Beijing Tour: Day 1

The weather was great. It was chilly but the sun was out to warm us up a bit. Strolled around outside our hotel to enjoy the snow while it lasted.

We were on tour with three other groups and luckily, we're all Filipinos. Our tour guide's name is Mary, a pure Chinese who speaks and understands English pretty well. Except maybe for her constant misuse of "us". Hehe.

Mary: "For the two of us and the two of us, lunch is included. But for the four of us, not included. Ok?"

First stop was Tiananmen Square, a huge open space located at the heart of the city. Mary named the different buildings surrounding the square but I really couldn't recall anything without Googling. Not paying attention! Hehe.

Joined the stream of people and walked through the Tiananmen Gate to the Imperial City. Half an hour later, we reached the Meridian Gate which is the first entrance to the Forbidden City proper.

The place was vast! We walked through a number of gates, courtyard after courtyard, historic pavilion after historic pavilion. Everything looked Chinese! Hehe. I would've explored every nook and corner of it if we weren't on a group tour. Then again, I probably would've gotten lost in its mazy alleys too. Hehe.

The Imperial Garden was a perfect blend of natural and structural beauty, with trees and rock formations standing amid colorful concrete .

After lunch, our next stop was the Temple of Heaven. It is where the emperors prayed and offered sacrifice during the ancient times. Funny how Mary said something like we Filipinos are not so much interested in the history of a place, that we just love taking photos. So true! Haha.

Next on our itinerary was the Tea House for a relaxing cup of free tea. If there's one thing we've learned on this tour, it is that nothing really is free. A pretty Chinese girl, who introduced herself as Ms. Tea, started preparing different kinds of tea. Out of all the teas we've sampled, I loved the natural sweetness of the Ginseng Oolong Tea and the benefits of the Pu'er Tea.

As soon as she finished her presentation, an army of sales ladies swarmed our table, each determined to close a deal. Seriously, they won't take no for an answer! We ended up buying a small canister of Pu'er Tea for 300 yuan. That's roughly 2500 pesos! Our sales lady offered to throw in a naughty Shin Chan toy for free. But we chose to get another small canister of Jasmine Tea instead of the peepee boy. Grabe. I guess that was their Pixiu at work with its teeth biting deep into our wallets. Haha.

Jay: "Anong nangyari don? Parang naholdap tayo ha!"

Really had no plans of watching an acrobatic show but Mary was sooo persistent in convincing our group to pay extra for it. She said that she would not push us to watch it if she doesn't think it's worth our time and money.

Me: "We've watched Cirque du Soleil already and I think their pretty much the same."

And honestly, Varekai had set the bar pretty high that I think it would be difficult to find another show that will impress. Yabang! Haha.

Mary: "No! This is different! This is world-class!"

Well, there's nothing more irritating than a Chinese woman with a high pitch voice talking directly into your ears incessantly. In the end, our group agreed to join the other groups and went to Jin Sha Theater for the show. It wasn't wow but it was entertaining. Especially the chubby girl who giggled a lot everytime she appeared on stage. Hehe.

Favorite Shots:

Huan Ying Ni Lai Zhong Guo

I've been monitoring Beijing's Weather Channel for weeks so I could pack the right clothes for our trip. I don't remember seeing snow in any of the forecasts. Well, at least not on the day of our arrival. So imagine how excited I was when I saw snow building up on the plane's window! What a nice surprise! Needless to say, my wardrobe isn't prepared for this kind of weather. I only packed light sweaters, a jacket, a scarf and a bonnet - perfect for a Baguio-like chill. I've no thick jackets, gloves or boots with the fur (with the furrr). Haha. Gudlak naman sakin! BRRR!!!

Smash Project 2012

A coupla days ago, a bottle of alcohol was left open inside my bag. It got my phone, my iPod and my camera slightly wet. But at that moment, those were the least of my concerns. I immediately searched my bag for the Smash Project concert tickets, hoping I would find them wrapped in a waterproof bag or something. Yup, they were more precious than the gadgets. At least at that moment. Hehe.

Unfortunately, I found the tickets wet and wrinkled, with some of the details smudged. Called Ticketnet to ask if this would invalidate the tickets. They said that as long as the seat section and number are readable, then it's still valid. Whew! Buti na lang!

