On The (Voice) Job
Went back to DLSU yesterday for a new voice job for Wella's (as well as a follow-up session for Reena's) thesis with Rachelle. One challenge on the latter was screaming, as in screaming in fear, something I've never done in my life, well at least not in the way they wanted me to do it. Sure, there's been the occasional startled "Gah!" or the yelling while the roller coaster goes down, but I've never screamed like a woman. Still, I tried my best. Rache was less inhibited about the matter. Then again, being a girl of course she can scream like one.
Mar 14, 2003
Mar 8, 2003
What's Happened So Far...
Late update 'coz the DSL was on the fritz the past couple of days. Parents just got back yesterday from their Southeast Asian cruise via Star Cruise's Superstar Virgo. They got to see Singapore and Malaysia and came back all the oranger for it. Summer heat didn't help.
Two HBO series premiered Thursday on the Solar channel, of all places, The Wire and Oz. The former I was curious to see, though said curiousity quickly waned as I found it boring. The latter was a masterpiece compared to Wire. As proof of how old Oz is Edie Falco of Sopranos fame is in it, looking a bit...healthier then her current role of Carmela Soprano. Wire plays it too straight, while Oz reminds us that, for all its gritty realism the show is still fiction, making use of first person narration and cinematic flashback sequences. The lesson here? Just stick to the critically acclaimed HBO shows. No to Mind of a Married Man, yes to Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Late update 'coz the DSL was on the fritz the past couple of days. Parents just got back yesterday from their Southeast Asian cruise via Star Cruise's Superstar Virgo. They got to see Singapore and Malaysia and came back all the oranger for it. Summer heat didn't help.
Two HBO series premiered Thursday on the Solar channel, of all places, The Wire and Oz. The former I was curious to see, though said curiousity quickly waned as I found it boring. The latter was a masterpiece compared to Wire. As proof of how old Oz is Edie Falco of Sopranos fame is in it, looking a bit...healthier then her current role of Carmela Soprano. Wire plays it too straight, while Oz reminds us that, for all its gritty realism the show is still fiction, making use of first person narration and cinematic flashback sequences. The lesson here? Just stick to the critically acclaimed HBO shows. No to Mind of a Married Man, yes to Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Mar 2, 2003
Here's what I've heard:
There's this Senior student who got in trouble after racking up a huge gambling debt (reportedly ranging from 300K-1M!) from betting in NBA/ college basketball games. After the bookies (also Seniors) couldn't get the money from the student they went to see the Dad. When the Mom found out she told the principal. After a preliminary investigation it turns out a several Juniors and Seniors were into it, but only betting small amounts.
I don't know what's more shocking: the amount the Senior girl owes (yes, the student in trouble is FEMALE) or the very existence of
bookies and bettors in the school. (Then again I was naive enough to think that everyone from our batch would graduate high school still virgins, but's that's another story.)
Bettors and bookies have been identified. Girl (who according to now ex-friends definitely has a gambling problem) initially tried to pay
off the debt with a check that later bounced. Principal asked her not to pay off the debt, as the bookies (and the probably illegal
organization handling the money) don't want to go public with this. School is in a bind about what to do with the girl. She's about to
graduate. They're thinking of having the guilty parties perform community service (as opposed to conduct C, suspension or expulsion)
in school, though what's obviously needed is professional therapist.
Girl's father is no help as he seems to be a gambler as well and condones her daughters behavior ('cept for racking up the huge debt,
of course.) Girl's mother just agrees to what the father says. Girl is stuck on a dangerous path w/c she can't get of because SJCS lacks resources. Man, a lot's changed since I left high school.
There's this Senior student who got in trouble after racking up a huge gambling debt (reportedly ranging from 300K-1M!) from betting in NBA/ college basketball games. After the bookies (also Seniors) couldn't get the money from the student they went to see the Dad. When the Mom found out she told the principal. After a preliminary investigation it turns out a several Juniors and Seniors were into it, but only betting small amounts.
I don't know what's more shocking: the amount the Senior girl owes (yes, the student in trouble is FEMALE) or the very existence of
bookies and bettors in the school. (Then again I was naive enough to think that everyone from our batch would graduate high school still virgins, but's that's another story.)
