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May 6, 2006
May 4, 2006
You Say Bora-Kay, I Say Bora-Kai...
This is a very short story of 3 Beijinoys in Boracay (with 1 cameo by Rad).
DAY 1: Don't believe it when the airline says "45 minute flight," as it was more like an hour, not even counting the airplane's prep time. The 32-seater SeaAir plane might as well have been a G-Liner bus with wings, only G-Liner buses have more seats.
Obligatory airport pre-departure shot.
After Lyndon, Catherine and I arrived in Caticlan airport our travel guide('s sister) welcomed and escorted us to Boracay Island. One tricycle, boat ride and short walk later we checked in our room at La Carmella, which resembled my BLCU dorm in Beijing, only painted in cream.
We had the most expensive brunch at the nearby Boracay Regency and afterwards took to their beachfront, with Lyndon and Catchu wanting to tan (i.e. burn) while I opted to stay in the shade and catch up on sleep (since I only had about 2 hours worth of it since we flew in).
The rest the day was spent walking along the beach. We happened upon one of several sandcastles being built, and quickly took our picture in front of one (thank god for tripods) before somebody asked us to pay money for it.
So we just walked around, being approached by every other guy offering their services in island hopping, parasailing, banana boating, jet-skiing, flying fishing or henna tatooing. (What, no ganja?) A sort of-International incident occurred when 'Don got into an argument w/ a German restaurant owner who refused to cancel our order when we found out that we couldn't use their beach chairs w/o paying extra. (And we were already customers!) We complained to the cops and "filed" a complaint at the local LTO office. Needless to say that was the most stressful plate of calimari I ever ordered.
All that walking brought us to Station One, where we caught sight of a grotto of the Virgin Mary (easily accessible during low tide), a wedding reception being prepared, as well as a couple of celebs (including one b-list lady bronzed beyond belief doing some fire twirling) talking to the Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN's entertainment reporter. Ran into Rad later on.
Later in the evening I found out that my cousin Marlon was one of the standup comics being featured in Jack TV & ETC's promo show. After a satifsying kebab dinner we headed for the show, w/c took forever to start as they were having some trouble getting more people to watch. One of the producers asked if we were staying for the show. When we said yes she asked 'Don and Cat to participate in one of the parlor games. Cool! First night out and already we get TV coverage (and free beer).
My cousin doing his act. I would've added sound but the audience was so quiet...
So after the first two standup acts (Marlon went first and kinda bombed, becoming a front act by default for the more experienced comedian after him) 'Don and Cat were called up for the game: condom blowing. 'Don won by 2 "balloons" and they got a couple of gift bags (free sample condoms and shirts, natch).
No gym? Improvise. Ab crunches before bedtime.
Day 2: Ran into my friend Harry the DJ on the beach. Turns out he and his crew also booked at La Carmella and he hosting a show tonight at Station One. The day was spent walking around D'Mall (the one Pinoy habit that's hard to break, it seems). Spotted Maui Taylor and her natural flotation devices.
We booked a flying fish ride for 4PM but overnapped, missing our appointment. While waiting for the ride (that eventually) never came), chance passenger style, Catcho honed her sand sculpting skills. I found a plastic crab mould earlier this morning that was just begging to be used. 'Don was making busy making "Hero of the Beach" poses.
Probably the 11 ka-zillionth henna tattoo done since we arrived.
Day 3: Went scuba diving for the first time. Cool stuff, w/ minimal moments of panic. Seinfeld spoke the truth when he said the main goal of scuba diving is to Not Die. In my case it was that and make sure the fishies don't nibble my fingers off while I fed them crackers. After lunch (a half-pound burger) the 3 of us were supposed to join the 2nd diving trip but were ditched by Lyndon's "friends" for actually arriving right on time. Whatever. We tried the flying fish ride, instead. Speedboat drivers finally managed to throw me and 'Don off the thing on the 5th turn. (500 bucks for aching biceps and this...?)
Pizza and salad for dinner. Went shoe shopping at D'Mall, where I finally found the perfect leather sandals to replace my old ones.
All the way to Station 1 for Johah's Fruit Shakes. (If it's so good why couldn't Jonah open a another shop at Station 2?)
DAY 4: On the last day Mother Nature decides to cool down a bit and actually bring down rain. Lots of rain. Our flight home was delayed. Celebrities spotted in the departure area include Chinggay Andrada and Agot Isidro (growl...).
DAY 1: Don't believe it when the airline says "45 minute flight," as it was more like an hour, not even counting the airplane's prep time. The 32-seater SeaAir plane might as well have been a G-Liner bus with wings, only G-Liner buses have more seats.
Obligatory airport pre-departure shot.
After Lyndon, Catherine and I arrived in Caticlan airport our travel guide('s sister) welcomed and escorted us to Boracay Island. One tricycle, boat ride and short walk later we checked in our room at La Carmella, which resembled my BLCU dorm in Beijing, only painted in cream.