When we arrived at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, we went straight to the ticketing office to have our tickets signed. No, not by the artists but by the office manager for validation. The guard told us to walk to the Red Gate, look for Jun, and present him the paper. When we finally got hold of him, he asked us who signed it and we said we don't know. He told us to go back to the office and request for the printed name of the person who signed it. So we walked back to the office, got another signature, this time with the signee's name printed as well. Since the lines were getting longer by the minute, we decided to just fall in line instead of verifying the signatures with Jun. Ayun, nakalusot naman. Hehe.

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First front act was Typecast. I only know one of their songs and it wasn't part of their setlist. Funny coz I didn't even know that it was them on stage until the lead introduced the band.

Franz: "Sino yan?"
Me: "Ewan ko, One Buck Short daw sabi sa screen. Hindi ko kilala."
Steve: "Kami po ang bandang Typecast!"
Me: "Ayy! Typecast na pala yan! Haha."

TYPECAST SETLIST:
* The Boston Drama
* Reverend's Daughter

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Five years ago, I saw Urbandub perform live for the first time. Back then, I only knew songs from their "Influence" album. So when they sang newer songs, I would simply nod my head to the beat. Hehe. Now I could sing along to a handful of their songs from their "Birth" album to "The Apparition". But they only got to play two songs! Sobrang bitin!

URBANDUB SETLIST:
* First Of Summer
* Soul Searching

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Chicosci did a much more screamo version of "Paris". So much angst! Haha. Lock and load, rock and roll!

CHICOSCI SETLIST:
* Paris
* Diamond Shotgun (Lock And Load)

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Next up was a band from Malaysia called One Buck Short composed of Edgar Mortiz on vocals, Chito Miranda on bass, Shia LaBeouf on guitars and Mark Herras on drums. Ha? Hindi ba sila yun?! Weheh. They performed a couple of their original songs and a fun cover of Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night".

ONE BUCK SHORT SETLIST:
* Last Friday Night (Cover)

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I used to love Slapshock. Owned their "4th Degree Burn", "Headtrip" and "Project 11-41" albums. Fine, I used to have a huge crush on Jamir Garcia and Chi Evora too. Haha. When they appeared on stage, my initial reaction was: "Buhay pa pala Slapshock?!" Hehe.

SLAPSHOCK SETLIST:
* Cariño Brutal
* Ngayon Na
* Stranded

---

Finally, 'twas time for the bands that we all came here for! *_*


The Cab was first to take the stage. I can't even begin to express how much I love their latest album called "Symphony Soldier". I've been promoting it to my friends, been listening to it on loop for months, and been watching their music videos and live performances online over and over. Again, to those who've never heard of this great great band, give them a listen! Listen to "Intoxicated", "La La", "Angel With A Shotgun", "Bad", "Endlessly"... Seriously, click those links! Hell, listen to the entire album and I'm gonna bet my bottom peso that you'll enjoy their music! :)

The group of girls behind us would scream at the top of their lungs everytime Alex Marshall appears on screen. Ampogi eh! Haha. I think I could still hear their voices ringing in my ears. As in! At one point, the band's frontman Alexander DeLeon said they love Manila so much that they would just cancel their other shows and play here every night. Talaga lang ha?! Hehe.

THE CAB SETLIST:
* Angel With A Shotgun
* Temporary Bliss
* Take My Hand
* Vegas Skies
* Bad
* I'll Run
* La La
* Living Louder
* Bounce

---

Cobra Starship brought the house down with their beats and synths. During their entire set, my eyes never left Gabe Saporta! Hihi. I really enjoyed watching him perform. He moves around the stage a lot, plays with the mic and the mic stand, jumps around, dances around, then jumps around some more! He was super hyper that he accidentally ripped his pants open! Haha. When he realized this, he kept on saying that he doesn't give a fuck. I thought it would be a good segue for their newest single "Middle Finger". But I guess, the band wanted a wholesome setlist. Haha. Yeah right. Like flirting with Vicky-T, grabbing the hole in his pants, tearing it apart and exposing his bright undies were wholesome. Haha.

COBRA STARSHIP SETLIST:
* The City Is At War
* Nice Guys Finish Last
* Hot Mess
* Guilty Pleasure
* Kiss My Sass
* My Moves Are White (White Hot, That Is)
* #1Nite (One Night)
* Smile For The Paparazzi
* Good Girls Go Bad
* You Make Me Feel...

