which one can ride on ala Harry Potter on his nimbus. Kunyari they were flying on top of the hills. Hmm, what about a bike para E.T. naman ang dating?

Stitch in Chocolate Hills

We were so tired after the descent from the view deck that we slept like logs while we were on our way to the Python. We didn't look at the python, we were there to buy the cheapest Peanut Kisses being sold in the province! Food trumps python, anytime! Last stop before proceeding to Panglao was the Hinagdanan Cave. It was already dark...and the cave was also dark...and wet and slippery. Good thing there were lamps to allow us to see stalagmites and the large pool like balon. If one needs to buy lots of souvenirs, this is the place to be. Cheapo thingies for the cheapskate tourists.

The four of us inside Hinagdanan Cave

It was almost dark when we reached Panglao Island. The sea had receded and the sun had set. Vacationers and weekenders are still taking their sweet time as vacay time for them is about to end. But not for us, though. It was just the beginning.

A ME-Birthday

2009-03-10T13:54:00.000+08:00

It was a different kind of birthday. No hustle and bustle, last minute grocery shopping or last minute clean up. It was quite quiet actually.

Call it a bit selfish but I like the me-time for a change. My brother was at work. And Shirl has her weekend racket. I was left all by myself for a day at home. And it was my birthday!

It might sound lonely but it was not. I had a grand time - still doing some clean up (I am not a slob, afterall) but "listening" to Han Deuk-gu with speakers on. Iba pala ang dating. In between sweeping the floor and washing the dishes, I did some texting to friends na di nakalimot and answered calls from home.

I watched my favorite scene in Millionaire's First Love (the one he gave her a bottle of capsules with tons of messages on her birthday) and fave episodes of my favorite series that starred my ultimate oppa (ambisyosa!) while eating kalguksu cooked in a clay pot. I gotta be authentic here - with the metal chops and long spoon, pa. I was really in chilling out mode- kahit sobrang init sa labas. Well, that was really the reason I didn't go out.

Of course, when the sun set, it was a different story altogether. Besty and I met in mega and --- went to a food fair! Bwahahaha...ang daming handa! I got my Kaya spread and Shirl's got her herbed cream cheese. Oh my, I can stuff myself with Kaya for the whole week (I got so addicted with Kaya- and I don't know why).

It was a very happy me-birthday for me. I got to do what I wanted to do for so long (err, picking out among the many cds with Bin on it was a difficult task), eat what I really wanted to eat since I laid eyes on it (something from Bizu! courtesy of besty) and receive something that I really need (something ala-Amazing Race necessity) for that regular vacays.
****
Big thanks to my family who called from home and my bro from the land of merlion. Many thanks to Besty for the gifts and the cake and the macarons.

Salamaters to friends who always make me feel special on Love's Day...those who left a message or two in fb and multiply. euclid94 in our Y!group, sistahs in butuan, cousins, wng...everyone.

sa mga nakalimot...there is always next year. hehehe

Cheers. Spread the love.

Almost

2009-03-06T12:35:00.000+08:00

Counted are the hours...or do I need to?

All I know is that I'll be trying my hands on making myuk guk (I eventually bought some myeok/dried seaweeds from Mrs. Park yesterday) and eating pansit for long life.

Santa Can You Hear Me?

2009-02-18T05:11:00.000+08:00

It's way past Christmas but I love listening to Britney's All I Want for Christmas. It all started when I DL-ed a vod with that song in the background. Before actually googling for the song's title, I didn't have any idea who sang it or its title. I even DL-ed the wrong song - the Mariah version that was sung in Love Actually. Then, Besty mentioned that maybe Britney Spears sang it. Yeah right, she got it correctly. Ikaw na magkaroon ng bestfriend na former DJ. :D

So, here I am - listening to Brit over and over again...pag nagsawa, there is always Ne-yo, Chris Brown, Jason Mraz and the Jonas Brothers. hehehe

***
Ooh yeah
Last night I took a walk in the snow
Couples holding hands, places to go
Seems like everyone but me is in love
Santa, can you hear me ?

I sign my letter that I sealed with a kiss
I send it off and just said this
I know exactly what I want this year
Santa, can you hear me ?

I want my baby, baby
I want someone to love me someone to hold
Maybe, Maybe
Be all my own in a big red bow
Santa, can you hear me ?
I have been so good this year
And all I want is one thing
Tell me my true love is here
He's all I want just for me
Underneath my Christmas tree
I'll be waiting here
Santa that's my only wish this year.

Christmas Eve, I just can't sleep.
Will I be wrong for taking a peek ?
Cause that I heard that you're coming to town.
Santa, can you hear me ?
I really that hope you're on your way,
with Something special for me in your sleigh.
Ooh please make my wish come true
Santa, can you hear me ?