We had the most expensive brunch at the nearby Boracay Regency and afterwards took to their beachfront, with Lyndon and Catchu wanting to tan (i.e. burn) while I opted to stay in the shade and catch up on sleep (since I only had about 2 hours worth of it since we flew in).
The rest the day was spent walking along the beach. We happened upon one of several sandcastles being built, and quickly took our picture in front of one (thank god for tripods) before somebody asked us to pay money for it.All that walking brought us to Station One, where we caught sight of a grotto of the Virgin Mary (easily accessible during low tide), a wedding reception being prepared, as well as a couple of celebs (including one b-list lady bronzed beyond belief doing some fire twirling) talking to the Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN's entertainment reporter. Ran into Rad later on.
Later in the evening I found out that my cousin Marlon was one of the standup comics being featured in Jack TV & ETC's promo show. After a satifsying kebab dinner we headed for the show, w/c took forever to start as they were having some trouble getting more people to watch. One of the producers asked if we were staying for the show. When we said yes she asked 'Don and Cat to participate in one of the parlor games. Cool! First night out and already we get TV coverage (and free beer).
My cousin doing his act. I would've added sound but the audience was so quiet...
So after the first two standup acts (Marlon went first and kinda bombed, becoming a front act by default for the more experienced comedian after him) 'Don and Cat were called up for the game: condom blowing. 'Don won by 2 "balloons" and they got a couple of gift bags (free sample condoms and shirts, natch).
No gym? Improvise. Ab crunches before bedtime.
Day 2: Ran into my friend Harry the DJ on the beach. Turns out he and his crew also booked at La Carmella and he hosting a show tonight at Station One. The day was spent walking around D'Mall (the one Pinoy habit that's hard to break, it seems). Spotted Maui Taylor and her natural flotation devices.
We booked a flying fish ride for 4PM but overnapped, missing our appointment. While waiting for the ride (that eventually) never came), chance passenger style, Catcho honed her sand sculpting skills. I found a plastic crab mould earlier this morning that was just begging to be used. 'Don was making busy making "Hero of the Beach" poses.
"See, there was this long line of people having their picture taken in front of the sandcastle, so..."
Probably the 11 ka-zillionth henna tattoo done since we arrived.
.
Killing time at one of the Boracay Regency lounges.
Killing time at one of the Boracay Regency lounges.
Day 3: Went scuba diving for the first time. Cool stuff, w/ minimal moments of panic. Seinfeld spoke the truth when he said the main goal of scuba diving is to Not Die. In my case it was that and make sure the fishies don't nibble my fingers off while I fed them crackers. After lunch (a half-pound burger) the 3 of us were supposed to join the 2nd diving trip but were ditched by Lyndon's "friends" for actually arriving right on time. Whatever. We tried the flying fish ride, instead. Speedboat drivers finally managed to throw me and 'Don off the thing on the 5th turn. (500 bucks for aching biceps and this...?)
Pizza and salad for dinner. Went shoe shopping at D'Mall, where I finally found the perfect leather sandals to replace my old ones.
All the way to Station 1 for Johah's Fruit Shakes. (If it's so good why couldn't Jonah open a another shop at Station 2?)
DAY 4: On the last day Mother Nature decides to cool down a bit and actually bring down rain. Lots of rain. Our flight home was delayed. Celebrities spotted in the departure area include Chinggay Andrada and Agot Isidro (growl...).
Yeah, Asian Spirit's plane was so small and rickety that a using a circa-1960s portable TV, a Walkman or pseudo-Gameboy might interfere with its operations and take us down.
Stats:
- Money spent for everything: About 18K
- Slightly sunburned areas: 2
- One-piece bathing suit sightings: 0
- Water bottles lost: 1
- Celebrity sightings: 9
- Sunblock application: 2x a day
- Pictures taken: 102
- Ladies scored: 0
Apr 23, 2006
Mary Jane in Shanghai
As I type this my friend Bitey is currently drunk and (probably) high from smoking weed in Shanghai.
Man, some people have all the fun.
(The weed, not the drunkeness. That she needs help for.)
Man, some people have all the fun.
(The weed, not the drunkeness. That she needs help for.)
Apr 16, 2006
Cute Easter Images
From my front yard:
Ryan & Jade. Awen't they cute?
Sigh. This is a place to vent. Any repurcussions that might come from my venting I will handle. I mean, last time I checked I'm still an adult.
* * *
The problem with a blog is a lack of control in terms of audience. Some people you know (re: relatives) read it and think that about putting their 2 cents in by way of Ma, of all people. Concern noted, Sis. But at the risk of stating the obvious, w/ relatives it's a fine line between concern and butting in.Sigh. This is a place to vent. Any repurcussions that might come from my venting I will handle. I mean, last time I checked I'm still an adult.
