Much to blog about, but w/ work and other projects, I can't do it all. So while what follows violates my no-posting-non-daily-life-related stuff-here-that's-what-the-other-blog-is-for rule, it's meant to tide you readers over 'til I get my shizzle together:
Michael Jackson's Thriller as a 64-piece acapella number:
Oct 28, 2008
Oct 21, 2008
Iloilo and Bacolod Baycay (Part 1 of 4)
Flew to Iloilo last Thursday to attend Arsenio and Ronstadt's wedding, and planned to visit the Bacolodians over the weekend.
Day 1 (Oct. 16):
Christian picked me up at the new (as in it wasn't there last year) Iloilo International Airport. We first stopped the newly expanded offices of AM Trading, where I called Dennis' cel and found out he never left Manila (way to waste plane fare, man). This turned out to be good thing because Century 21 Hotel gave me a room with a double bed. I planned to switch but changed my mind when I found out AM's footing the bill (You didn't have to, Senador, so thanks). In hindsight the rate they charged for a room without real blankets, pillow-covers, slippers and a weak air conditioner was a bit much. Good thing the gave AM Trading a discount.
Chirst and wifey Chey picked me up again for dinner. I have this habit of not remembering the names of the restaurants I go to when I travel outta town, unless I take a picture of said resto. Not to say that the food wasn't memorable (great salmon, great ribs), but I'm there for the company. Bride-to-be Rons was staying in the hotel across the street, but it seems the bad-luck-to-see-bride-before-wedding suspicion extends to wedding guests. We had a nightcap at Blue Jay, were I played one sachet of sugar too many in my mocha latte. After they brought me back to the hotel I finished the evening watching the BBC Series Midnight Man via the portable DVD player I brought along. Also wondered why all the cable channel selections seem better outside Metro Manila (oooh, F/X and Fox Crime! Endless sports channels! Sarcastic enthusiasm now!)
Day 1 (Oct. 16):
Christian picked me up at the new (as in it wasn't there last year) Iloilo International Airport. We first stopped the newly expanded offices of AM Trading, where I called Dennis' cel and found out he never left Manila (way to waste plane fare, man). This turned out to be good thing because Century 21 Hotel gave me a room with a double bed. I planned to switch but changed my mind when I found out AM's footing the bill (You didn't have to, Senador, so thanks). In hindsight the rate they charged for a room without real blankets, pillow-covers, slippers and a weak air conditioner was a bit much. Good thing the gave AM Trading a discount.
Chirst and wifey Chey picked me up again for dinner. I have this habit of not remembering the names of the restaurants I go to when I travel outta town, unless I take a picture of said resto. Not to say that the food wasn't memorable (great salmon, great ribs), but I'm there for the company. Bride-to-be Rons was staying in the hotel across the street, but it seems the bad-luck-to-see-bride-before-wedding suspicion extends to wedding guests. We had a nightcap at Blue Jay, were I played one sachet of sugar too many in my mocha latte. After they brought me back to the hotel I finished the evening watching the BBC Series Midnight Man via the portable DVD player I brought along. Also wondered why all the cable channel selections seem better outside Metro Manila (oooh, F/X and Fox Crime! Endless sports channels! Sarcastic enthusiasm now!)
Oct 12, 2008
Game, Set, Match
They made it official on the 10th. It's been exciting, loving, intense, experimental, frisky, funny, relaxing... and nice, all at the same time.
Now for the 'Rents (his and hers) to get into the game...
Now for the 'Rents (his and hers) to get into the game...
Oct 8, 2008
Wednesdate
On the one hand he had to rush dinner, endure rude jeepney drivers to get to her place, almost slip on the algae-laced driveway AND misplace his 8GB thumb-drive* that contained the TV shows they were supposed to watch (good thing he brought a copy of Mrs. Henderson on DVD as a backup plan). The unprepared batch of Cadbury Hot Chocolate mix he brought was left as such, as well.
On the other hand they made out while attempting to concentrate on the dry comedic styling of both Dame Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. The End.