I want my baby, baby
I want someone to love me someone to hold
Maybe, Maybe
we'll be all alone under the mistle toe
Santa, can you hear me ?
I have been so good this year
And all I want is one thing
Tell me my true love is here
He's all I want just for me
Underneath my Christmas tree
I'll be waiting here
Santa that's my only wish this year

I hope my letter reaches you in time
woooo yeah
Bring me a love that I can call all mine
Cause I have been so good this year
Can't be alone under the mistle toe
he's all i want in a big red bow

Santa, can you hear me ?
I have been so good this year
And all I want is one thing
Tell me my true love is here
He's all I want, just for me
Underneath my Christmas tree
I'll be waiting here
Santa, that's my only wish this year

Ooh Santa
Can you hear me ?
ooh santa
Well he's all I want just for me
underneath my Christmas tree
I'll be waiting here..
Santa, that's my only wish this year
Santa, that's my only wish this year

Ilang memories

2009-02-17T12:08:00.000+08:00

Recycling some notes I made in FB:

here are some of my ilang memories:

1.Besty and I met at Ilang. Up to this day, we're still best friends and housemates. grabe, 14 years and counting. And so with my other close friends.
2.My roommates – rm 222, circa 1994 with glen, toni and malyn. when malyn left, we had armi as the new roomie. then i had to take my LOA. when i came back, i couldn't take over 220 so i was transferred to rm 236 where i had berna, carrots and bevs, and then hannah joined us a sem after (berns had to relinquish her bed to do some serious studying). i also spent one summer with ginee, valerie and ruby. in between, i was roommates with toni and claire to do my RA duties.
3.My neighbors – rm 222 girls (circa 1994) ruth and co, rm 237 (vernalyn, karen, giselle), and the other visayan friends.
4.Good thing also, my other kababayans were at Ilang during my stay there: kat, wela, heidi, iris, charity, ivy and others from batch 91.
5.My pseudo-roommates: LaBella/Vels/Love, Rhiza, Bambi and Pearl at room 222 (circa 1995). “Of the same color?!”. Only the Broken Voices know the story behind this infamous line.
6.George, our beloved turtle in the garden. Buhay pa kaya sya?
7.Sunday pig-out: after Sunday mass, we usually had our feast of spanish sardines, pancit canton, rice, and some dessert. It used to be that simple those days...heheh...
8.Formal dinner – I attended one formal dinner, with no date, pero okay lang naman.
9.RA room – When I was the “Ate” of everyone, we had a very spacious Room 101 to ourselves. We even had our own stove where we can cook our meals. It didn't hurt that we also had our own CR.
10.Moondeck – Verns and I used to have long talks at the moondeck. When I felt down and ma-emote, I just grabbed my walkman (hiram pa ata un) and played Wolfgang's tape/s over and over again – in full volume!
11.Open House – it was the most anticipated event of the whole UP campus. I think maybe Ilang had the reputation na convent daw. We usually have some our ka-orgs and friends visit our humble abode.
12.Toni and Glen's loooooooooooooong silence to each other – this one is really for the books. All because of a room spray/deodorizer (tama ba ako, glen?)
13.Glen's yellow radio – one of the very first things i noticed when i first entered my new room, with Pearl Jam/Soundgarden/Bush blaring. Kahit naka-ear phones si Glen, naririnig ko pa rin.
14.My love affair with Wolfgang started at Ilang, and of course, all thanks to Glen. This was followed by my obsession to Razorback, PNE, and others.
15.Room 213 – our study room. I usually stayed up until 3 am just to finish my papers and thesis.
16.An unexpected visitor way past curfew – my roomies teased me that this GC girl couldn't handle that there was someone else in our BC classes who could get a perfect score...
17.Scheduled laundry day, usually either on Mondays or Tuesdays, kung kelan walang masyadong tao sa laundry room namin. Bawal damit labhan, so undies lang lahat nakasampay sa laundry room
18.Very short ligo time, especially on weekdays.
19.Food – Kat raced me to describe everything. isaw, balut, Ate Zen's putok, Gloria's palabok, and baked goodies from Dagohoy. Always on a limited budget, it was a once-in-a-blue moon event to go eat at Katipunan or even at Philcoa.
20.Visitor's slip. I used to keep some copies of this, since there were a few times that I missed his visits...haaay, memories...ssshhhhh!
21.Ma'am Tirona's “It's 10pm, not 10:01 or 10:02” referring to our curfew. Good thing, she allowed us to stay until 2am for the UP Fair. Galing!
22.One bad deed we did: Sa room nina ting and didits: kasama sina glen and ivy, we had an inuman session. Bwahaha...and i couldn't forget ivy's rant: “bat wala pa akong boyfriend, what's wrong with me?!!” dred: uban ba ka adto?
23.PBA basketball in the TV room, with matching loud cheers from the fans. I was a Shell die-hard and I think there was a time na nakipag-away pa ata ako sa remote control. The remote control was a power symbol. Speaking of Shell, Kathy, LaBella and I even got to interview the bball players during their practice.
24.Neighboring at Dewie/Eileen's room, Mirzi/Rheanne's room, pati kina LynC/Chelo, and Kat's room. chismisan...pigging-out...
25. Swapping pocketbooks. Borrowing notes...

and the list goes on and on...

i think the list says it all...i did enjoy my ilang stay...what about you? what are YOUR fond memories?

of the aussie open, joaquin phoenix and tarantino...

