I didn't get any work e-mails today or yesterday, so thankfully, as I expected (but didn't count on), I had Thursday and Friday's practically off on this very light work day. If there would be a time for a Taiwanese earthquake to screw up internet systems Asia-wide, the timing couldn't be better. The extra time has allowed me to re-visit some aspects of my pre-work life that I had unwittingly given up the past few months (running, tennis games, DVD marathons, multiply updates, not including reading -- work will never make me give that up), and now I start imagining how the best of these old things are going to marry with work come 2007. Some people really dig Xmas, and I do, but it's the new year that I look forward to more. I'm among the 91% people in the Philippines, according to a recent SWS survey, who look to the new year with hope.
* * *
the party season has been pretty good this year. have met up with most people I wanted to see this Xmas, and managed well enough that I had no shitty evil traffic to contend with. One takes for granted that friends had flown in from everywhere.
One more party tomorrow down south (I call Paranaque down south, he he) with the HPAIR people, and that should turn out okay. It seems like everyone wants to get real wasted on this one. I'll be sure to post some good photos of this in my multiply come 31st.
* * *
I only have one resolution for 2007, most cliche of all resolutions, but it's always been there. I want to get thin, and, away from my old strategies of trying to achieve this goal, I've been telling people about it.
* * *
Memories of 2006
10. Swimming and Total Immersion
9. 2nd Ateneo Aquathlon
8. Food Blogging
7. World Schools Wales
6. Underwater Hockey
5. Job interviews, Job rejections
4. iTi Consulting
3. 19 Nova Scotia
2. Mitchell Madison Group
1. Grandmo
Most Enjoyed Movie of the Year: The Prestige
Most Enjoyed Author of the Year: Jose Saramago
Most Enjoyed Music of the Year: See me Goon Squad Multiply Playlist (David Bowie, KC Tunstall, Moby, etc.)
Crap Movie of the Year: Nacho Libre
Crap Book of the Year: NA (Yey!)
Crap Music of the Year: "Only in Boracay"
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
we're always the same age inside, G.S.
How do you write sentences? Can someone answer me that question?
* * *
I got off early from work today. I have some time to write a few things. (Aside: there's nothing like consulting/office work to totally linearize your thinking)
First, I received via e-mail a performance review form. I had never seen one of these babies before, my being new with this office thing and all. It was a good form let me tell you though. I expected some vague and bull-shitty form -- I should have known better coming from a company that trades on business analysis. It segments well all the skills, and traits that they expect from someone who wants to be a kick-ass consultant. There was no way this one could be fudged (at least not without a sizeable amount of lying, padding and crapping all over the place). I momentarily felt a little small that I obviously had a long way to go with some of my technical skill (ability to work with Acess, Excel, BIQ, etc.).
What jolted me back to a balanced outlook was my realization that I don't have any spare time at the office to train myself and improve on these things. One has to learn everything and do crash courses as needed.
This I do not find surprising. My company has a cowboy reputation of making things work. Learning something right the first time is such a premium: learning by doing and quick. One immediately knows who the slow people are at my work place. (does that sound like paradise to some of you)
I have to finish the PR form by Monday, but I'll probably hand in my self-review before the weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.
* * *
frivolities/perks/delights:
small joy realization #1, realizing that eating cream sauce on pasta doesn't have to be a heavy affair. was at Cibo last night with a friend, and remembered that there's the Cibo/Bellini way of a white sauce, and there's the CPK-heavy style.
realization #2, realizing that a book can excite you on the rack, leave you confused the first forty pages, and then proceed to increasingly delight you as you figure it out. Book in question: Saramago's Double.
realization #3, that sometimes all you want is to listen to old albums from start to finish. Dave Matthews Tim Reynolds: Live at Luther College one of them.
* * *
I got off early from work today. I have some time to write a few things. (Aside: there's nothing like consulting/office work to totally linearize your thinking)
First, I received via e-mail a performance review form. I had never seen one of these babies before, my being new with this office thing and all. It was a good form let me tell you though. I expected some vague and bull-shitty form -- I should have known better coming from a company that trades on business analysis. It segments well all the skills, and traits that they expect from someone who wants to be a kick-ass consultant. There was no way this one could be fudged (at least not without a sizeable amount of lying, padding and crapping all over the place). I momentarily felt a little small that I obviously had a long way to go with some of my technical skill (ability to work with Acess, Excel, BIQ, etc.).
