Simple Pleasures

Just love condensed milk on Skyflakes. Yummmmm! Found out that Arlyn likes her condensed milk on cold rice (bahaw). Quite Interesting...

Oooh La La!

If you wanna see some great photos taken by the team of Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for NY Times Magazine, click here.

Surviving on 50 Pesos

WTF! I only have 50 bucks left in my money case. Bummer! How can I last through the day? I'm thinking, if I don't get my salary today, I might have to walk home =o( If I don't get my salary today, how can I go to work tomorrow? Double whammy! Please... let there be money in my payroll account this afternoon... *sniff* *sniff*

Where Does the Truth Lie?

Had no idea what I was getting into when I started watching "Where the Truth Lies". I trust Kevin Bacon's artistry so I thought it would be a great film. I haven't seen him yet in a period film so that's cool. Colin Firth co-stars.

This murder mystery had good acting from the two gentlemen alright. Lots of sex scenes (even from Firth). You will never forget the last scene involving Firth, Bacon, and the character Maureen. It brings the term "Bacon Filling" to a whole new level =oP

One thing that I noticed is the multiple character narration. Kinda weird. I love the flashbacks scenes... the costumes and the production designs.

The reporter, played by Alison Lohman, lacks oomph. Too boring for me. I love Alice in Wonderland though ;oP

Mee-you-nik

Another Steven Spielberg film? Hmmm... his last, "War of the Worlds", was just otay for me. I thought of giving him another chance in this Eric Bana starrer.

The film is very graphic. I wonder how many cuts the movie took when it was shown here in Manila. Spielberg never shies away from letting his audience see how someone gets killed realistically. One memorable scene involves a half-naked woman.

I like the composition of Avner's (Eric Bana) team. They're definitely NOT the ones you will find in Melrose Place. But what's the latest James Bond (Daniel Craig) doing in this film? He was underutilized.

I like how Spielberg presented the human side of his characters. My favorite is when Avner calls his wife and he got to talk to his daughter for the first time. Very touching indeed.

The garden scene reminded me of "The Godfather". The retribution involving a phone and a little girl reminded me of a scene from "Crash". Why is it that our hearts race when a little child is about to get killed?

One final note to Spielberg: Whhhhyyy mix the love scene with the brutal airport killing? Lapse in judgment?

2 Out of 4

Just watched the first judgment night of "American Idol". I was right with Bobby and Stevie. I didn't expect that Becky would leave right away. She's a HOTTIE!!! In the case of Patrick, it's just a poor choice of song.

Panahon Na Ng Pagkaka-isa!!!

What the heck is happening in the country today? President GMA has declared a state of emergency. Rallies everywhere. The dollar is goin' up. Yay!!!

American Idol: Performance Night 2

The boys grrrrooved tonight. My favorites:

1) Taylor Hicks - has been an early favorite. I just love the underdogs. I really love his voice!



2) Elliott Yamin - nice voice. PURE talent. He said a funny comment about not needing to do his "Do, Re, Mis" before any of his performances ;oP


3) Chris Daughtry - raspy voice. I wish he'd sing a more contemporary song next time.




Some Mo' Comments: Kevin Covais is such an adorable kid. Ace Young doesn't have an amazing voice but he is an eye candy. He'd be another Constantine in this competition.

Predictions: Bobby Bennett and David Radford might be going home tonight.

Worms 4: Mayhem

While my friend, Nowell, was playing "Battle for Middle Earth" beside me, I thought, "Heck, I think it's about time to start a new game myself!". I grabbed "Worms 4: Mayhem" 'cause it sounds interesting. True enuff, after the installation, I found the game addicting. The characters are cute and funny ;oP Sleepless nights ahead.

American Idol: Performance Night 1

It's the ladies who were out to impress our three judges on American Idol. When Randy commented that it's gonna be a guy idol this year, I thought, hmmm... After watching the performances last night, here are my favorites:

1) Lisa Tucker - I love this girl's quiet confidence. Very charming. What a good song choice. She delivers!!!