2009-02-02T11:04:00.000+08:00

I'm not really into tennis. But last night's finals game at the Australian Open got me glued to my tv. Yes. I've heard about Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer from a couple of news items, but I never did get to see them play. Last night was my only chance, and they both didn't disappoint. At first, I was just curious of these 2 champions really play. We started watching in the 2^nd game (I hope I got this right), and then for the next 3 hours or so, I was stuck. It’s actually a very educational experience for me. I didn’t have any inkling about the scoring at first, but then I remember watching tennis matches Butuan a few decades ago (whoa, I’m really old!).

I cheered for RoFed (a monicker I coined – I hope!), but RaDal (corny!) didn’t disappoint either. I think tennis is a very hard game and a very hard full-body cardio workout. If only I can serve just one ball, I’m good already…hehehe. You could find me and LaBella shouting our “aayyyy!” while being enthralled with the game. It really is THE championship match.

I think the highlight of the whole season is what happened after the game. I was ALMOST teary-eyed when Federer spoke before the crowd, and all he uttered was: HI there! And a fan called back, “I love you, Federer” and ayun na, tumulo na luha nya… grabe! It was such an emotional time for him. Well, he was kinda disappointed that he didn’t break Pete Sampras’ 14-grandslam record, but still, he’s such a pro.

Rafa is another thing. It was his first at the Australian Open, and nanalo agad. He’s been a threat to RoFed. And yes, I didn’t even know that Nadal is now No1 overall, and Federer came close behind. I think I’ll be glued to watch another one of their matches. As the JPhoenix-JTarantino look-alike said, “see you next time!” I will definitely see more of him…

One of my fave moments…it’s as if Rafa’s saying: It’s Okay bro, cheer up!

of facebook and dan kloeffler...

2009-02-02T10:31:00.000+08:00

Facebook has gotten me busy in the net for the past weeks. Friendster is definitely out already, and Facebook is what's in these days. FSter is so passe...

Facebook is so addicting, I can tell you that. I can get distracted from doing my lesson plans, blogging (and stalking) with all the Facebook notifications on my browser. I even got to send some personal messages from friends from all over the world.

Imagine my pleasant surprise when I got a personal message in my inbox from Dan Kloeffler, a news anchor of NBC's Early Today. He has been a favorite for over a year now, and grabe! I can't believe that he replied to my simple message "I'm a fan". and syempre friend ko na sya sa Facebook. Wow, he's so unassuming!

Here's his reply...

Thanks!
I really appreciate that! You know, we don't hear from a lot of people in your timezone, so I was thrilled to get your note!
I will tell everyone we've got a devoted fan in the Philippines!!
Thanks again for the support, I means a great deal to me!
Dan

If La_bella has her Ilan, I have my Dan...hehehe (well, friend ko din si Ilan)...and hopefully, Harold (Season 1's Top Chef) will have his own Facebook account.

from my facebook notes...

2009-02-02T10:06:00.000+08:00

Here are My 25 Random Things...

1. I think I’ve learned not to be too hard on myself.

2. I’ve also learned to live within my means, though sometimes I’m a one-day millionaire.

3. I love cooking for other people. I love even more the compliments I get from them.

4. My greatest idol of all times is Ewan McGregor. I’ve grown to know that he's more than the looks and acting prowess. He also has a big heart.

5. I love watching news and public affairs shows, and watch out for some interesting production values as well as errors. Broadcasting is still in my blood.

6. I watch CNN and NBC to get some interesting production values.

7. I used to dream that I’d be working for CNN. My ultimate dream interview is with ex-US President Bill Clinton.

8. Though they have disbanded for years now, I stil think that WOLFGANG still rocks!

9. I love my family to death, and will do anything for them.

10. I’m still a crybaby especially when it comes to my parents’ separation.

11. I still cry over some cheesy love quotations from books, or even from TV ads.

12. Being an iskolar ng bayan taught me to give back what I have to the society.

13. Having worked with Jun Lozada taught me to care more about my country.

14. Working with Sir Paul (wherever he may be right now) taught me to master my craft as a radio DJ/newscaster. Most used word: ENUNCIATE!