What jolted me back to a balanced outlook was my realization that I don't have any spare time at the office to train myself and improve on these things. One has to learn everything and do crash courses as needed.
This I do not find surprising. My company has a cowboy reputation of making things work. Learning something right the first time is such a premium: learning by doing and quick. One immediately knows who the slow people are at my work place. (does that sound like paradise to some of you)
I have to finish the PR form by Monday, but I'll probably hand in my self-review before the weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.
* * *
frivolities/perks/delights:
small joy realization #1, realizing that eating cream sauce on pasta doesn't have to be a heavy affair. was at Cibo last night with a friend, and remembered that there's the Cibo/Bellini way of a white sauce, and there's the CPK-heavy style.
realization #2, realizing that a book can excite you on the rack, leave you confused the first forty pages, and then proceed to increasingly delight you as you figure it out. Book in question: Saramago's Double.
realization #3, that sometimes all you want is to listen to old albums from start to finish. Dave Matthews Tim Reynolds: Live at Luther College one of them.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
charged and shuffled
this weekend wasn't particularly restful, though it was pretty interesting. it began with an odd note when i received work e-mail early saturday morning that i had to be ready to do some remote work at the drop of a hat. in the end, said work didn't materialize and i think that contributed to the sense of never being truly fully at rest. i hate it when i start relating closer and closer to workplace cliches. but to deny that i am relating to these cliches just might make me more insufferable. i had long though that angst was retro, but then i'll have to remind myself that denial of it would then be medieval.
i found myself wishing for a blackberry aloud in the middle of a party. someone said, no you don't want that. and i said, umm, yes i do.
* * *
early saturday took a semi-poorly planned trip to Divisoria/168 land. I don't want to dwell on it too much but suffice it to say that I was riding in a car with a low-IQ driver. i should have realized that sooner. bought an evil cheapo Ipod shuffle to replace the mini i lost a few months back. im still trying to figure out how to get it to work consistently though, since it's been acting weird. i swear if i dont get it working im gonna return and give that woman at the counter a peace of my mind. i dont care if i have to brave the jungle again.
* * *
positive notes: went to a foodie eyeball at the fort. info about it at: marketmanila.com; i liked the food, and the vodka tonics, vodka on the rocks were the perfect lubricant midway through the proceedings. props to a friend for making the host give a speech towards the end of the gathering. as i related to her, i would have gone for the yelling for speech, speech. i would have never followed up with tinkling a glass with a fork. the speech turned out well anyway. throught that foodie eb, discovered an interesting blog along the way. anton.blogs.com; in particular it's interesting to read his ideas about Pinoy 2.0 and his thoughts of how pinoys could take further advantage of the web. he took good pictures of the event as well.
* * *
sunday i spent mucking around my room and getting it messy. now im gonna clean it up. i've been watching old game shows on you tube. bob barker is funny. hope this upcoming week turns out well.
i found myself wishing for a blackberry aloud in the middle of a party. someone said, no you don't want that. and i said, umm, yes i do.
* * *
early saturday took a semi-poorly planned trip to Divisoria/168 land. I don't want to dwell on it too much but suffice it to say that I was riding in a car with a low-IQ driver. i should have realized that sooner. bought an evil cheapo Ipod shuffle to replace the mini i lost a few months back. im still trying to figure out how to get it to work consistently though, since it's been acting weird. i swear if i dont get it working im gonna return and give that woman at the counter a peace of my mind. i dont care if i have to brave the jungle again.
* * *
positive notes: went to a foodie eyeball at the fort. info about it at: marketmanila.com; i liked the food, and the vodka tonics, vodka on the rocks were the perfect lubricant midway through the proceedings. props to a friend for making the host give a speech towards the end of the gathering. as i related to her, i would have gone for the yelling for speech, speech. i would have never followed up with tinkling a glass with a fork. the speech turned out well anyway. throught that foodie eb, discovered an interesting blog along the way. anton.blogs.com; in particular it's interesting to read his ideas about Pinoy 2.0 and his thoughts of how pinoys could take further advantage of the web. he took good pictures of the event as well.
* * *
sunday i spent mucking around my room and getting it messy. now im gonna clean it up. i've been watching old game shows on you tube. bob barker is funny. hope this upcoming week turns out well.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
1991
Minette just flew out this morning to return to the US. That just leaves Robin here, until the 4th, after which my cousin-entertaining duties will go on hibernation mode. One thing I didn't expect was how cooperative they were in wanting to eat. They would call us on all suggestions to have another snack, another place for dessert, a second breakfast. I think their goals were to gain weight while here.