---

Next up was Dashboard Confessional, or should I say, Chris Carrabba, since his bandmates were not around. He requested everyone to help him out with the songs, that we will be his bandmates for the night, and we all obliged with all our hearts. And lungs. Hehe. 'Twas epic! As much as I hate to use that word, I feel like there's no better word to describe his entire acoustic set! EPIC. Hehe. Grabe talaga. Especially during "Stolen"! I still get goosebumps even after watching the video a number of times! Chris Carrabba has stolen our hearts, indeed! *_*

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL SETLIST:
* Don't Wait
* As Lovers Go
* The Good Fight
* Get Me Right
* Screaming Infidelities
* Again I Go Unnoticed
* Saints And Sailors
* The Best Deceptions
* Belle Of The Boulevard
* Vindicated
* Stolen
* Hands Down

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Finally, 'twas time to release the Cracken! Hehe. Ran out of memory space in the middle of "The Taste Of Ink". Much to my dismay, the next songs that they performed were my favorites! Waah! Nweiz, we didn't finish their set since 'twas getting pretty late already. Heard that they shared the stage with Chris Carrabba for "A Box Full Of Sharp Objects"! Astig.

THE USED SETLIST:
* Take It Away
* The Bird And The Worm
* Listening
* I Caught Fire
* I Come Alive
* The Taste Of Ink
* All That I've Got
* Blue And Yellow
* Paralyzed
* The Best Of Me
* Pretty Handsome Awkward
* A Box Full Of Sharp Objects

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Nine bands, one stage, one night of pure rockdom! Thanks and more power to Dayly Entertainment for organizing this concert! Will be looking forward for a Smash Project 2013! Hihi. Rakun! \m/

Cornick VS. Cornball

Me: "Gusto ko ng juice..."
Enrik: "E diba Sunday pa ang simba nyo?"
Me: "Huh? Oo, bakit?"
Enrik: "So sa Sunday mo pa makukuha yung gusto mo."
Me: "Huh? ..... *cricket-cricket* ..... Ahhh ok! Hahaha.
Enrik: "Gets mo na? Haha."
Me: "Hmm, iisa lang ba talaga ang Diyos?"
Enrik: "Uhmm, oo."
Me: "E bakit may Extra Joss?"

A-EWAN. Hahaha.

When All Else Fails

I love it how solutions come to me the moment I open my eyes from sleep. Like I have coded, compiled, ran and tested everything in a dream, to wake up with a eureka moment! A-HA!

Just so I wouldn't forget...
1. Query the list of Page Ids from the Country object where the ISO Code is null ordered alphabetically by Name, giving me just the list of Cities.
2. Get the Page Id of the currently loaded Country record.
3. If the Page Id is in the list, generate Page Links.
4. Else, do not render Page Links.

Looks pretty simple. Why haven't I thought of this before?! Haha.

So whenever I say, "Matutulog muna ako, baka sakaling mapanaginipan ko yung sagot", that's not me procrastinating or being lazy. That's just me looking for the solution from another dimension. ^_^

My Nutty Valentine

Now that's one big salty sweet peanut buttery heart for my chocolate-loving little heart!

Thanks Jhe! Welcome back! Mwahugz! Haha. ;))

R.A.S.T.A

This is one of the styles that I've been drooling over online. Tried looking for it in different Sanük outlets, Res|Toe|Run and Bratpack stores but unfortunately, either they ran out of stock or had it in the wrong color. Wished I could find a "Class A" version of it in the racks of Greenhills or St. Francis Square but I guess their suppliers are yet to imitate such style. Hehe. Another option was to purchase it online then have it shipped but I just never got around to it.

The R.A.S.T.A (Recycled And Sustainable Trade Alliance) Project aims to reduce its impact on the world by providing footwear that is impact free. Sandals under the Rasta line are made out of handmade hemp and jute, sustainable latex and cork, and recycled tires and plastic. Kudos to Sanük for passing the smile to Mother Nature!

And thanks Mom for getting me this Rasta Jillaroo in grey! Yeah, it still feels like my birthday. Hehe.

I Wanna Feel The Heat In Zambales!