Bettors and bookies have been identified. Girl (who according to now ex-friends definitely has a gambling problem) initially tried to pay
off the debt with a check that later bounced. Principal asked her not to pay off the debt, as the bookies (and the probably illegal
organization handling the money) don't want to go public with this. School is in a bind about what to do with the girl. She's about to
graduate. They're thinking of having the guilty parties perform community service (as opposed to conduct C, suspension or expulsion)
in school, though what's obviously needed is professional therapist.
Girl's father is no help as he seems to be a gambler as well and condones her daughters behavior ('cept for racking up the huge debt,
of course.) Girl's mother just agrees to what the father says. Girl is stuck on a dangerous path w/c she can't get of because SJCS lacks resources. Man, a lot's changed since I left high school.
Feb 28, 2003
Ouchie
A portion of my face (specifically the area below my left eye, before the cheekbone and after the left nostril) has been numb since yesterday. I couldn't figure out why. Having my teeth cleaned 3 days ago couldn't have caused it, and my sinusitis never displayed such a symptom before. And in contradiction to the numbness when I press hard on the numb area it hurts more than the normal right side of my face, almost like it's tender.
When my folks brought me to their accupuncturist this afternoon he couldn't figure it out, either. Instead he gave me some Chinese physical therapy exercises to do and pressure point massages. He also gave me a 20 minute accupuncture session and stuck needles on my left forearm, right hand, left foot and my numb face. The initial needle push stung, definitely not like an ant bite. Got a nice nap out of it, though. Unfortunately I was also prescribed some ground leaf powder drink to be taken twice a day for the next 4 days. It was the same strong smelling medicine he's having my parents drink, only mine only needs hot water, not boiling water. Hope this goes away soon. The 'rents are going on a cruise for a week starting tomorrow and there's nothing worse than being sick when they're not around.
A portion of my face (specifically the area below my left eye, before the cheekbone and after the left nostril) has been numb since yesterday. I couldn't figure out why. Having my teeth cleaned 3 days ago couldn't have caused it, and my sinusitis never displayed such a symptom before. And in contradiction to the numbness when I press hard on the numb area it hurts more than the normal right side of my face, almost like it's tender.
When my folks brought me to their accupuncturist this afternoon he couldn't figure it out, either. Instead he gave me some Chinese physical therapy exercises to do and pressure point massages. He also gave me a 20 minute accupuncture session and stuck needles on my left forearm, right hand, left foot and my numb face. The initial needle push stung, definitely not like an ant bite. Got a nice nap out of it, though. Unfortunately I was also prescribed some ground leaf powder drink to be taken twice a day for the next 4 days. It was the same strong smelling medicine he's having my parents drink, only mine only needs hot water, not boiling water. Hope this goes away soon. The 'rents are going on a cruise for a week starting tomorrow and there's nothing worse than being sick when they're not around.
And You Thought Driving in the Philippines was a Pain...
Went to get my driver's license renewed yesterday with Aissa, who was renewing Wilson's car registration. Even computerized the Land Transportation Office still couldn't do away with the lines and the delays, presumably because they still entertain "fixers" who come into the office to sneak in the paperwork of their "clients," disregarding the people lined up outside (and the fact that it's totally illegal). Immediately after we parked the car a guy with a ponytail approached Aissa offering to speed up the insurance paperwork for 700 bucks. Meanwhile my journey through the "legitimate" process consisted to a trip to the doctor (2 minutes and 50 bucks), the drug testing center (2 minutes and 300 bucks), drug test proper (15 minutes plus having to pee into a little plastic bottle with the bathroom door open), picture-taking (1 minute), payment (1 hour at the cashier) and finally issuance of the temporary license (30 minutes). I don't know what's more bewildering: the fact that a cursory medical exam is a lot cheaper than being asked to pee into a bottle, or that the whole experience cost 402 pesos and 80 centavos more than the last renewal.