They don't fly in as often as my other cousins. In fact, the two haven't been here in 15 years. In the week or so they've been here though, I'd like to think that we somehow filled the void between of who we were as 11 year old kids and who we are now as people in our mid 20s. One funny recollection we talked about this afternoon was how we'd hang out before. They lived in Valle Verde, and we lived in Sta Mesa Heights. We would just show up un-announced at their apartment-step during weekends, and their helper would get all worked up trying to figure how to feed three extra mouths for lunch. Sometimes also, our driver would just ring their doorbell to announce that it was time to be picked up and brought over to our house. Can you imagine spending time with your friends now without flagging what the activity would be, or making a schedule, or figuring out where it is appropriate to meet? It's regression in many ways, isn't it.
* * *
I think we were heading off to Metrowalk to buy some pirated stuff (yes!) when the subject of Irish-ness was brought up. I used to make fun of Mahar for wearing it as a badge of pride. As I clarified to a co-worker who thought I thought as my younger bro did, I don't self-identify as Irish. I don't even self-identify as American so I don't really get why any of us would want to talk about it in that way. My cousins gave me a fresh perspective though on what it meant for the family. 'Coz they more on the, yes, we're Irish and shouldn't hide it bit as well. they said that our grandmo thought very strongly about this as well -- and communicated it too. I had to ask: well, what is it then that would mark us that way, for us to legitimately (caution!) claim such a thing? Yes, our great-grandfather was Irish . .and?
Musicality, poetry, Irish names, catholicism(? how ironic if they had brought this up but they didn't). Most interesting though was the comment brought up by Minette...you could say it's also Pride. People who are even "less" Irish then us, know they are. So that was something I had to think about. . .but then we started moving on to talking about how occasionally frustrating it was to deal with this multi-cultural baggage. . .more on this another time.
* * *
I visited 3 cemeteries this All Saints day period. first time i think for us
They don't fly in as often as my other cousins. In fact, the two haven't been here in 15 years. In the week or so they've been here though, I'd like to think that we somehow filled the void between of who we were as 11 year old kids and who we are now as people in our mid 20s. One funny recollection we talked about this afternoon was how we'd hang out before. They lived in Valle Verde, and we lived in Sta Mesa Heights. We would just show up un-announced at their apartment-step during weekends, and their helper would get all worked up trying to figure how to feed three extra mouths for lunch. Sometimes also, our driver would just ring their doorbell to announce that it was time to be picked up and brought over to our house. Can you imagine spending time with your friends now without flagging what the activity would be, or making a schedule, or figuring out where it is appropriate to meet? It's regression in many ways, isn't it.
* * *
I think we were heading off to Metrowalk to buy some pirated stuff (yes!) when the subject of Irish-ness was brought up. I used to make fun of Mahar for wearing it as a badge of pride. As I clarified to a co-worker who thought I thought as my younger bro did, I don't self-identify as Irish. I don't even self-identify as American so I don't really get why any of us would want to talk about it in that way. My cousins gave me a fresh perspective though on what it meant for the family. 'Coz they more on the, yes, we're Irish and shouldn't hide it bit as well. they said that our grandmo thought very strongly about this as well -- and communicated it too. I had to ask: well, what is it then that would mark us that way, for us to legitimately (caution!) claim such a thing? Yes, our great-grandfather was Irish . .and?
Musicality, poetry, Irish names, catholicism(? how ironic if they had brought this up but they didn't). Most interesting though was the comment brought up by Minette...you could say it's also Pride. People who are even "less" Irish then us, know they are. So that was something I had to think about. . .but then we started moving on to talking about how occasionally frustrating it was to deal with this multi-cultural baggage. . .more on this another time.
* * *
I visited 3 cemeteries this All Saints day period. first time i think for us
Sunday, October 08, 2006
an account of me
hi. to all those who greeted me, thanks.
to those who forgot, tsk tsk.
that's ok. you probably forgot coz you weren't invited to any of my parties.
im kidding. sort of.