"I wanna dance in Zambales!" Pinanindigan?! Hehe.

** Credit goes to Karen for these photos.

After everything that we did yesterday, 'twas time for us to bask under the sun and explore the islands of Zambales!

First Stop: Camara Island

** Credit goes to Karen and Loren for these photos.

The moment we got off the boat, I asked our boatman where we are and what our next stops would be. Not for anything, but just because I wanted to know if we're visiting Capones Island and Potipot Island. Sadly, Potipot was not part of our itinerary since it's very far from where we were. Huhu.

Explored the island by climbing some rocks. There wasn't much to see on the other side, though. The sandbar wasn't visible because of the high tide. Too bad. We just took some photos and then headed back to the boat. Decided to take the easier route where I crawled through a small rock tunnel. Wala lang. Hehe.

Second Stop: Capones Island

** Credit goes to Loren and Mae for some of these photos.

The relaxing view of white sand and aquamarine waters welcomed us to Capones Island. Looked up hoping to catch a glimpse of the lighthouse but it was nowhere in sight.

Braved the powerful waves for a refreshing dip and a hard massage. Hehe. I was constantly knocked over, tossed about and pushed ashore like a human driftwood. But hell, it was fun!

Then we started walking over rocks and crashing waves to where the lighthouse is. Since I was holding my camera, I would stop and steady my footing with my hands up high every time there's an incoming wave. Hmm, makes me want to buy the waterproof TX10! Hehe. Someone told us that the lighthouse is on the other side of the island and would take an hour walk. That is if we walk fast enough. I really wanted to keep on walking. Hell, I would run to it if I could but majority of the group decided against it so back to the camp we went.

Third Stop: Anawangin Cove

** Credit goes to Loren for these photos.

Was already hungry when we reached the cove. Some went for a swim, some walked around to explore and some just stayed in the cottage to chill. Just when the "chillers" were about to take a dip, we saw Kuya Fred rushing to the cottage complaining of jellyfish stings. So the "chillers"... they just continued chilling. Hehe.

Our boatmen offered to pick up our food from the resort so we could have our lunch there as well. After long hours of waiting, they finally arrived. Turned out that they also picked up another batch of island-hoppers from the resort so it took them forever to get back!

We all switched to "galit-galit mode" and feasted on adobo and tilapia. Forgot how the food actually tasted. I'm pretty sure they tasted good. But during that time, I felt like I was eating the best adobo ever! Hehe.

Below are some of my favorite shots from this trip. I really miss doing photowalks. Ehem, calling Deriku and Ate Medi. Hehe.








"With Zambales who loves me!" Hindi talaga tinigilan?! Haha.

Tim Bill Ding, Ang Bato!

The afternoon was spent doing team building activities.

Our first game was a board game called Guesstures, which is basically charades with cards and a timer device. Our team had the advantage until Dan nailed a round with 14 points! Jer was pretty confident that we could get back on the game. He was able to act out the words "pacifier", "lion" and "chopsticks" with so much gusto and creativity. Everything was so well-acted out, we just kept on laughing our heads off and failed to score a single point! Haha.

**Credit goes to Mae for these photos.

Actually, ang galing ng team namin! Kung hindi lang kami natawa nang natawa!

Next was a game of tug of war. We were tugging for a good couple of minutes and were practically digging our feet into the sand. At first, we were afraid that the rope would burn our hands. We even planned on letting go of the rope for the other team to fall on their butts. But the competitive spirit within us kept us pulling up to the last bit of our energy. Unfortunately though, we were kinda short on that. Hehe.

**Credit goes to Mae for these photos.

Actually, ang galing ng team namin! Kung hindi lang kami napagod kaagad!

Last game was an obstacle course relay consisting of a sack race and a tire run. We were about 5 seconds faster in the relay compared to the other team, but because we lost the tug of war, we received an additional 10 seconds to our time! Booo!

Actually, ang galing talaga ng team namin! Kung hindi lang kami nadagdagan ng 10 seconds! Sayang. Grabe. Hahaha.

Gathered around a bonfire where we played some more games over bottles of beer and where I took my hotta-hotta shot for the day!