Went to get my driver's license renewed yesterday with Aissa, who was renewing Wilson's car registration. Even computerized the Land Transportation Office still couldn't do away with the lines and the delays, presumably because they still entertain "fixers" who come into the office to sneak in the paperwork of their "clients," disregarding the people lined up outside (and the fact that it's totally illegal). Immediately after we parked the car a guy with a ponytail approached Aissa offering to speed up the insurance paperwork for 700 bucks. Meanwhile my journey through the "legitimate" process consisted to a trip to the doctor (2 minutes and 50 bucks), the drug testing center (2 minutes and 300 bucks), drug test proper (15 minutes plus having to pee into a little plastic bottle with the bathroom door open), picture-taking (1 minute), payment (1 hour at the cashier) and finally issuance of the temporary license (30 minutes). I don't know what's more bewildering: the fact that a cursory medical exam is a lot cheaper than being asked to pee into a bottle, or that the whole experience cost 402 pesos and 80 centavos more than the last renewal.
Feb 25, 2003
Win & Lose
The auction period for a bunch of comics I put up on Ebay ended today. The biggest winner was the Flex Mentallo mini-series at 54 dollars (after an initial "investment" of $4). The biggest loss was the Promethea set with 18 issues for only $10.99, or a buck sixty-three per piece. Yeah, yeah, my orginal intent was to get rid of my collection, and if I happen to make some money out of it, then fine. Still, maybe this will teach me to start the bidding price at cost.
The auction period for a bunch of comics I put up on Ebay ended today. The biggest winner was the Flex Mentallo mini-series at 54 dollars (after an initial "investment" of $4). The biggest loss was the Promethea set with 18 issues for only $10.99, or a buck sixty-three per piece. Yeah, yeah, my orginal intent was to get rid of my collection, and if I happen to make some money out of it, then fine. Still, maybe this will teach me to start the bidding price at cost.
Feb 23, 2003
Easier Said Than Bought
Went to Virramall today in search of back issue comics to sell to Milehigh Comics. Their website posted a list of comics they would pay big (and little) bucks for, like early issues of Witchblade and Planetary. Unfortunately my search through the back issue bins proved fruitless. I did manage to find another issue of Supergirl and a couple of Hitman for my personal collection, though. And CATs finally got the long-delayed (from me) issues of Doom Patrol, except they hiked the price by 10 bucks. That tears it. I'm sticking to Filbar's from now on.
Went to Virramall today in search of back issue comics to sell to Milehigh Comics. Their website posted a list of comics they would pay big (and little) bucks for, like early issues of Witchblade and Planetary. Unfortunately my search through the back issue bins proved fruitless. I did manage to find another issue of Supergirl and a couple of Hitman for my personal collection, though. And CATs finally got the long-delayed (from me) issues of Doom Patrol, except they hiked the price by 10 bucks. That tears it. I'm sticking to Filbar's from now on.
Feb 17, 2003
Sunday Hero
The family (all 3) went to Greenbelt 3 for a family day outing. Actually I and the 3 married couples watched Hero (uninteresting 1st act w/c quickly redeemed itself in the 2nd but lt itself down again in the 3rd) while Boit and the kids arrived afterwards. While hanging around MusicOne after the movie mom decided to treat us to our choice of CDs. I got the Chicago OST and Tony Bennet/ KD Lang, while Sis got Sharon Cuneta. NOt sure What Wilson got. After all of us got together we killed some time in TimeZone before finally having dinner at Italiannis. For once I wasn't able to finish my herb roasted chicken. Damn appetizers.
The family (all 3) went to Greenbelt 3 for a family day outing. Actually I and the 3 married couples watched Hero (uninteresting 1st act w/c quickly redeemed itself in the 2nd but lt itself down again in the 3rd) while Boit and the kids arrived afterwards. While hanging around MusicOne after the movie mom decided to treat us to our choice of CDs. I got the Chicago OST and Tony Bennet/ KD Lang, while Sis got Sharon Cuneta. NOt sure What Wilson got. After all of us got together we killed some time in TimeZone before finally having dinner at Italiannis. For once I wasn't able to finish my herb roasted chicken. Damn appetizers.
Feb 16, 2003
"Hey....you."