I was feeling a bit under the weather Thursday night, and especially Friday. I think it mostly had to do with overdoing it with the hockey endurance training Thursday night. I hadn't done it in two weeks and here I was swimming in a pool with a t-shirt on (to create drag); we were doing all kinds of finning, diving, swimming drills. It lasted about 30-40 minutes, but I felt that "dumidilim na ang paningin ko", especially during one of those diving crucifixion drills. After training, I played a few games.
So come Friday, I wasn't in too hot shape. Thankfully, my co-workers didn't mind when I begged off early from work. I took few breaks during the day, so I could ask to leave at 5 pm. (Yes, my job breeds workaholics. Flexi time means that ppl become workaholics) Thank god I have colleagues who can finish work and deliver the goods.
Slept in Saturday morning, which was great. Woke up to some gifts mom brought in over from BKK. Got Saramago's book Seeing (good book choice: nice semi-snobby author, cover looks nice, published recently, no stupid person raving over it), and some DG cologne (subtle enough fragrance, though in true my-mom-style she also bought for herself the feminine version of what she gave me. ha ha ha). Sweet. The packaging worked out too. Book was hard bound and black, and the cologne was in a silver box. so they looked perfect together. I have to really give props to my parents for knowing my taste pretty well already. They wrapped it up using some apple green metal twine. Later in the morning Len called from SG with a funny story about cooking (thanks len); got a few overseas texts (bob, jojo) so that was nice.
Started getting ready at 1030 to pick up Jill, since she wanted to join the intro hockey session at La Salle. She did pretty well, and I got to play. She broke the mask I lent her though. Semi-grrr. Got home, kinda exhausted. Vincent came over in the evening, and what was supposed to be a dinner party became a DVD/Video fest with junk food. Watched March of the Penguins. Awww. and several episodes of It's always sunny in philadelphia.
Slept in a bit again Sunday. Went to mass and then treated the family to Outback. Had my share of red bloody meat. Yeah baby. Afternoon, mucked around the PC and took a nap before heading out for a haircut, and aromatherapy massage. Got home to small dinner party w/ parents + desserts and tasty alcohol. Blogged.
that was my weekend. i hope you enjoyed it reading it much more than I did typing about it. But I DID enjoy it though. Especially the massage. Ready to kick ass this coming week.
to those who forgot, tsk tsk.
that's ok. you probably forgot coz you weren't invited to any of my parties.
im kidding. sort of.
I was feeling a bit under the weather Thursday night, and especially Friday. I think it mostly had to do with overdoing it with the hockey endurance training Thursday night. I hadn't done it in two weeks and here I was swimming in a pool with a t-shirt on (to create drag); we were doing all kinds of finning, diving, swimming drills. It lasted about 30-40 minutes, but I felt that "dumidilim na ang paningin ko", especially during one of those diving crucifixion drills. After training, I played a few games.
So come Friday, I wasn't in too hot shape. Thankfully, my co-workers didn't mind when I begged off early from work. I took few breaks during the day, so I could ask to leave at 5 pm. (Yes, my job breeds workaholics. Flexi time means that ppl become workaholics) Thank god I have colleagues who can finish work and deliver the goods.
Slept in Saturday morning, which was great. Woke up to some gifts mom brought in over from BKK. Got Saramago's book Seeing (good book choice: nice semi-snobby author, cover looks nice, published recently, no stupid person raving over it), and some DG cologne (subtle enough fragrance, though in true my-mom-style she also bought for herself the feminine version of what she gave me. ha ha ha). Sweet. The packaging worked out too. Book was hard bound and black, and the cologne was in a silver box. so they looked perfect together. I have to really give props to my parents for knowing my taste pretty well already. They wrapped it up using some apple green metal twine. Later in the morning Len called from SG with a funny story about cooking (thanks len); got a few overseas texts (bob, jojo) so that was nice.
Started getting ready at 1030 to pick up Jill, since she wanted to join the intro hockey session at La Salle. She did pretty well, and I got to play. She broke the mask I lent her though. Semi-grrr. Got home, kinda exhausted. Vincent came over in the evening, and what was supposed to be a dinner party became a DVD/Video fest with junk food. Watched March of the Penguins. Awww. and several episodes of It's always sunny in philadelphia.