15. I love my students. They may be sometimes stubborn, but still I love them.

16. I think I’m always the guy’s best friend. Haay! I’m always one of the boys.

17. I can eat corn for my meals.

18. I can live in Korea, India, Thailand and other Asian countries because I can adapt to their food.

19. My best friend Love and I quarrel over petty things, but NEVER did we quarrel over boys.

20. My day usually starts with a cup of brewed coffee and TODAY show (especially on weekdays).

21. I wish I’d get married sooner than my only remaining single younger brother. Tough act to follow.

22. I have a lot of friends, though it takes a lot of time and effort to warm up to me.

23. I have accumulated these friends through time.

24. I have a soft spot for chingoos...:-D

25. I like to think to myself that I’m always in love…

Kailan, Ilan?

2009-01-29T06:29:00.000+08:00

My faves : Sam, Ilan & Harold

Last night, besty and I were switching between the replay of American Idol on QTv and special of Top Chef on 2nd Ave.

It was great to see our favorite contestants from the first two seasons with the judges again. I admit, Harold Dieterle is the top among the winners of the 3 seasons. Everyone can be a cook, but not every one can be a chef. There is that leadership quality...the reason why the word chef was derived from chef de cuisine - head or chief of the kitchen. Harold has that aura. And he is such a great guy, not palaaway.

With a hangover from last night's show, I searched Facebook for Sam (Talbot) of Season 2. He is good, and cute (to boot) but the last challenge did it for him. Aargh, I think almost everyone thought he nailed the title during that final four but Ilan and Marcel gave him a run for the title.

Then, I found Ilan. There were lots of Ilan listed but somehow the profile photo has this pull saying, "I'm the real Ilan that won Top Chef!" In short, I invited him to be my friend and even sent a message. I wasn't expecting a reply since he might be so used of receiving messages all over due to him winning Season 2 but guess what....? He did reply and informed me that he's coming to Pinas for some event. Wow! I have to block that TBA date (sometime in March daw). Of course, sinabayan ko na ng benta ang Pilipinas telling him it's indeed a great place. He got thousands of islands to explore.

Let us see if I do get to see Ilan this March.

High Fives for Slumdog Millionaire

2009-01-26T07:58:00.000+08:00

When I first heard about Slumdog Millionaire in the Today Show and Ann Curry gushing over the film, I wondered, "bakit kaya?"

Then I learned that it was set in India. I thought, probably everyone's from Bollywood.

Then I heard that Danny Boyle directed the film. Hmm, interesting.

Then I read its tagline, "What does it take to find a lost love?" It's a love story?

Then, it got nods from critics, Golden Globe and Oscars and BAFTA. I decided, I got to watch this.

India. Danny Boyle.
A visual feast, indeed. If one saw Trainspotting, you know what I mean. Or maybe, The Beach with Leo diCaprio. Azure water, PhiPhi Island, Thai hotness.

Just the thought of the story revolving in the slums of Mumbai, I was expecting unforgettable images playing in my mind for some time. True enough, the chase scenes inside the nook and cranny of Mumbai slums was a "sight to behold." Or the jump scene of Malik over a pile of human feces when he learned his "idol" was in the vicinity. I tried to cover my eyes when he went down the make shift toilet but curiousity overpowered on how that scene was treated...next, you see Malik covered in feces running towards the actor.

I like the interplay between the Q & A during the show, the interrogation with the police and the experience he had in relation to the question being asked in the show.

It's a great watch. It even got me teary eyed when Malik chose "Dial a Friend" for his Help and hearing Latika answer the phone. And the Bollywood feel at the end of the movie. Yup, there was dancing at the train station in Silky-like sound. (Shirl commented that Danny Boyle really included that scene to pay homage to Bollywood.) All I need to watch the movie again over samosas and matter paneer and sweet lassi.

It shows that experience is a great teacher, no matter how painful or trivial it may seem at that moment. Maybe I should be really be observant from now on. It may come in handy when I'm in the hot seat.

the love bug

2009-01-23T03:58:00.000+08:00

darn, jonas brothers! i can't their song off my head.

i remember that a few months ago, i can't distinguish who's who among kevin, nick and joe. then, i began recognizing each one albeit it would take me a few secs to do it.

it didn't matter though who's standing on the left, right or center, all i care is that "...speechless, over the edge i'm breathless...." i wonder when i can sing this song again.

Called you for the first time yesterday
Finally found the missing part of me
Felt so close but you were far away
Left me without anything to say

(CHORUS)
Now I'm speechless, over the edge
I'm just breathless
I never thought that I'd catch this love bug again
Hopeless, head over heels in the moment
I never thought that I'd get hit by this love bug again

(people chatting)

I can't get your smile out of my mind
[I can't get you out of my mind]
I think about your eyes all the time
You're beautiful but you don't even try
(You don't even, don't even try)
Modesty is just so hard to find

(CHORUS)
Now I'm speechless, over the edge
I'm just breathless
I never thought that I'd catch this love bug again
Hopeless, head over heels in the moment
I never thought that I'd get hit by this love bug again

Kissed her for the first time yesterday
Everything I wished that it would be
Suddenly I forgot how to speak
Hopeless, breathless
Baby can't you see?