Reaching Out In Zambales

Woke up at the ungodly hour of 3am. I'm not sure if I slept coz I went to bed around midnight and I think I saw the time every half an hour from 1:30 to 3:00 and was awake even before the alarm went off. Excited? Haha.

Then my mom, my dad and my brother arrived from an event at Sykes. Sakto.

Me: "Dino, papahatid ako."
Dino: "HA?? Anung oras na?! Pagod na ako!"
Me: "Grabe, violent reaction kaagad? Jan lang sa Concepcion!"
Dino: "Ahh.. Akala ko sa Makati e. Tara na."

Yown! Madali naman palang kausap. Hehe.

Good thing there's a Jollibee branch in Concepcion that operates for 24 hours. Had a cup of hot chocolate while waiting for Ms. Jaz and our ride.

Almost everyone was already at the office when we arrived. I think most of them, if not all, spent the night at the lounge. Started loading the donations, the loot bags, the food and ourselves into the service. It wasn't the most comfortable ride but since we were bringing a lot of things with us, we didn't have that much of a choice.

Stopped over at a McDonald's along North Avenue for breakfast while waiting for Loren. Shared the table with Mae, Yas and our driver, Kuya Bing. Found out that he used to be a stuntman and was actually Robin Padilla's double in one of his movies. He had to quit because his wife got jealous. Sayang ang showbiz career! Hehe. Now, he usually drives for celebrities when they go out of town. According to him, the last time was for Gerald Anderson. Nice!

Me: "Kuya, ngayon hindi man artista yung mga sakay nyo, mga artistahin naman! Hahah!"
Mae: "Kailangan talagang maisingit yun e! Hahaha!"

He carried on talking about his experiences as a stuntman, how he was there when Binoy got into an accident that left a nasty scar on his arm. Next thing we knew, he was discussing a vitamin that he's selling. Can't remember how the conversation got there but Mae was able to steer us away from all the sales talk. Hehe.

Our travel from Manila to Zambales was so bumpy; I was worried my internal organs were getting all mixed up. Coz I kinda felt my heart beating in my stomach. Wehe. Got a little lost on our way to the resort. Seemed like Kuya wasn't that familiar with the area and got all turned around.

When we arrived at Canoe Beach Resort, the kids and the elderly were already waiting for us. After some preparations, we immediately started with the programme.

Game 1: Longest Breath

"GlobalOoooooooooooooooooone"

One of the lolas sorta looked like Lola Soly. They had the same height, the same built, and the same short hair. I kinda rooted for her to win and she did! Hehe.

Game 2: Banana Eating Contest

The chubby kid won in this game. I think he was able to finish the banana in just three bites. Praktisado! Heheh.

Game 3: Quiz Bee

**Credit goes to Karen for these photos.

Woman: "Sumali ka na! Damit yung consolation!"

Couldn't help but laugh when I overheard this comment. Coz even I would pick the clothes over the medical kit. I bet anyone would! Hehe.

We also had a talent portion where we asked them if there's anyone who wanted to sing or dance. A 16yo girl, who looked a lot younger than her age, sang. And an Ate taught us how to Dougie!

Finally, we handed out the loot bags and the clothes, which perfectly ended the outreach activity leaving everyone with big hearts and equally big smiles. ^___^

Boom! Badoom! Boom! Boom!

I'm really, and I mean REALLY, sick of people who have nothing better to do than question my every move, my every decision and my every intention. Peppering me with questions like why I do what I do or think the way I think or why I don't have what most people have. Well, I gotta question for you too. What the fuck do you care? Coz as far as I know, I don't owe anyone an explanation. Especially not you.

I enjoy dancing to the beat of my own drum. And it's not exactly out of tune, if I may add. I've always believed that as long as you're not stepping on other people's toes, then by all means, do what you want, be who you wanna be.

Live and let live, motherclocker.

Rock Fusion

Got our tickets for the Smash Project 2012 featuring The Used, Dashboard Confessional, Cobra Starship and The Cab, plus our very own Urbandub, ChicoSci and Typecast as opening acts! Waah! That's like a bunch of my favorite bands in one concert!! Mamamatay na ata ako. Haha. As the promotional video says, "This is a rock fusion like never before!" And I'm super excited!!! Sana March 8 na bukas! Hehe. *_*

"They say before you start a war
You better know what you're fighting for
Well baby you are all that I adore
If love is what you need, a soldier I will be."
--- Angel With A Shotgun, The Cab

A Hug In A Cup

This hot chocolate is a hug in a cup. Thanks Meann! Kahit nasa malayo ka, parang malapit ka pa rin. Hehehe.