Slept in a bit again Sunday. Went to mass and then treated the family to Outback. Had my share of red bloody meat. Yeah baby. Afternoon, mucked around the PC and took a nap before heading out for a haircut, and aromatherapy massage. Got home to small dinner party w/ parents + desserts and tasty alcohol. Blogged.
that was my weekend. i hope you enjoyed it reading it much more than I did typing about it. But I DID enjoy it though. Especially the massage. Ready to kick ass this coming week.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Since the recent storm has knocked out power in my house for more than forty-eight hours now, I've found myself spending more time at work. I'm not doing more work; I'm just making use of light, air-conditioning and the internet. For the benefit of those who can't watch the UAAP game today at their electricity-less homes, we've set up a projector here. 10 pt lead by UST at the half. Shit.
chubby little ateneo kids helping blue babble.
***
tang ina why do i do this to myself. i hate watching these games
chubby little ateneo kids helping blue babble.
***
tang ina why do i do this to myself. i hate watching these games
Sunday, September 24, 2006
AFP sky
It was a toss up today between attending a wedding, and going to a hockey tournament. Guess what I chose? My sister gave me the appropriate tsk tsks because, "it's a WEDDING." Well my only regret really is that the one who invited me will find out and will feel sorry about the whole thing. My own rationalization is that I would be hardly missed, and there aren't really any people there that I want to talk to or meet anyway, save one or two perhaps.
On the other hand, I haven't played hockey in several months. And I've never regretted going to a tournament, game or training session. This seemed like a sure thing. Not to mention the fact that I received the 3 guilt SMSes of 'we're counting on you." The two games we played today were sweet. The 30 or so minutes for one game is really too short. They should come up with a 20-5-20 minute game format -- of course, I can imagine that the fitness standards will have to be all the more heightened.
As I said earlier, I haven't played hockey since May, and I can feel my left arm complaining. I hope I'm not in agony tomorrow morning.
And to those of you who don't know me, I'm talking about underwater hockey.
* * *
I've been reading Gandhi's autobiography, and I'm at the part that he's in South Africa and is experiencing discrimination first hand as a 'coolie' or a coloured person. He's beginning to meet some Christians, and start reading Christian texts; what makes interesting reading is when he explains what about Christianity he doesn't agree with. One is the notion that striving for perfection is an impossible task and that Jesus intercession is thus necessary. The other bit has to do with the interpretation of the Bible. I haven't gotten to the full elaboration of these bits so I won't go on further lest I misinterpret what he said ( a real issue he identified before he began the arguably "Western" practice of writing one's autobiography).
I almost forgot to mention that there is a portion of the book where he is unhappy that his love relation with his wife remains lustful, though their love is moving gradually to something more pure. I couldn't help but think, isn't that a good thing? Aren't you supposed to lust after your wife?
I actually can relate to Gandhi in certain levels, especially when he frets about being treated like crap. But I don't share his sexual/love issues though, nor his very strong devotion to his parents.
It's taken me around 3 weeks to read 100 pages. Reading non-business related texts has become a bit of a luxury but I try to keep at it.
On the other hand, I haven't played hockey in several months. And I've never regretted going to a tournament, game or training session. This seemed like a sure thing. Not to mention the fact that I received the 3 guilt SMSes of 'we're counting on you." The two games we played today were sweet. The 30 or so minutes for one game is really too short. They should come up with a 20-5-20 minute game format -- of course, I can imagine that the fitness standards will have to be all the more heightened.
As I said earlier, I haven't played hockey since May, and I can feel my left arm complaining. I hope I'm not in agony tomorrow morning.
And to those of you who don't know me, I'm talking about underwater hockey.
* * *
I've been reading Gandhi's autobiography, and I'm at the part that he's in South Africa and is experiencing discrimination first hand as a 'coolie' or a coloured person. He's beginning to meet some Christians, and start reading Christian texts; what makes interesting reading is when he explains what about Christianity he doesn't agree with. One is the notion that striving for perfection is an impossible task and that Jesus intercession is thus necessary. The other bit has to do with the interpretation of the Bible. I haven't gotten to the full elaboration of these bits so I won't go on further lest I misinterpret what he said ( a real issue he identified before he began the arguably "Western" practice of writing one's autobiography).
I almost forgot to mention that there is a portion of the book where he is unhappy that his love relation with his wife remains lustful, though their love is moving gradually to something more pure. I couldn't help but think, isn't that a good thing? Aren't you supposed to lust after your wife?
I actually can relate to Gandhi in certain levels, especially when he frets about being treated like crap. But I don't share his sexual/love issues though, nor his very strong devotion to his parents.