Now I'm...

(Guitar solo)

YEAH, OH

Now I'm speechless, over the edge
I'm just breathless
I never thought that I'd catch this love bug again
Hopeless, head over heels in the moment
I never thought that I'd get hit by this love bug again
[ohhh]
Love Bug again
[woo!]

In Love With Sugbu

2009-01-19T09:37:00.000+08:00

Have you ever fallen in love with a city before?
I did. Twice

The first one was Tacloban way back. It was love at first sight plus the fact that I was really in love that time.

Then, this city I am staying right now...in between bites of pancakes and sips of some hot choco in country mall, I realized that I actually fell for the city's charms. The provincial feel smack in the middle of the city. The hustle and bustle of urban life but the laidback vibe. For the first time, I identified a place that I want to settle in, if I have my way.

The city attacks the senses like no other, especially the taste. The sugba-towa-kinilaw standing side by side familiar dishes one had tasted at home with a dash of all-Am or Korean stews or Indian breads for the sudden worldly cravings.

Oh, the taste of brew---brewed coffee that is. Aside from the usual staples of Seattle based designer cups to the old reliable Figaro, there are a couple of sources of pick-me-uppers like Cebu's own Bo's Coffee Club and Coffee Dream to Starmart's coffee shop. I am having caffeine overload in my 4 day stay here!

Then there is the story of commuting. For the first time, I am exploring the city sans taxi's help. Well, unless I was really lost (Ley and I did get lost on our way to the Capitol from Fuente. Boy, did we walk the dark alleys of del Rosario St). No need for map, just a list of the coded jeep routes. And believe me, it's some sort of adrenaline rush knowing I did ride the right jeep or alighted at the correct stop.

I remembered that friends used to tease me why I always go back to Cebu and Bantayan for 3 straight years now - maybe some bisdak caught my heart, they say. I should do the same for Iloilo but Iloilo is my other province apart from my city of origin.

Now, I can tell them, it is not some bisdak. It's actually the place itself where lots of bisdaks (and chingus) roam and the place they call home. All the reason I have to start looking for that bisdak (Maybe this March [hah!]when I'll be back in the city for some Sky Experience Adventure...but that's another story).

never too late for “how's '08?”

2009-01-14T05:18:00.000+08:00

not to be outdone by labella's “the year that was”. it took me two weeks well into the new year to write my own assessment of my 2008. so here goes.

January last year was just a slow year for me. i was just well into my 2^nd month as a sonsaengnim, teaching english over the phone. i had late nights, but my mornings were usually free, with dvd marathons and sometimes taking in moments to be “down and depressed” - which was sometimes a good thing really. why? basta... this month also, i joined MMQ as their corporate secretary (another volunteer work).

February – nothing eventful. v-day just passed by, and just like with the past v-days, i spent it with no one...well, someone did send some “feelers” (i.e. nagparamdam) that time, but that was another story. hanggang paramdam lang naman...maybe he was just feeling the v-day air too!

March – it was besty's bday. broke that i was, i pulled off a cost-efficient bday party surprise for her. thanks to all our friends who kindly chipped in with their desserts and drinks, it was a very memorable Korean-themed party. for the first few months last year, we had Korean overload. i blamed it on my students and jung woo-sung, and la_bella got gaga over kim rae won and hyun bin, and even got to practice hangul writing and speaking. it was also our first vacation time for the year – our 2^nd time around time in bora which was more into adventure rather than frolicking in the sun. we began our summer earlier than usual. 1 unforgettable event: we've missed our scheduled flight because we overslept! surreal, but really true. buti na lang, it was not yet the busy summer season so we got to board on the next flight.

April – summer time of course. nothing exciting. got myself immersed in everything korean – and even got to like eating kimchi and bibimbap, and watching “daisy” for the ___th time...and also cried buckets for labella for that love story 6 years in the making, and then went pfft!

May – i had my interview with then-prospect school, and even had to a demo teaching to pas for the job. labella and i moved to horseshoe to house-sit for mom joanie and dad will feuerstein, and to babysit genesis (the bratty pusakal). i've held back my fear/indifference over 4-legged creatures and even got to bond with her. we've lived the life of people in highly-guarded subdivision. it had its perks and downsides. for one, we got to incorporate some horseshoe-style living into our humble 116-e dsaa abode. it was an experience worth taking on.