*Still missing as of this entry. Did the car seat swallow it?!?
I would like to apologize to the Contessa for upsetting her and not knowing when to quit when it came to showing her the extent of how any of us (her in particular) are vulnerable to having our seemingly personal and private information open online for anyone who does a simple Google search. Stalkers suck, truly. Identity thieves, too.
On the other hand they made out while attempting to concentrate on the dry comedic styling of both Dame Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. The End.
*Still missing as of this entry. Did the car seat swallow it?!?
* * *
I would like to apologize to the Contessa for upsetting her and not knowing when to quit when it came to showing her the extent of how any of us (her in particular) are vulnerable to having our seemingly personal and private information open online for anyone who does a simple Google search. Stalkers suck, truly. Identity thieves, too.
Oct 7, 2008
Sundate
In the afternoon he drove to her place as promised. He tried to help get her Internet connection running by dial-up card (unsuccessful but tried again later) while drinking hazelnut vanilla coffee and scarfing porkball-flavored siopao.
After getting a brief tour of the ground floor of the house (lots of cars and empty aquariums), they hung out at the "prayer meeting room" where they watched episodes from latest season of Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles. (He wanted to watch movies but her apparently socially-conscious laptop wouldn't play generic DVD-RWs.) Forsake the image of a couple cuddling w/ their backs turned to a giant wooden crucifix. It was nothing compared to that thing she does using just her nose that would make Inuits blush. (At this point further detail would be unseemly. Go look for Mills & Boon w/o the sap, while I go and pray I don't suffer brain damage or long-term memory loss. Only the Contessa gets details, and even then not everything.)
While "taking it slow" isn't how he'd prefer things at his age, he opted to go home for dinner and leave this afternoon's events as a moment in itself.
He once said, thought and believed that his Ex ruined him for other women. This one seems to be debunking that notion one meeting at a time.
After getting a brief tour of the ground floor of the house (lots of cars and empty aquariums), they hung out at the "prayer meeting room" where they watched episodes from latest season of Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles. (He wanted to watch movies but her apparently socially-conscious laptop wouldn't play generic DVD-RWs.) Forsake the image of a couple cuddling w/ their backs turned to a giant wooden crucifix. It was nothing compared to that thing she does using just her nose that would make Inuits blush. (At this point further detail would be unseemly. Go look for Mills & Boon w/o the sap, while I go and pray I don't suffer brain damage or long-term memory loss. Only the Contessa gets details, and even then not everything.)
While "taking it slow" isn't how he'd prefer things at his age, he opted to go home for dinner and leave this afternoon's events as a moment in itself.
He once said, thought and believed that his Ex ruined him for other women. This one seems to be debunking that notion one meeting at a time.
Oct 4, 2008
Saturdate
He spent all afternoon (and early-late evening) w/ her at ChiliBucks, . Lunch (and dinner dessert0 at the first half. At the second half watched House and Chris Rock, sipped lattes and cuddled. Made do w/ the hard chairs since the college students virtually set up camp at the couch sections. She wanted to maximize her midnight curfew, but the lack of sleep on his part meant he'd be unable to give her his full attention all throughout. He brought her home around ten and drove home for some paracetamol.
She's free, staying home all day. She wants him to visit.
She's free, staying home all day. She wants him to visit.
Oct 2, 2008
The First Bump
When he didn't contact her when he was supposed to this afternoon it kinda made her mad. And disappointed. Even after he apologized he didn't realize how badly he screwed up 'til later while they drove to meet w/ her friends for dinner at Toscana Pizzeria (where he was finally introduced to Lorena, Monica and Sherbert).
INT. CAR NIGHT
CUT TO CU of GUY'S INNER JACKASS KICKING HIMSELF
After dinner the drive back to her house became a last-minute nightcap w/ ice white-choco lattes. She said she was feeling cold so he held her hands. After they stepped out to sit outside amidst the humid evening he still held and caressed her hands while they talked. She said a she's a stickler for honesty, keeping your word and taking responsibility. He just wanted to kiss her.