Frozen Voice

Enrik: "Naiinspire ako sa blog mo..."
Me: "Hahaha. Waw, inspirational ba ito?"
Enrik: "Hindi, I mean, yung purpose nia. Parang gusto ko din yung mei nababalikan ako."
Me: "Aaahh..."
Enrik: "Chaca maganda yung pagkakasulat. Parang hindi ikaw."
Me: "So panget ako magsalita?!"
Enrik: "I mean, parang ngayon kausap kita.. Hindi ko iisipin na ikaw yun."
Me: "Kasi wala akong sense kausap?!"
Enrik: "Hindi! Kunyare mei dalawang writers, kahit bigyan mo sila ng isang plot, magkaiba yung approach nila. Yung kung paano mo kinikwento..."
Me: "Aahhh. Oo na, ako kasi magulo magkwento!"
Enrik: "Sige, hanapan mo pa ng mali. Bahala ka nga!"

Hahaha. Well, I guess I'm really not much of a speaker. I sometimes stutter and always fumble for the right words. And I admit that I barely make any sense when I talk. Though it didn't sound like I did, I really understood what Enrik was trying to say. Magulo lang talaga ako kausap. Wehe.

And that's one of the reasons why I still have this blog running for more than seven years now and why writing is my favorite form of communication. I feel like I'm able to express myself better when the words flow from my fingers. Coz more often than not, they roll out of my tongue all jumbled up.

Dito Tayo SaGuijo

Had a glorious 10-hour sleep, thanks to the soothing sound of nature courtesy of my Asian Sleep app. Hehe. Woke up with a number of text messages from my dad asking who's home and what we want for dinner, from Roxie asking me to pick the hotel for our Beijing trip, from Franz resending what Roxie texted and from Loren that read:

"Kringle, mghanda kaw later. Mkkpgkta tau s pedicab at imago! Mg early lunch break kaw later..."

My first thought was: "What the---?! We're having lunch with Pedicab and Imago?!" Nyaha. It took about a minute before the "sleep toxin" wore off, then I wondered, why would we do that? More so, why would they even bother to eat with us?! Close?! Haha.

Jhe was to meet up with Pedicab's front man Diego Mapa for a box of "Danger in Miniature", which is a box of explosive, corrosive and potentially deadly... little toy figurines of the band members. Wehe. Arrived at SaGuijo a little past 11. Jhe informed her new *ehem* textmate of our arrival. Ikaw na! Hehe. Diego showed us to the table where we, except for Jhe being his guest (Ikaw na talaga! Hehe.), paid the Php150 entrance fee.

Scoured the place for a good spot, walked past the band that was performing a couple of times, and most probably ruined the videos that some people were taking by walking back and forth in front of their cameras. Hehe. It was only when we decided to just stay outside that we realized it was Imago on stage! So yeah, we entered the bar again and had yet another unwelcome appearances in other people's videos. Haha. There were no empty tables so we just stood at the back of the room where we got mesmerized by Aia's lovely voice. Hahayyys.

Pedicab then hit the floor with their dunk music! Almost everyone got up on their feet and more people came in to watch them perform. I really enjoyed hearing their music live! Would definitely try to catch them again next time, hopefully for a longer set.

After 2 hours, we had our butts back at the office. Coz whether we like it or not, we still had work to do. Hehe.

Click the links to watch the videos of Dizzy Boy and Dito Tayo Sa Dilim. Pardon the rather nauseating videos. Dizzy girl, easy, you're obvious! Hehe.

Bye Bye Na

"Eto na ang gabi na ikaw ay aalis..."

'Twas Candice's last working day here in our Manila office. She got relocated to the US and will be working there starting next week. At times like this, I'm usually my emo self, reminiscing about the good days, the bad days and the better days. But we kept on laughing about a lot of things, it almost made me forget that it was a sad day. Or were we all just trying to mask our sadness with boisterous laughter? Guma-ganun? Weheh.