June – my calling has finally called me. june 6 was the first day of school and i was nervous as hell. fortunately, i got to enjoy what i was doing, and eventually met some interesting students. officially, i was now the education coordinator/instructor at aclc pasig – a far cry from my ngo work at aap.

July – by this month, i still had the energy to balance 2 teaching jobs (1 full-time and 1 part-time job). what gives? it was this time that someone actually kept me company during the night. sounds creepy? He's not creepy at all, but i found falling in love with him creepy...yikes!

August – coron, here we come! after weeks of looking forward to it, we were finally in palawan. our flight was canceled but who cares? we just had to make do of the 1.5 days that we had in the island. we failed to join owen's group tour, and had to do the island hopping by ourselves. i got to climb the steep rock formations (ala-amazing race/fear factor combined), snorkel, swim, and just frolic in the sun. on a sad note, i had to leave CallNTalk for health reasons. not having enough sleep because of my 6 to 11pm shift, i just had to give up my partime job. good thing, i won my case over mr jung and ms almie (which just shocked me to death). late realization i had: CNT was not that bad at all.

September – it was le cabaret time! a major mmq event, i got to be one of the event organizers for this one. missing the aap events jobs that i had, i was thrilled to be a part of this fund-raising 20/30's-inspired event. dressing up the part wasn't bad at all. at least we had an excuse to shop for clothes and accessories as we used to do in gwb and other aap events. another bonus: we raised almost P1M for the event, and got to build a school in pampanga and helped operation smile. it was all well worth it!

October – sem break was just around the corner, and it was hard to say 'bye to my students. on our last day of class (for each of the subjects i taught), we had a short program and a small salu-salo. my students went overboard! - surprising me with heartwarming testimonials and gifts which left me teary-eyed. this greatly outweighs the burdens of being a teacher.

october was also the time we went back to our fave vacay place – bantayan. this time, we had a recruit, lil sis april rowine. on our take3 on the island, we got to swim at sugar beach, had buffet dinner at marisquera, and even had videoke at 7 am! fun things to do especially for turistas like us...

November – this month, my age is officially “lampas na sa kalendaryo”. to celebrate that (heck, age is just a number), all my friends “congregated” in our home-sweet-home for my asian-themed bday party. old and newfound pals attended, and it was heartwarming to know that a lot of people do care for me. an hour before nov8 ended, the videoke group trooped to musicmatch for those videoke-till-thy-kingdom moments. thanks to wilbert and armel who “sponsored” this session for me.

i also got to attend lioda's wedding this month, where i was requested to be the lector. tough job, but thankfully, i pulled it off. funny, i was mistaken to be a waray since lioda's kababayans found my intonation a genuine one. ha, that's one compliment i'd gladly take.

December – dec10 was an anticipated day. wolfgang again rocked my world as it did for 15 years with their “black christmas” concert. thanks to mari, i got a good seat in the house, kahit na i was on my own. basti, manuel, mon sure did the stuff they're made of. i got to attend multiple christmas parties (wng, company parties, and even a heartwarming christmas party in an orphanage with my students). of course, who can't forget the eileen-rico nuptials in baguio, boho style? we got to experience the super-brrrrr weather and got to see the sights before and after the wedding.

2008 ended with my first priority in life: my family. i got to spend my christmas and new year's eve with them, and it's always a nice feeling to be back to my roots. reunions were almost held everyday. friends and relatives came over. i came to visit my aunts' place/s outside butuan. and i even got to finish “twilight” and “new moon” in my 12-day vacacion grande. it was a relaxing and fun time indeed.

it's never indeed late to ask: how's 2008? i think i did have a great year...and looking forward to a much greater 09...

happy new year everyone!

all fine for '09

2009-01-14T04:01:00.000+08:00

it took me two weeks well into the new year to finally pressure myself to do some “GOOD” things for '09...i have to write down my expectations (and/or resolutions maybe?) so i will have to keep reminding myself...

for this year, not much expectations really. i've already learned the hard way that too much expectation can just lead to frustration. so i'm setting just some not-so-high standards for myself this year.

the find-a-bf-quick is still on the list, but maybe not on top this year. making more money is tops, hehehe...no, im not really mukhang pera, but with virtually no savings at all (i'm just a mumunting ma'am now and still sending someone to school), i will have to be more active in adding more to my bank account and pay off my debts. that's a tough one, but hopefully i can get a few “rakets” here and there, then i can definitely pay myself off.

next on my list is having a healthy lifestyle (i.e. more masustansyang pagkain and a regular exercise regimen). hmmm, another tough task to do, but a big factor if i really want to lower my bp to a minimum. i think i've watched too much tv and read too much mags about health and wellness that it's about time that i apply what i've learned from the media (just the good things hopefully).