2) Paris Bennett - I enjoyed her performance a lot. She's just 17? Nooooo!



3) Mandisa - Just Mandisa. No last name. What a wonderful way to start the show with her Heart number.




Some Mo' Comments: Kelly's performance was just so-so. The nerves got her. Ayla looks like my friend, Sym. Nice voice too. Kinnik's combed back look reminds me of Kuh Ledesma.

Predictions: Heather Cox and Stevie Scott are saying bye-bye this week =o(

Lotsa Things

are on my mind right now. The dollar depreciation problem that needs to be addressed at work.

I have training again which will keep me busy for the next 3 weeks.

I haven't attended our SOLV prayer meetings for almost 2 months now.

Not sure how much my increase is this March.

I also learned from yesterday that I need to have another photo for my passport. DFA won't allow me to use it 'cause of my dreads. I need to cover it. According to 'em, I look like a foreigner. WTF!

Banned Axe Commercial

Highest Score to Date

Been singing "Call Me" ever since I got hold of "Covers 2". I guess it paid off when I got "99" today. Teehee...

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

I wasn't able to watch this movie when it was played here in the metro last holiday season. Am delighted that I finally got to see it this weekend in Bulacan. Brought my laptop with me so I can watch movies that I missed ;oP

Thanks to Lala, I have read all chronicles already. I've also seen a local musicale presented here a few years ago. Trumphets staged it, if I'm not mistaken. The costumes there were not so good. Aslan (played by Gimora) was disappointing. But the Snow Queen, played by Menchu Lauchengo, was really good.

Otay, let's go back to the movie. The train scene reminded me so much of Harry Potter traveling to Hogwarts. But instead of Harry, Hermione, and Ron characters, we have here Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy (played by Georgie Henley, oh so adorable!). She reminds me of a very young Drew Barrimore in E.T.

The CGI beavers are pretty cute. The Snow Queen, played by Tilda Swinton, was just fine. Her elaborate gowns & makeup were a far cry from "Young Adam". And finally, we have an Aslan in Liam Neeson's voice. Would really love to hug that huge mane ;oP

Father Christmas looks like one of those homeless people in New York. Quite disappointing. The creatures in the Snow Queen's entourage weren't really that scary. I was more scared in the tribesmen in "King Kong".

I really like the battle scene. Even the beavers fought! The phoenix & the griffins were awesome!

Revelation @ Pier One

It's been awhile since I last had alcohol in my system. When Ning invited me to join her and a couple of ex-officemates, Happy & Mike, at Pier One in Buendia, I readily said yes. Of course, I had Nikks and Beng in tow. Table joined us a few minoots later (thanks to Nikks' guilt tripping).

We had sisig, baked mussels, grilled tuna belly, and not-so-spicy shrimps for dinner. One thing that I like about Pier One is how they present their rice. They put 'em in small pots or kalderos.


It was a nice evening with friends. It's my first gimmick with Happy & Mike. Very good company. We shared the barrel they ordered. Special thanks to Happy for treating us too.


Some people poured their hearts out too. I'm really happy and honoured that I'm one of the people whom they trust. One thing I believe in is karma.

Move the Red Square Around

This will test how good you are at maneuvering with your mouse. Looks easy but it ain't. So far, my record is at 19.349 seconds. Arlyn's is at 16.023 seconds.

Amazing Race is Here!!!

Do you live or work in Asia? Yes, sir.
Are you adventurous? Uhm, yes.
Are you 21 or older? Am really old.
Are you in good physical and mental health? Could be better, but yes.
Do you want to travel the world? Absolutely.
Do you want to be a part of an award-winning series? Freakin' YES!

If your answers too are all in the affirmative side, proceed to www.axn-asia.com for more details. Download the application form here. Deadline for submission is on March 15th.

Thanks, Sym, for sending this =oP

We are NOT Alone

I was shocked to see this on my office desk one morning. We've got ourselves some visitor, eh? I love cute mice but not those nasty lookin' rats.

Uraro, Anyone?

Thanks to Mama Butch for this. I miss eating this.

