May 22, 2006
Pix for 2-Day(s)
SuNdAy: Attended a relative's(?) engagement lunch and, as these typical Tsinoy ceremonies go, was very G.I. and filled with cigarette smoke. The only things that kept me from going insanely bored was texting and checking out the children's party on the ground floor of the restaurant.
Three fashion faux pax. Either he's in anchorman mode (only dressed up from the waist up) or just doesn't care. Faces blurred to avoid further humiliation.
Get it? Mommies for the mummy wrap game. Brilliant.
Another game, "The Longest Line." More ingenuity. Before the game started I was already thinking, wouldn't it be funny if the kids started taking off their shirts as well as their socks...?
TODAY: It felt... karmic today. Actually got down to the office at 8:30, or half an hour earlier than usual, an later I got a salary raise. At the bank and gave smiles and greeted the tellers, and got great service in return.
But Bitey still won't reply to any of my messages. Not sure what I did to deserve the silent treatment, if it's intentional.
Stopped by the newest branch of Ideal Vision Center, owned by high school classmate Rachel Joy Go and her family. This is her sister Nel, who helped me choose (and buy) a new pair of sunglasses (not the ones in this pic, though).
Three fashion faux pax. Either he's in anchorman mode (only dressed up from the waist up) or just doesn't care. Faces blurred to avoid further humiliation.
Get it? Mommies for the mummy wrap game. Brilliant.
Another game, "The Longest Line." More ingenuity. Before the game started I was already thinking, wouldn't it be funny if the kids started taking off their shirts as well as their socks...?
TODAY: It felt... karmic today. Actually got down to the office at 8:30, or half an hour earlier than usual, an later I got a salary raise. At the bank and gave smiles and greeted the tellers, and got great service in return.But Bitey still won't reply to any of my messages. Not sure what I did to deserve the silent treatment, if it's intentional.
* * *
Checked out the new SM Mall of Asia w/ the 'rents. Place is vast. Parking was an adventure in itself. Surprised to spot a few familiar faces (like Rex, 'Don and Catchu and one girl who was managing the GWrap booth but couldn't remember from where I know her).
Store window display. Ah, Georgina. If only I was younger, taller (the girl's 5'9"!) and actually knew you in person...my life would STILL be same.
May 20, 2006
Saturday with The Office
Went to Robinson's Ermita (ran into Ajin & Edison) and caught Over the Hedge (w/c, IMO, is money better spent than watching the hype-and-hoopla all this and the next few weeks that is The Da Vinci Code) with Eileen. Afterwards we went to Popeye's for Lynette's son Riley's birthday. Cool group canvas of the cast (there's a Castor Oyl for Olive Oyl), and of course Popeye and Olive Oyl the mascots were a hit. Got my godson a Guess shirt.
Another interesting find was the reopened Comics Odyssey, with P20-an-issue (or $0.38) comics in boxes outside the shop, as well as a Buy 5 Get 1 Free offer. Boy, my legs and feet were killing me from crouching and sifting, but I missed the "thrill of the hunt" for back issues, seeing as how most of my comics reading is lately done on PC. Ironically the issues I reallly wanted to find were in the "regular" back-issue bins in the shop (Peter David's and John Ostrander's runs on Supergirl and The Spectre, respectively).
Just finished with the 2nd season of the UK version of The Office, w/c is one of the hardest comedies for me to watch. Don't get me wrong: Ricky Gervais, et al is brilliant. It's just that personally I hate watching awkward moments I know are forthcoming. Again, not "slagging" the show, as they'd say. I literally fast foward those scenes, but sheepishly go back so I don't miss the joke.
Unlike The Office US (w/ the equally brillant Steve Carell) they don't pull any punches. Awkward silences are the norm, but they don't alway go for the happy ending, the way TOUS does. And there's definitely more drama. They were right to stop with 12 episodes (and 1 special). Leave on a high (and awkwardly silent) note.
Finally: attempted to finished a mug of oatmeal sprinkled with raisins.
Last time I did something like this it was with diced fresh mango.
Never. Again.
Another interesting find was the reopened Comics Odyssey, with P20-an-issue (or $0.38) comics in boxes outside the shop, as well as a Buy 5 Get 1 Free offer. Boy, my legs and feet were killing me from crouching and sifting, but I missed the "thrill of the hunt" for back issues, seeing as how most of my comics reading is lately done on PC. Ironically the issues I reallly wanted to find were in the "regular" back-issue bins in the shop (Peter David's and John Ostrander's runs on Supergirl and The Spectre, respectively).