Just got home a few minutes ago from another Sy Association banquet with the parents, this time at one of the ballrooms at the Century Park Sheraton (as opposed the the Century Restaurant itself). Before the program started I snuck out to Filbar's Harrison Plaza and bought the latest Punisher and Flash tpbs. Upon my return I was surprised by the presence of 2 familiar faces: Romeo Young (Rafael's older brother) Fai Ting Chua. The former accompanied his wife, who's dad was apparently the new president. It took me a while to recognize the latter (I was juggling with Randolph Ang and Armin Chua) so it's a good thing he texted his b'card to me in mid-conversation. Blah food and even blah-er raffle and "door prizes (200 bucks, a fake Gucci wallet and a pen with an "emergency light" attachment). The surreal moment for me was Ma borrowing the Punisher tpb to read...and actually enjoying it.
Now for horrible Valentine's stories courtesy of Rachelle: while having lunch at their home Rache and family were heard at the sound of a child screaming over their next door neighbor's. When mom climbed up the water tower to peek she started screaming as well from what she saw: 2 rotweilers attacking a child. Blood was everywhere. Mom asks Rache to get a pail to water to throw at the dogs while screaming for anyone next door to come help. Eventually the maid (Rache says its her kid) come out. Twenty-four hours later Rache says the dogs are no longer around and may have been put to sleep.
Her 2nd bit of bad news? Our old Communications teacher Mrs. Amy Lopez Forbes (first local Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? millionaire) may be going blind. It started with headaches, then next thing you know she's cancelling appointments and delegating schoolwork to other faculty members.
First house dogs doing dingo impressions, then old teachers going blind. I chided Rache for telling me news I couldn't make fun of.
Just got home a few minutes ago from another Sy Association banquet with the parents, this time at one of the ballrooms at the Century Park Sheraton (as opposed the the Century Restaurant itself). Before the program started I snuck out to Filbar's Harrison Plaza and bought the latest Punisher and Flash tpbs. Upon my return I was surprised by the presence of 2 familiar faces: Romeo Young (Rafael's older brother) Fai Ting Chua. The former accompanied his wife, who's dad was apparently the new president. It took me a while to recognize the latter (I was juggling with Randolph Ang and Armin Chua) so it's a good thing he texted his b'card to me in mid-conversation. Blah food and even blah-er raffle and "door prizes (200 bucks, a fake Gucci wallet and a pen with an "emergency light" attachment). The surreal moment for me was Ma borrowing the Punisher tpb to read...and actually enjoying it.
Now for horrible Valentine's stories courtesy of Rachelle: while having lunch at their home Rache and family were heard at the sound of a child screaming over their next door neighbor's. When mom climbed up the water tower to peek she started screaming as well from what she saw: 2 rotweilers attacking a child. Blood was everywhere. Mom asks Rache to get a pail to water to throw at the dogs while screaming for anyone next door to come help. Eventually the maid (Rache says its her kid) come out. Twenty-four hours later Rache says the dogs are no longer around and may have been put to sleep.
Her 2nd bit of bad news? Our old Communications teacher Mrs. Amy Lopez Forbes (first local Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? millionaire) may be going blind. It started with headaches, then next thing you know she's cancelling appointments and delegating schoolwork to other faculty members.
First house dogs doing dingo impressions, then old teachers going blind. I chided Rache for telling me news I couldn't make fun of.
Feb 12, 2003
Maybe I Should've Come In...
Yesterday I took a day off from the office. Sort of. Actually I recorded all the news the day before. With Aissa trying to get pregnant seems she's only available for part-time work at the Agno office, so I "volunteered" to assist Tuesdays and Thursdays. Day One did not begin pleasantly with Sis on the helm and bossing me around for the first half hour. Luckily she mellowed out later on, probably when she saw me telling Ma her people skills were miniscule. Work comprised of 2 trips the bank (for deposit and payment), dull paperwork and more dull paperwork. I lazed off after lunch and just watched Signs on DVD. Turns out this movie is like ID4 without the action.
Yesterday I took a day off from the office. Sort of. Actually I recorded all the news the day before. With Aissa trying to get pregnant seems she's only available for part-time work at the Agno office, so I "volunteered" to assist Tuesdays and Thursdays. Day One did not begin pleasantly with Sis on the helm and bossing me around for the first half hour. Luckily she mellowed out later on, probably when she saw me telling Ma her people skills were miniscule. Work comprised of 2 trips the bank (for deposit and payment), dull paperwork and more dull paperwork. I lazed off after lunch and just watched Signs on DVD. Turns out this movie is like ID4 without the action.