Water Everywhere version 3

I was watching the latest episode of "Desperate Housewives" last night while doing my laundry. Suddenly, I noticed a leak in my washing machine. "Oh my gawd!" The hose that's supposed to get rid of water from the machine is not attached anymore!!! WTF! My unit started to get flooded... I quickly grabbed all the towels I could find. Used a mop too. I was afraid water would leak outside my unit so I placed some more towels near the door. The machine is heavy so I tried to wait helplessly for all the water to come out before I could move it. I also made sure that my faucet has been turned off.

For more than an hour, I got rid of all the water in my unit. I mopped the floor. Moved my appliances and returned 'em as soon as the area has been dried off.

I was afraid someone would knock and complain of leaks 'cause by this accident. I was also afraid of being electricuted. "Final Destination" came to mind. Whew!!! That was really, really, really stressful!

This is the third time that I had some water problem. First was in Illinois. In the laundry room, the washing machine or the boiler (not sure which) leaked. I must have wrung some towels dry more than 100 times. What made it even worse, the water was freakin' hot.

The second time was last Halloween, I was watching "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" when the water pipe under my sink broke. My comfort room looked like a theme park. There was literally a fountain inside!

"Happy Hearts" Day

Let's love one another, capisce?

Head Over Feet

"Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are,
I couldn't help it, it's all your fault..."
My heart is happy ;oP

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Must get sleep... Well, that's what I did mostly this Sunday. I slept, ate, watched tv, and slept again. Didn't see the light of day. Just sle...zzzzzzzzzzz

Forever After: A Concert Review

Reached Cubao at half past 7. The concert starts at 8 so I had 30 minoots to have din-dins. Spotted KFC and quickly bought and consumed my dinner.

When I entered Araneta Coliseum at 8, the place wasn't full yet. 'twas about 60% full. Got worried a bit but still it's too early. There's a huge video screen in the middle of the two-tier stage. The teevee sets that serve as the artists lyrics board were covered in white cloth. In fact, the whole stage was done in white. Kinda reminds you of the Ice Queen kingdom in Narnia. There's a small bridge on the right side near my area.

At 8:30, the audience was requested to stand up for the National Anthem. It would be hilarious if Jennifer Bautista was there to give a live performance (and to redeem herself).

They showed a video (with Allan K narrating) of the kingdom of Amorato (not quite sure) where an Ice Queen (Ai-Ai) ruled the land. She wouldn't want to do anything with any love-related stuff. She separated the two kids, Pog (prince) and Reg (fairy). Pog (played by Ogie) was sent to a faraway land while Reg (played by Reg) got stuck in Amorato (which was changed to a more complicated name). The Ice Queen captured all the butterflies and put them all in a cage. She even killed Cupid.

Anyhoo, Ogie appeared on the left side of the stage beside a tv (I don't get this). The stage has been designed to incorporate entry and exit points for the artists. Regine appeared on the upper right hand corner, in a green gown complete with wings. She's sporting diva hair extension. The first song of the night was "The Twelfh of Never". The couple was backed up by the Hot Legs in elaborate fairy & "tree-like" costumes.

Since Ricky Lee was the concert scriptwriter, I didn't expect Reg and Ogie to greet the audience with their usual welcome messages like Reg's "I'm so happy to be here tonight". They followed Lee's script, plus ad libs.

Reg sang "Somewhere over the Rainbow" while Ogie sang "Somewhere Out There" as his counterpoint. I wish Regine did Eva Cassidy's version instead of the "gasgas" rendition.

Ogie exited the stage. Regine did "Breakaway". The song was pretty appropriate since it talks about "spreading her wings and learning how to fly". Obviously, Regine likes Kelly Clarkson 'cause she's been singing this song for the longest time. An MTV was also created for this song.

She then expressed how ready she was to love again. She belted out Destiny's Child's "Stand up for Love". Amazing!

She left the stage. Ogie reappeared not on stage but somewhere far (could've been the upper box). He rocked the house with local rock band hits like "Hanggang Kailan", "Sige Na", "Hari ng Sablay", and "Alleluia". The crowd loved him 'cause they get to take pictures with him and kiss the guy *rolling my eyes now*.