* * *
Just finished with the 2nd season of the UK version of The Office, w/c is one of the hardest comedies for me to watch. Don't get me wrong: Ricky Gervais, et al is brilliant. It's just that personally I hate watching awkward moments I know are forthcoming. Again, not "slagging" the show, as they'd say. I literally fast foward those scenes, but sheepishly go back so I don't miss the joke.
Unlike The Office US (w/ the equally brillant Steve Carell) they don't pull any punches. Awkward silences are the norm, but they don't alway go for the happy ending, the way TOUS does. And there's definitely more drama. They were right to stop with 12 episodes (and 1 special). Leave on a high (and awkwardly silent) note.
* * *
Finally: attempted to finished a mug of oatmeal sprinkled with raisins.
Last time I did something like this it was with diced fresh mango.
Never. Again.
May 16, 2006
Gross Posts
WARNING: Avert your gaze now if the mention of fecal matter (and other rectally related items) makes you cringe.
INCIDENT ONE: It's been awhile since I cooked pasta (recent health craze on my part had me avoiding that and white bread as much as possible), so when Ma requested spaghetti for dinner I didn't object.
There was an open bag of Royal spaghetti with enough left over for about 3-4 servings. Got the water boiling, added some oil and salt, grabbed the remaining handfull of uncooked spaghetti, broke them in half and put it in the pot. Hmm, some strands left over in the bag, I thought, so I poured them in, as well.
Along with-- to my horror -- a dozen or so little black pellets.
Crap! (Specifically, cockroach crap.)
After unsuccessful attemps to fish out all the roach pellets with a ladle I opted to just dump the water, wash the 1-minute cooked pasta thoroughly and start over.
Well, at least it didn't affect the flavor.
INCIDENT TWO: While clearing the office desk I saw a folded sheet of Kleenex on the opposite shelf. When I took the napkin to toss it out I felt something inside, so I unfolded it.
It looked like a transluscent golf tee, or a glue gun stick that was almost used up.
Ugh, it's wet. Ma, what's this?
Ma pondered for a second.
Ah, it's a suppository.
Then I remembered: earlier today my neice Jasmine was constipated.
Why. Am. I. Still. Holding. This?
INCIDENT ONE: It's been awhile since I cooked pasta (recent health craze on my part had me avoiding that and white bread as much as possible), so when Ma requested spaghetti for dinner I didn't object.
There was an open bag of Royal spaghetti with enough left over for about 3-4 servings. Got the water boiling, added some oil and salt, grabbed the remaining handfull of uncooked spaghetti, broke them in half and put it in the pot. Hmm, some strands left over in the bag, I thought, so I poured them in, as well.
Along with-- to my horror -- a dozen or so little black pellets.
Crap! (Specifically, cockroach crap.)
After unsuccessful attemps to fish out all the roach pellets with a ladle I opted to just dump the water, wash the 1-minute cooked pasta thoroughly and start over.
Well, at least it didn't affect the flavor.
INCIDENT TWO: While clearing the office desk I saw a folded sheet of Kleenex on the opposite shelf. When I took the napkin to toss it out I felt something inside, so I unfolded it.
It looked like a transluscent golf tee, or a glue gun stick that was almost used up.
Ugh, it's wet. Ma, what's this?
Ma pondered for a second.
Ah, it's a suppository.
Then I remembered: earlier today my neice Jasmine was constipated.
Why. Am. I. Still. Holding. This?
May 14, 2006
Good Day, Dale
It was a good day. Attended my first all-day Dale Carnegie class. Had dinner and went shopping w/ Wella. The only surreal moment was at Powerbooks (Megamall) when, while waiting for Wella, I was unwillingly subjected to a DVD menu loop of Paul Anka singing Smells Like Teen Spirit, 1950s big band style.
Lastly, I found out that the stupid Bitlord program and set at 20kbps max download, w/c was why the damn thing was slow when it shouldn't have been. ANYhoo, I'm now up to a top dl speed of 60kpbs. Wonder if PLDT is doing this so I won't ask for a rebate for the lousy connection speed the past month?
Lastly, I found out that the stupid Bitlord program and set at 20kbps max download, w/c was why the damn thing was slow when it shouldn't have been. ANYhoo, I'm now up to a top dl speed of 60kpbs. Wonder if PLDT is doing this so I won't ask for a rebate for the lousy connection speed the past month?
May 12, 2006
Friday, Rainy Friday
First rainy morning of the summer. First time inna while I woke up to dark skies.
Oh, and on a weird note: I woke in the middle of the night and found my boxers next to me instead of on me. Great. Now I sleep-strip.
Oh, and on a weird note: I woke in the middle of the night and found my boxers next to me instead of on me. Great. Now I sleep-strip.
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.