keeping in touch and reconnecting with friends, this i have to do too!. i don't think this is hard with the current technology (thanks to facebook, text and im-on-sms). i think i'm already off to a good start with this. over the christmas break, i met up with my batchmates and old friends, and even some long-lost relatives in the province. just last week, kababayan friends from college days met up for the first time after college grad. i got to see anje (after a decade, i think) and some other UP friends/”barko” mates. we got to reminisce about the good times.

this year, i vow to have more of those -- the meet-ups, gatherings. hopefully, i can now get to attend our nci reunions with sir jun (yes, the infamous jun lozada who's my former boss). i missed the 2 previous meetings last year because of previous commitments. i also intend not to miss out on birthdays and wedding invitations, and even baptismal invitations which i expect to double in number this year. i've been known to be the perennial no-show at these events. i've almost lost my best buddy because of this attitude, so i'm keeping my word to pyke that i'll attend his son's 1^st bday this month.

and yes, i intend to have a life – and enjoy it! single or attached/committed, i've got to enjoy the things that may come my way.

everything is oh-so-fine in '09!

The Year That Was

2008-12-31T04:57:00.000+08:00

Two oh-oh eight happened so fast. It felt like yesterday that we were counting down to greet 2008.

January...I met with EGR over coffee in Tiendesitas when she broke the news of her getting engaged to Rico. For the sad news, it was goodbye forever to Heath Ledger. Damn, I still didn't get that Knight's Tale cd back from someone who borrowed it.

Feburary..I am officially k-popped addict that I actually blog about it seriously.

March.....Got the biggest suprise birthday party ever, thanks to an uber event planner that happened to be my bestfriend. Friends from school, barkadas I met after college, friends of friends na naging friends ko celebrated the big day with me. Of course, a birthday gift to myself is ---a trip to Boracay. Not for some frolicking on the beach but food tasting and car buggying up Mt. Luho. Yup, spent bucks just to hit the lamp post near Fairways and Blue Water.

Before climbing Mt. Luho

April.....I called it summer mush yet it didn't materialize. Although we share the same time zone, it's still a different continent. We didn't have the ending of A Lot Like Love. Six years was way too long to wait for that ending to happen.

May.......Live a double gated house in Horseshoe and got to meet Genesis, the queen of Sunset Drive. The pusakal that looks every inch of a diva. With a tall gated life, what do people in this enclave do in their free time? I seldom see our neighbors. I actually don't know what they look like. I also realized that in all the characters I've seen and read in shows/movies and books, respectively, there is one character that is closest to my description of The One. Not Matthew Farrell (for all those J. McNaught's Paradise fans out there) nor Leopold, Duke of York (a Duke? come on!) but a character named Kang Tae Bong.

June......Shirls got double duties as sonsaengnim in CJ and Ma'am in AMA. And I ended up having dinner with Han Deuk Gu. He slurping kalguksu in a red tent while i'm eating kimchi ramyeon. He, inside the small screen while I am infront of the telly. On the sad note, a friend of mine from work left for
a greener pasture in another ASEAN country. No more joyriding and condo screening for helen, alex and me.

July......I discovered soft subs to make my drama/movie watching an ease and I acquired a new toy called Gorillapod. For the sake of vanity, I badly needed a tripod that can twist and hang upside down just for me to be included in my own photos.

August....Beijing Olympics. And I didn't get to see the swimming events and Phelps acquiring those golds. On the bright side, it was Welcome, Coron to besty and me. We weren't able to join Owen's tour and did the island hopping on our own but thanks to Owen and PEx, the trip was enjoyable. We assured Owen that we will back for a Calauit safari trip when time and budget permit.

Siete Pecados

September.I joined Shirl in her event Le Cabaret and dressed up as a flapper girl. Darn, I miss dressing up every year (courtesy of George Washington Ball) so I didn't forego the opportunity to be donning a head dress and a 20's inspired dress.

Life's a cabaret

October...A new travel buddy joined our group. April travelled with us to Cebu and Bantayan Island for some R and R. It was fun to tour someone around the island and act like you're a native showing her the must visits. It was the start of Worlds Within and I was glued to the monitor every Monday and Tuesday. Blame it on the so real depiction of relationship of Jioh and Junyoung in the show. The first two episodes gave me sleepless nights, for sure.

A scene in Ep 2: In tune or not? Not the usual sweet moment.

November..Besty's birthday and her larger than the usual birthday party. It was all Asian and new faces joined the usual circle of partygoers, including my cousins and her new officemates. It was kantahan all night at Music Match with Agnes, Rhiz, bday girl, Mel and Wilbert and me after the party.

December..Mr. K is back, thanks to a tip given by a poster here in multiply.Wolfgang had their reunion and I accompanied Shirl and Glen hanggang entrance. Witnessed the one of a kind wedding of Eileen and Rico in Baguio (also did some eat-xploring) and Pam and Sannie's special day in Zambo. I'm back to my hometown for the break and doing absolutely nothing...well, some cleaning and baking (once in a while).