So like the gentlemen/wuss that he is after he dropped her off at her place he asked if he could. She opted for a full hug. Fair enough, he thought. Screwed up today, and a simple hand rub (ugh, that sounded dirty) won't fix things overnight.
Probably should've asked her back at Starbucks.
INT. CAR NIGHT
GUY
So what were you looking forward to, afternoon at Starbucks?
Watching the movie with the big TV?
Watching the movie with the big TV?
GIRL
No, spending time together.
CUT TO CU of GUY'S INNER JACKASS KICKING HIMSELF
After dinner the drive back to her house became a last-minute nightcap w/ ice white-choco lattes. She said she was feeling cold so he held her hands. After they stepped out to sit outside amidst the humid evening he still held and caressed her hands while they talked. She said a she's a stickler for honesty, keeping your word and taking responsibility. He just wanted to kiss her.
So like the gentlemen/wuss that he is after he dropped her off at her place he asked if he could. She opted for a full hug. Fair enough, he thought. Screwed up today, and a simple hand rub (ugh, that sounded dirty) won't fix things overnight.
Probably should've asked her back at Starbucks.
Sep 29, 2008
Polu Kai & Wilgin
Two Names to sum up the weekend.
SATURDAY: Afternoon at Galleria to pick up Twilight books for Sis while taking advantage of Lola's NBS employee discount. After this it's the bargain basement Nicholas Sparks books on hardcover.
Later tonight it was time to meet her circle of friends at the Hawaiian-themed Polu Kai restaurant in Serendra (but not before hanging out at Fully Booked). One of them (belated B-Day celebrant Pearl) was escorted by BoiT to her ball when she was a sophie in ICA. Tonight was a post birthday and prewedding dinner w/ fiance Mark. To complete the roster there was Tanya (niece of not-name-dropping-just-stating-fact Lani Mercado), her beau Jay (saxophonist), Leslie and Vince (commercial model and current ambassador of MSG--seriously).
Food was similar to your average big-family meal resto, save for the half-off cocktails menu for first time customers (she had a mai tai). After dinner it was a nightcap at CB&TL and occasionally receiving texts from Ma. Sigh.
At least this time a good excuse for the lateness was to be had, namely getting lost on the road again (really hate driving out of The Fort at night) before finding our way back to Ortigas. The long winding trip gave us an opportunity for A Talk. Boundaries weren't exactly set, but she knew where I stood on things. While she hasn't fallen, at least she's leaning in that direction. While I said she scores Yes answers on my 3 Qs to know when I'm into someone (plus the uncanny amount of things we have in common), she said I make her laugh. One down, 3 to go. And no besos this time. We're moving on to body contact.
SUNDAY: TinTin's wedding day. She met Wilgin at the wedding of 2 other Beijinoys, Ajin and Edison (who were present, along w/ Joy, Eileen and Ivy at both ceremonies). Vows were exchanged at the church in Damar Village (I did First Reading, Boit on Responsorial Psalm and Wilson on Second Reading). 'Son and I spent most of the ceremony commenting on the camera and video people. The lady photographer stood out mostly because of her hunched, s-shaped frame, like someone externally following her spinal curvature. If this was the long-term effect of lugging around 2 bulky digital SLRs w/ big-@$$ lenses attached to them at a time, I would've invested either in hiring an assistant to let him handle impending scoliosis or buy a push-cart.
After the wedding we stopped by the newlyweds home, located on the 3rd floor of a vertical condo almost similar to the one I stayed in in Beijing, only less cramped. The multi-colored blips and faux crystal cover on the ceiling lights were enough to convince me that a Chonker thought of the design. (The 2 40-inch Samsung LCDS were a good distraction.) Snacks were served in the form of sodas, bottled water, mamon and chiffon cakes.
Reception was at the Makati Shang, where they set up a snack stands (mildly spicy mixed nuts and mild wasabi-flavored potato chips) and a water bar outside the Rizal Ballroom.