Yeah sure, she did not resign and leave the company. But which is worse? :(

Kandisu, will surely miss you! Thanks for the friendship, the memories, the advices, and for the Lost Girl and 2 Broke Girl episodes. Hehe. In many ways you might not even know, you've made me a little better and a lot tougher. :)

"Sana ay umaga na..."

[Project 365] Week 53

12.26.11
Day 360: Vapor X

Yey!! Finally!! My own pair of ice hockey skates!! I feel like I'm a glide closer to becoming Julie Gaffney in Mighty Ducks! Triple deke, glove side? Hehe.

12.27.11
Day 361: Blow The Candle Out

Celebrated Mico's birthday with a "Marikeño" dinner at Pan de Amerikana along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City. I say "Marikeño" coz we learned that the person behind this uniquely architectured restaurant is an architect from Marikina and we had multiple orders of Waknatoy and Everlasting, which are known dishes in our city!

The facade is an inverted house with a rocking chair, a bicycle, and a Land Rover, all hanging upside down. Inside the restaurant, more chairs and tables were mounted on the ceiling for an interesting topsy-turvy view. The food did not turn our worlds upside down but were so affordable. And I'm talking carinderia-affordable at Php50 to Php200 per order!

Definitely coming back to try their breakfast meals and to take more photos!

12.28.11
Day 362: HMI Dinner

Dinner with Jeyps and Ate Rochelle at Fish & Co. Kailan kaya ulit makukumpleto ang HMI? Hehe.

12.29.11
Day 363: Movie Marathon

Second attempt for a despedida got cancelled again at the last minute. Ate Medi, don't laugh. Hehe.

Jhe, Loren and I met up at Megamall for an MMFF marathon instead. Of all the entries this year, I never thought I would watch the Jorge Estregan Jr. starrer movie "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story". Though it wasn't as advertised as the other films, it surely piqued the interest of many after bagging several awards in the film festival including the coveted Best Picture award. And I never thought I'd say this but I actually enjoyed the film! There was a lot of gun-slinging action, Ely Buendia was in it, the scenes were artistically shot, and the entire movie was in crisp monochrome! I dunno, everything just seems classier in black and white. Hehe. My only beef was the miscasting of Jorge Estregan Jr. as Asiong Salonga who was supposed to be in his late 20s. I really had to squirm everytime he kisses Carla Abellana! Haha.

Next up was the horror movie "Segunda Mano". The scene where Angelica Panganiban was killed and where her ghost would appear crying for help was shot at the Marikina riverside. Thank God motorists don't usually take that road. Hehe. Kris Aquino's acting is pretty much the same in all her horror flicks. In a word: lame. Still don't understand how she became "Queen of Horror Movies". Nakakatakot: "Hoh!"

12.30.11
Day 364: Bagong Mukha Ng Piso

This day, on the 115th death anniversary of our national hero, may we all be reminded that not only does Pilipinas Gat Talent. But also, Pilipinas Gat Jose Rizal. Wehe.

12.31.11
Day 365: It Ain't The End Of The World

If it's true what they say that whatever it is that you're doing on new year's eve, you'll be doing the rest of the year, then I don't want to be curled up in bed, wrapped in warm blankets, with a runny nose for the rest of 2012. So as much as I wanted to just stay in bed while the rest of the world party like, like it's the end of the world, I peeled myself off my bed and joined my family in welcoming the new year at Eastwood City.

We arrived an hour before midnight. Gary Valenciano was already on stage performing his greatest hits. My parents wanted to get a good spot near the stage and under the night sky for the fireworks so we had to elbow our way through the crowd. Ugh. But Gary's dance showdown with Gab was worth all the effort. Hehe.

If they have a Ball Drop in NYC, Eastwood had what they called a Star Drop. The crowd began counting down from forty, which I found weird and tiring. Hehe. During the last ten seconds, I think the star got stuck a little and lost sync with the countdown. Again, the fireworks were nothing special. After the display, Gary V. performed another number before leaving the stage. A DJ started to spin, the crowd started to thin out, and very few started to party.

Me: "Sound trip ba ito? Bakit hindi nagsasayaw yung mga tao? Hindi pinapanood ang DJ!"

Whatever 2012 has in store for us, may we always hold on to His words and allow Him to fulfill His promises in our lives.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

A blessed and prosperous new year to all! ^_^