Bell Amphitheater at night

And speaking of baking, I need some cooking to do for tonight's Media Noche.

Prospero Año Nuevo!

Couch

2008-12-30T15:21:00.000+08:00

Unplanned Christmas Gift

2008-12-26T10:53:00.000+08:00

Not the 120 or above gig portable external hard drive, for sure.

An unplanned one, actually. Got a very early morning call from Tin, my cousin, informing me of a zero fare sale in Cebu Pacific in any domestic destinations just for Christmas and December 26.

Since my cousins and I planned to have an out of town for so long, this is one great opportunity.

First plan was to go to Iloilo. uhhmm, sked not possible.
Then Cebu. hmm, pwede.
What about Dumaguete (to finally see Antulang)? sked still not possible.
Well, CDO na lang for some canopy walk and a visit to Camiguin. still not possible.
Okey, back to Cebu as point of entry. Check. Very early AM flight to Cebu and be back to Manila early morn on a Tuesday. Double check.

Definitely, Bantayan is not in the agenda. We're making Cebu our point of entry for some R&R in nearby Bohol.

Yay! I can't wait for March. Looks like my backpack will be busy again.

And how much did the tickets cost? 336.00+ for the six of us [Tin, Che, Tere, moi and adopted cousins Carlo and Shirl). Dalawang sine lang sa Gateway/Eastwood.

Happy!

A Groovy Celebration of Lovy

2008-12-26T01:54:00.000+08:00

What do you get when you got hitched up high on the mountains in boho inspired look, a ceremony filled with “moments,” and a shindig reception like no other? It's definitely a moment to remember!

And that was I experienced in Eileen and Rico's church wedding a few days ago. Gone are that too formal and stiff and scripted wedding...no “Ikaw” or “Love Moves” on the background, but Baby I Love Your Way and sax-version of When I Met You.

Early Birds

Shirl and I arrived in Baguio a day before the wedding for a rehearsal but we ended up marching down the aisle 5 times – as ninang, bridesmaid, flowergirl, etc. We even get to hear the band play before anyone else…I tell you, hearing the first notes of Baby I Love Your Way and When I Met You sent shivers down my spine. Wae? For the reason that these two songs are very close to my heart.

The venue without decors

We got to see the venue for reception in its naked glory. Well, that is without the lights and tables and chairs. Standing in the middle of the amphitheater with one’s eyes closed and a little imagination can take you to a different place – candles that light up the trails, stars that bathe the sky and crisp air to hold you close.

This will be one heck of a venue, we said.

Gusto mo bang sumama?

No wedding prep pictures, please. But I can't help it. Photos were discretely (kunyari) taken while prepping for D-hour. No pics of the bride by the window looking over the puno ng mangga (or whatever nakikita over the large window) sa bakuran but shots of her with pang-kulot...lining up the young dudes while donning a bathrobe and making pa-cute in her wedding gown. No dramatic shots here (err, almost).

A touching moment

On the way to the chapel, she played what is supposed to be her last “single” song. While cruising the way to Scout Barrio, we were singing along with Ely “Masdan mo ang aking mata. 'Di mo ba nakikita? Ako ngayo'y lumilipad at nasa langit na. Gusto mo bang sumama ?” What a way to say adieu to singledom by inviting everyone to witness her being in cloud nine.

Singing along with the E-heads

And then we (Eileen, Janelle, Shirl and I) screamed so loud that Kuya Robert might have suffered temp loss of hearing when we were approaching the driveway of the chapel.

Aside from Vince, Shirl and I being the wedding coordinator's nightmares, everything went well...Well, except that Rico was almost married to an Ellen instead of Eileen. Good thing, the officiating priest was corrected right on the wedding vows mismo. We can't help but smile everytime Fr. mentions Ellen. Vince almost had the wedding stop if Fr. didn't stop uttering the wrong name.

Time to smile ---Fr. got it right!

Let's Party!

Camp John Hay's Bell Amphitheater was transformed to a garden of lights with a dance floor. No speeches or AVP or program but full of happy talks over kegs of beer or happy talks on the bonfire or endless chatter over lechon and garden fresh salad or nonstop kwentuhan over beer (did i already mention beer?).

Bell Amphitheater at night

As what the invite said---it was party all night. There was dancing and dancing and dancing. We were not spared from swaying and swinging and wreaking havoc on the dance floor. Who can't say no to 70s and 80s dance tunes? We were indeed children of the late 70s and dekada otsenta.

The newly weds gave thanks to everyone who witnessed their union. I say, we are so grateful to be part of this groovy celebration of love.

Once again, congrats to Eileen and Rico.