We were again treated to the hosting skills of Michael. Didn't win the Bingo game, but at least they decided to forego any bouquet/garter-centered games.
SATURDAY: Afternoon at Galleria to pick up Twilight books for Sis while taking advantage of Lola's NBS employee discount. After this it's the bargain basement Nicholas Sparks books on hardcover.
Later tonight it was time to meet her circle of friends at the Hawaiian-themed Polu Kai restaurant in Serendra (but not before hanging out at Fully Booked). One of them (belated B-Day celebrant Pearl) was escorted by BoiT to her ball when she was a sophie in ICA. Tonight was a post birthday and prewedding dinner w/ fiance Mark. To complete the roster there was Tanya (niece of not-name-dropping-just-stating-fact Lani Mercado), her beau Jay (saxophonist), Leslie and Vince (commercial model and current ambassador of MSG--seriously).Food was similar to your average big-family meal resto, save for the half-off cocktails menu for first time customers (she had a mai tai). After dinner it was a nightcap at CB&TL and occasionally receiving texts from Ma. Sigh.
At least this time a good excuse for the lateness was to be had, namely getting lost on the road again (really hate driving out of The Fort at night) before finding our way back to Ortigas. The long winding trip gave us an opportunity for A Talk. Boundaries weren't exactly set, but she knew where I stood on things. While she hasn't fallen, at least she's leaning in that direction. While I said she scores Yes answers on my 3 Qs to know when I'm into someone (plus the uncanny amount of things we have in common), she said I make her laugh. One down, 3 to go. And no besos this time. We're moving on to body contact.
SUNDAY: TinTin's wedding day. She met Wilgin at the wedding of 2 other Beijinoys, Ajin and Edison (who were present, along w/ Joy, Eileen and Ivy at both ceremonies). Vows were exchanged at the church in Damar Village (I did First Reading, Boit on Responsorial Psalm and Wilson on Second Reading). 'Son and I spent most of the ceremony commenting on the camera and video people. The lady photographer stood out mostly because of her hunched, s-shaped frame, like someone externally following her spinal curvature. If this was the long-term effect of lugging around 2 bulky digital SLRs w/ big-@$$ lenses attached to them at a time, I would've invested either in hiring an assistant to let him handle impending scoliosis or buy a push-cart.
After the wedding we stopped by the newlyweds home, located on the 3rd floor of a vertical condo almost similar to the one I stayed in in Beijing, only less cramped. The multi-colored blips and faux crystal cover on the ceiling lights were enough to convince me that a Chonker thought of the design. (The 2 40-inch Samsung LCDS were a good distraction.) Snacks were served in the form of sodas, bottled water, mamon and chiffon cakes.
Reception was at the Makati Shang, where they set up a snack stands (mildly spicy mixed nuts and mild wasabi-flavored potato chips) and a water bar outside the Rizal Ballroom.
We were again treated to the hosting skills of Michael. Didn't win the Bingo game, but at least they decided to forego any bouquet/garter-centered games.
Sep 24, 2008
(Non) Date Dont's
"It's a non-date," he told himself. A date is dinner and/or a movie, a nice stroll, mebbe watching her shop for clothes and shoes while observing other men with their own female companions doing the same. At best tonight was gimik thing watching a show (free S.P.I.T. performance again).
Then fate (or luck) steps in. One friend calls in sick. Other friend to visit a sick relative. The sick scenario is never disputed nor questioned, he knows. Not that he's ever used that excuse before (he prefers the no-transportation line). Smooth sailing? Not exactly. Murphy's Law was being enforced.
First, the unwanted promise of a rainstorm. News said it was passing by 48 hours ago, but apparently it doubled-back just to screw w/ his day. He already knew the romantic concept of rain is only when you're indoors.
After nervously looking at every other street corner to make sure he didn't miss making that crucial left turn, he found the house. While entering the driveway in reverse (practice) gate he hears a crunching noise (needs more practice). Great first impression at the house, Poindexter. Luckily it was just a scratch on the plastic fender. Taillights were still intact. Why did she want him to come in when both of them were already good to go? To meet her father. Ah. Nice.