Apr 15, 2006
Apr 14, 2006
Crap
Feel like crap. For the past 2 hours I was writhing in mild agony in bed. Sis' kids are here, with Mia and Ryan sick. Probably caught some bug from then, and in less than 24 hours... no less. Stuffy nose, stomach cramps (though that might be due the lasanga for dinner and milk just before bed), chills, and skin feels sensitive. Actually got up to drink some water and blog my current situation at 3 AM (while looking up something on acupressure points to relieve stomach pain).
ARrrrgh. Feel. Like. Crap. Must... quarrantine... children...
UPDATE: It's now 9 1/2 hours later. After much "sleep," fluid intake and peeing, my condition has improved. Abs feel sore, but at least headaches are gone. Actually dreamt an idea for a TV series (as well as me complaining to Ma for not checking up on me).
ARrrrgh. Feel. Like. Crap. Must... quarrantine... children...
UPDATE: It's now 9 1/2 hours later. After much "sleep," fluid intake and peeing, my condition has improved. Abs feel sore, but at least headaches are gone. Actually dreamt an idea for a TV series (as well as me complaining to Ma for not checking up on me).
Apr 12, 2006
Best Babe Buds Birthday Bash
As good friends go, I could never go wrong with Becca, DJ and Mitch, all of whom I met in college. Along with Vince, Victor, Sasha, Joanna and Ellie (and at some point in time Zsar), I was endeared to this small circle of HabitatTM memebers. Their propensity in English plus love for comics and American pop culture had me hooked. It was like I finally had a outlet for my Western sense of humor. If this was Sex & the City I'd be.... Stanley, unfortunately.Every time we meet (w/c is rarely) there's never enough time to catch up. This year (the meetings seem to be annual) it was at The Dome just outside Podium. We chatted and laughed away like old times while I attempted to chew through a leathery excuse of a rib-eye beef sandwich. Bex bought me cake while DJ treated us to Starbucks. Alas, she couldn't stay long, so the rest of us opted to meet up with Victor (w/ me driving) as he was closing up his crepe restaurant in Greenhills.
Apr 9, 2006
Do You Make Out Next to a Parking Meter?
From Reuters:
"Whacha lookin' at?"
"Shhh. They've been spit-swapping for 3 minutes and counting."
"I'm getting reports of a robbery in the store around the corner..."
"Screw that. This is way hotter."
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Unrelated people who kiss each other on the lips for more than five minutes at public places in the Indonesian city of Tangerang will face arrest.
The government in Tangerang, a suburb west of Jakarta, defended the regulation as a practical guideline for its officers to follow up on tough and heavily criticized anti-prostitution laws passed by the city council last year.
How would this be enforced w/o having cops look like leering perverts?"Whacha lookin' at?"
"Shhh. They've been spit-swapping for 3 minutes and counting."
"I'm getting reports of a robbery in the store around the corner..."
"Screw that. This is way hotter."
Apr 3, 2006
Niece Talking w/ You
Talking to my almost-5-year-old niece Mia last week, I was glad to know that she knew the difference between cartoon violence and real violence. Sure, she doesn't know how to read yet, but as life lessons go, this was a big leap foward.The topic was The Tom & Jerry Show. She knew that any demise met by Tom the cat would mostly prove fatal to real cats. How'd she know? She told me she saw a cat get run over by a car outside her home, and even added detail about how the eyes popped out. I asked her if she cried or if it scared her, and she said no. (Thanks, television's power of desensitizing the youth.)
And you can tell she's been watching a lot of TV. She knows The Justice League. Her familiarity with Spider-Man is from the movies and not the comics. Last Christmas her gift of choice was Polly Pocket.
Apr 1, 2006
My Weekend So Far...
Friday: Had dinner with Beijinoys old at Yuujin, the new Japanese restaurant (that looked like it used to be a house) on Wilson Street. Pricey food, but Lyndon wanted to try it out. Met Arlene (Ang)'s boyfriend Ritchie, Shinyzz (wearing glasses and looking like Jessica Zafra, Jr.) and Diane Sy (alleged Heart Evangelista lookalike). Finally paid and got the planes tickets for our Boracay trip.After dinner we headed out to Greenhills and ended up in Bizu. Pricey pastries, so I just had water.
Saturday: Spent the whole afternoon w/ Eileen at Gateway (luckily driving to and from there was easy). Watched Ice Age 2 (wait for DVD), bought a couple Marvel hardcovers (and the latest 100 Bullets trade) and had sandwiches at Subway. (Thatsa SPI-cy olives!)
The 'rents were going out for dinner so I bought some KFC takeout. When I got home Sis and the kids were there (house being fumigated for termites) to stay overnight (the kids, anyway). Did 2 supersets (lower back pain!) and had a KFCLT sandwich(on wheat bread) with Tang for a late dinner. Ah, details.
Sunday: Oti's GF Dionne's b-day today. Cake was served. Pancakes for merienda later on. They went off to SM Megamall to watch Ice Age 2. Circle of Life complete.