He told the audience that in his dreams he could hear a lovely voice. Reg's voice similar to Disney Ariel's "Aaaaahhh" could be heard in the background. Reg appeared in a yellow gown (still with wings) contrasting Ogie's red polo.

When they sang "Kahit Ika'y Panaginip Lang", soap suds rained down from above. Kinda cool.
The video showed Ogie entering Regine's fairy land. Regine sang "Pure Imagination". The dancers appeared again. A harness was placed on Regine's gown and she flew for a short time. Not much impact though.

So our lovers met... Reg introduced herself as freaking Reg =oP They did one of the longest medley ever. Reg started with "The First Time I Loved Forever" (my all-time favorite) but Ogie cut it short with his "It Might Be You" number. Then Reg sang "Can You Read My Mind?". Ogie followed it with Janno Gibbs' "Fallen" and "You are so Beautiful". Reg sang "The Last Time I Felt Like This" and "If I Believe". Ogie did Kathy Troccoli's "If I'm Not In Love With You". Reg followed it with her 90's hit "Please Be Careful With My Heart". Ogie then sang "Don't Know What To Do". "Heaven", "Almost Paradise", and "If I Never Knew You" were the last three songs.

During the last song, Ai-Ai's face appeared in the video. Her face was superimposed on a full moon.

She was wearing a white gown, complete with white, curly wig. Her face was covered in white makeup too. She had male dancers clad in black attire. She sang Donna Summer's "Enough is Enough". The audience loved her.

She talked about men and how men sometimes say that they're big when they're really not. This made the audience laugh. She even talked about her boobs.

She wowed the audience with her version of "What Kind of Fool". For a while, she couldn't get the tune (this made it more funny). And she got interrupted by hecklers. During the interlude, she danced sexily. That was hilarious! When she reached the high notes, Reg sang it for her. Although it's not new anymore, the crowd still bought it. Crazy!!! She brought the house down again. Lastly, she exclaimed, "Laban, Pacquaiooooo!" =oP

Ogie appeared with his eyes closed. He was playing hide and seek with Reg's character. He was shocked to see the Ice Queen instead. They did "Doncha", "My Humps", "Bebot", "My Style", and "Don't Phunk with my Heart". Ai-Ai kept teasing him and they even ended the song with Ai-Ai in a compromising position. She knelt down in front of Ogie and her mic was placed near Ogie's crotch =oP

Reg appeared again, in a beaded gown minus the wings. I have no idea what she sang. It had "God, give me strength" in the chorus though. She got emotional throughout the song. She was in tears when she ended it.

Ogie sang "Kailangan Kita" and Reg provided "Paalam Na" as her counterpoint. Reg's voice was powerful in this song. She should've done it solo. Swallowed Ogie whole.

Regine exited the stage. Ogie sang his original "Ikaw Lamang". He acknowledged the couples, Raymart & Claudine and Richard & Lucy, in the audience. Nice song.

He then mentioned that he missed his mentor, Corics (played by Rico J.). Rico appeared and Ogie left the stage. Rico joked that he looked like a druglord in his all black suit. He sang "Huling El Bimbo".

He then called the lovers 'cause he planned to fix the relationship up. He played the Love Doctor in the concert, by the way. He joked that the couple had sex already and they're pretty good at hiding it. Reg couldn't help but laugh at this.

Rico interpreted "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw" (it's nice to hear his husky version). Reg sang "Sa Kanya". Ogie sang "Ala-ala", Rico's Tagalog version of "The Way We Were". The three ended their medley with "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi".

Rico asked if the two were okay already. Not yet. The couple left the stage again. Rico thought he should fix his own love life first so he called the Ice Queen. Ai-Ai appeared in a different white gown. Her white wig is long and straight now.

They exchanged sex jokes and the audience liked 'em. They sang "Macho Gwapito", Aegi's "Halik", "Abot Kamay", "Babae Po Ako", "Maling Akala", "Lintek na Pag-ibig", "Don't Touch my Birdie" (complete with a little bird props), "Hwag Dyan", "Jumbo Hotdog", and "Sasakyan Kita".