Second, the traffic jams. Didn't help that he made that right turn at Buendia too soon and had to take the long U-turn back to correct it. Didn't help that all that pitter-patter of H2O made him (and his non-date) want to hit the loo the second they got outta the car.
Third, when about to pay the parking fee guess who forgot his wallet? (Sure he had time to pack a camera but didn't take any decent pictures. Who needs money?!?)
She was amazing during the whole thing, paying for everything, including the lemongrass chicken dinner and 2 light beers. Yes, he owes her in more ways than one.
She was slightly shell-shocked at being out "late" (it was barely past 9) the loudness of the cafe and the potency of the light beer. Obviously she hasn't been out this "late" lately, at least not on a (non) date. Meanwhile his dad keeps calling him on his cel just because he's still outside when he said he'd be home by ten! Sigh. Both liked tonight's performance for the most part, epsecially when the joke didn't consist of rambling like a reality show host at the Emmys.
With the Cinderella curfew they hightailed it immediately after the show. Second to the last mistake was going the wrong way in EDSA (AIRPORT sign was the clincher). Thank you, big-@$$ U Turn. Now on the right path they barely make it before midnight. It might've ended w/ a handshake had he not said, "No, too formal" (his brain was saying come ON...) and instead went for the beso. As he drove off to leave the compound the gate he first came in when he picked her up was already closed. Murphy's Law endcap, thank you very much.
She texted "it was an unforgettable night." Can't wait to do it again.
First, the unwanted promise of a rainstorm. News said it was passing by 48 hours ago, but apparently it doubled-back just to screw w/ his day. He already knew the romantic concept of rain is only when you're indoors.
After nervously looking at every other street corner to make sure he didn't miss making that crucial left turn, he found the house. While entering the driveway in reverse (practice) gate he hears a crunching noise (needs more practice). Great first impression at the house, Poindexter. Luckily it was just a scratch on the plastic fender. Taillights were still intact. Why did she want him to come in when both of them were already good to go? To meet her father. Ah. Nice.
Second, the traffic jams. Didn't help that he made that right turn at Buendia too soon and had to take the long U-turn back to correct it. Didn't help that all that pitter-patter of H2O made him (and his non-date) want to hit the loo the second they got outta the car.
Third, when about to pay the parking fee guess who forgot his wallet? (Sure he had time to pack a camera but didn't take any decent pictures. Who needs money?!?)
She was amazing during the whole thing, paying for everything, including the lemongrass chicken dinner and 2 light beers. Yes, he owes her in more ways than one.
She was slightly shell-shocked at being out "late" (it was barely past 9) the loudness of the cafe and the potency of the light beer. Obviously she hasn't been out this "late" lately, at least not on a (non) date. Meanwhile his dad keeps calling him on his cel just because he's still outside when he said he'd be home by ten! Sigh. Both liked tonight's performance for the most part, epsecially when the joke didn't consist of rambling like a reality show host at the Emmys.
With the Cinderella curfew they hightailed it immediately after the show. Second to the last mistake was going the wrong way in EDSA (AIRPORT sign was the clincher). Thank you, big-@$$ U Turn. Now on the right path they barely make it before midnight. It might've ended w/ a handshake had he not said, "No, too formal" (his brain was saying come ON...) and instead went for the beso. As he drove off to leave the compound the gate he first came in when he picked her up was already closed. Murphy's Law endcap, thank you very much.
She texted "it was an unforgettable night." Can't wait to do it again.
Sep 17, 2008
Wealthy Wanker Showoff of the Day
Some posers just deserve to be observed like an anthropology project. Case in point: spotted at my local bank today..
Showy jewelry: check. Inconsiderate use of celphone: check. Sign on back that says, "ROB ME": missing.
Showy jewelry: check. Inconsiderate use of celphone: check. Sign on back that says, "ROB ME": missing.