Rico left the stage. Regine appeared in a beautiful red gown. Ai-Ai commented that Reg looked like she has an esophagus on her chest (pertaining to her cleavage). Ai-Ai bluntly calls it "suso". Reg suggested to call it "boobs". According to Ai-Ai, GMA would just edit the boobs talk. Reg asked if Ai-Ai is already a "Kapuso". Ai-Ai answered, "not yet". Hmmm... She was also grateful she won't get edited out.

Ai-Ai and Reg then battled it out with a videoke sesion. They chose "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Reg commented it's an easy song. Ai-Ai only sang the line, "Turn around", while encircling the Songbird and hunkered down. The crowd roared in laughter. Ai-Ai interrupted the song. She was worried that she won't get a high score if she just sang those lines. So she belted out the chorus. She wowed the audience. She even requested the band to increase the pitch. But it got too high for her so Regine sang it for her and in a much, much higher pitch. Ai-Ai kept trying to reach those high notes but failed miserably. This made the number even crazier.

Ai-Ai finally surrendered and left the stage. Regine sang her Covers 2 carrier single, "Hold Me In Your Arms". A couple performed some flying acrobatics while the Songbird was singing. Reminiscent of her "Kailan" number in "Reigning Still". Beautiful indeed.

Ogie appeared in white suit. He sang "More Than You'll Ever Know".

The last song of the night was "Sa Piling Mo". They showed a video of Reg and Ogie kissing and Ogie became a fairy too.

They bid their goodbyes. I was pretty sure they'd come back for an encore.

They sang "Everlasting Love". Reg had the wings again. Ai-Ai appeared in a wedding dress with Rico J as her groom. Cacai gave some flowers to her older sister. It rained confetti.


Regine's showstopper was her "Stand Up for Love" number. There wasn't any spectacular duets. Martin & Regine is still the team to beat for me. Sorry, Ogie fans. Ai-Ai and Reg's "Total Eclipse" number was the highlight for me. Ogie was good in his "Ikaw Lamang". But Rico's version of "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw" was a breath of fresh air. All throughout the concert, I kept remembering "Two Hearts, One Beat".

Bulilit's Birthday and Jun's Despedida

It was our group's time to have lunch with our CEO. We had it at Dome again. I had fish fillet. We talked about some company problems with the current dollar depreciation and retention.

After lunch, John had his food bet. Instead of just finishing some slices of cakes for 20 minoots, the winner has to outnumber the eaten cake slices of the other contestants. Pretty tough. I couldn't do it so I didn't join the contest.

Bulilit, the birthday boy, ordered 6 slices of flourless choco cake plus a slice of cheesecake, Sherwin had 6 slices of blueberry cheesecake, same with Noel. Nicho and Glicer both had 6 slices of ordinary cheesecake.

After eating 3 slices, Sherwin stopped eating.

When it was only 3 minutes left, John asked if the boys could finish their meal. All of them shook their heads. John requested the spectators (us) to help the boys. Ick!

The winner of 10K was the birthday boy. Bimboy got 5K. Nicho got 3K. Nowell got 2K. And lastly, Sherwin got a thousand bucks.

The fun didn't stop there. Since the 3 guys (Glicer, Nicho, and Noel) didn't finish their meals, they still had to do 30 pushups back in the office =oP


Around 8, Tabel and I joined the group of Jun for his despedida dinner at Gerry's. After consuming our dinner (crispy pata, sisig, adobong kangkong, and scallops), the four of us (Tabel, Butch, Jun, and I) continued the fun at MetroWalk. Tabel and I tried the new Carlsberg drink called "Chill". 'twas tasteless. Their salpicao was no match for IO's.


We dropped off Mama Butch at her house. Finally saw her nice place ;oP

We'll miss you, Jun! See you soon, buddy!

Happy Birthday, Cath!

Around 8:30, Boyette and I proceeded to Italiannis for Cathy's birthday celebration. Pasaway was invited and two other friends, JA and Marlon. The former was recently assigned in a Denmark project with Arlyn while the latter was assigned in Chicago with Cathy.

We had salad and three different pasta. Our waitress, Jane, asked for our drinks. She mentioned grape juice. I asked Pasaway how it was 'cause she was having it. She told me it's rather sweet. Jane overheard and blushed. She offered to change it. Got myself some dalandan juice. When Sharon got her new drink, it was tasteless =oP

Arlyn joined us later. She just came from another party.


Jane asked if she could bring out the ice cream to celebrate Cathy & Boyette's birthdays. Since Boyette needed to go back to work, we said yes. The waiters approached our table and sang a few songs. All night we've been hearing them singing birthday songs to different tables. They must be really tired. One waiter was even a designated dancer for the birthday celebrant.


After a few minoots, Denden & Roy arrived. Boyette excused himself. When the couple finished their dinner, we chatted a bit.


Smoked outside before heading home. We spotted a Viva Hot Babes member, Jen Rosendahl.

Parallel Parking Problems?

I remember when I was being taught how to drive in Illinois, the only thing I hate the most is parallel parking. I'm pretty sure my driving instructor would like to squeeze my throat. It takes skills to perfect this. When we go to bars, I let my AC participants do the parking for me. I really suck at it. Teehee.

Now comes this invention from Siemens. It scans for a space and controls the steering for ya. How cool is that?!

Stick 'Em Up

Don't want those boring plastic USB sticks? Well, OOOMS created these memory sticks for nature lovers out there! Word!

101 Ways to Murder "Lupang Hinirang"

Unforch, these videos were taken down =o( But, there's hope. Please visit this more recent post about the murder of our national anthem. Enjoy!

For years, we've been hearing different versions of our National Anthem (which many people still call "Bayang Magiliw"). From the usual boring interpretations to elaborate artistic renditions. Recently, thanks to Manny Pacquiao, we've been getting them by the buckets. Here are three memorable performances:

Let's start with the worst. This is Jenny Bautista:



Listen carefully to the last note again. Lani Misalucha's version, this time:



And, of course, the best version ever! Regine Velasquez's soaring rendition:

Is This Carol Banawa Auditioning for American Idol?

My good friend, Lala, sent me this. Is this Carol Banawa auditioning for American Idol? Looks like her alright. But did she pass the audition???

Shopping in Galleria

It's been awhile since I last visited this mall in Ortigas. I met someone from the Regine forum named Vida. She sold me one of her tickets for this Saturday's concert of Regine & Ogie at the Araneta.

While looking around the mall, I was delighted to see "Topman". This is one of my favorite shops. I was able to buy 2 polo shirts. Since last year, I've been into the western style and those with embroidered patches. Just love 'em ;oP

Continued my window shopping. Found a nice leather bracelet at Diesel.

Had my early dinner at Yoshinoya.

On a side note, let's offer our prayers to the families of the people who lost their lives in a freaky accident this morning at the Ultra.

Unwinding

Friday. Ahhhh.... I get to drink again. My friends and I went to Giligan's around 8. Unfortunately, the place was packed. We put ourselves in the waiting list. Instead of just waiting (Paul and his gf graciously waited for us), we went to a nearby resto (Wok Inn) to have dinner. I, along with Nikks, Beng, Ning, Joel, and Robbi (who was limping) enjoyed our sipa, stuffed squid, and mixed veggies.


After dinner, we proceeded to Giligan's. Finally, we got a table. The boys had Strong Ice & San Mig Light while the ladies had mixed drinks. Around 11, Jan and Josche joined us. Boyette was a no show. Actually, a lotta people did some magic tricks. They were supposed to join us but at the last minoot, they didn't show up. Bummer!


We continued the fun at Ice Bar. One of the waitresses named Sol recognized me. She gave us a table right away. I had Miller for starters and had Vodka Ice the rest of the evening. It was fun to dance again. Two ladies from South Africa danced with me. Well, Ning introduced me to 'em first. Teehee...


Around 2 in the morning, we called it a night.