It's taken me around 3 weeks to read 100 pages. Reading non-business related texts has become a bit of a luxury but I try to keep at it.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Suddenly I See
It's a rainy Sunday afternoon, the sort that is good for staying in. Unfortunately, it is perhaps wasted on my relatively drama-less life. My main angst or issue these days is how they stock the office pantry with evil-tasting transfat laden cream biscuits. I haven't been around long enough to influence purchase decisions in this regard. Actually, the office should get a large refrigerator, so people will spring for fresh food and bring more home-cooked food. Presently, it's a parade of peanuts, chips, sweets and the occasional pasalubong of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. Most people in the office are just a bit younger than I am and don't have office bodies yet. What a waste I keep thinking.
We wonder at the supply-chain mechanism behind the company/manong who delivers the daily orders of lunch. It's a meal with 1.5 cups of rice, two pieces of chicken/beef/fish, a portion of soup or vegetables, a small banana, a piece of hard candy, and a set of plastic utensils. This all costs 40 bucks. They'd have a responsive market for even 50 bucks. I don't even see any competitors (or maybe they were all priced-out).
* * *
I've been playing semi-workaholic. A couple of late nights this past week (which led to my cancelling my endurance training session for UWHockey, punyeta); but I've continued to maintain that weekends are sacred. It's a fine balance sometimes but you have to understand what is due to you -- speaking to a lot of French white collars (haha, who else) in the past has made me more confident about this attitude.
Was talking to a colleague late Friday night, "hey, if you need help on the weekend, don't call me. Fine, if you really really need help then call me." No calls. He he. Fair enough, I think. I bust my butt there 5 days a week.
If you want a lot of work and want to work weekends, you will enjoy my place of work.
I've also been there long enough to get a general feel of what people's weaknesses are. Does this sound a little too cut-throat? Wait, I know your answers already. Ha ha ha.
* * *
new content-wise changes in this blog in the upcoming week. stay tuned.
We wonder at the supply-chain mechanism behind the company/manong who delivers the daily orders of lunch. It's a meal with 1.5 cups of rice, two pieces of chicken/beef/fish, a portion of soup or vegetables, a small banana, a piece of hard candy, and a set of plastic utensils. This all costs 40 bucks. They'd have a responsive market for even 50 bucks. I don't even see any competitors (or maybe they were all priced-out).
* * *
I've been playing semi-workaholic. A couple of late nights this past week (which led to my cancelling my endurance training session for UWHockey, punyeta); but I've continued to maintain that weekends are sacred. It's a fine balance sometimes but you have to understand what is due to you -- speaking to a lot of French white collars (haha, who else) in the past has made me more confident about this attitude.
Was talking to a colleague late Friday night, "hey, if you need help on the weekend, don't call me. Fine, if you really really need help then call me." No calls. He he. Fair enough, I think. I bust my butt there 5 days a week.
If you want a lot of work and want to work weekends, you will enjoy my place of work.
I've also been there long enough to get a general feel of what people's weaknesses are. Does this sound a little too cut-throat? Wait, I know your answers already. Ha ha ha.
* * *
new content-wise changes in this blog in the upcoming week. stay tuned.
Monday, August 28, 2006
thank yous
thank you that when i woke up this morning it felt like I had a decent night's sleep.
thank you that I didn't get stomach cramps in the middle of the morning coz I had a shredded wheat banana breakfast.
thank you that I can buy a chicken curry lunch with two pieces of chicken for just forty pesos.
thank you that I got my work done today.
thank you that co-workers sent my YM messages asking how they could help out.
thank you that I have co-workers who care about the quality of work they produce.
thank you that my calls to India weren't as torturous as they were last Friday.
thank you that work ended at 6 so I was able to make it to my spinning class.
thank you that my room fixing turned out quite well.
thank you that tomorrow is another day
* * *
no this isn't Mitch Albom's blog
thank you that I didn't get stomach cramps in the middle of the morning coz I had a shredded wheat banana breakfast.
thank you that I can buy a chicken curry lunch with two pieces of chicken for just forty pesos.
thank you that I got my work done today.
thank you that co-workers sent my YM messages asking how they could help out.
thank you that I have co-workers who care about the quality of work they produce.
thank you that my calls to India weren't as torturous as they were last Friday.
thank you that work ended at 6 so I was able to make it to my spinning class.
thank you that my room fixing turned out quite well.
thank you that tomorrow is another day
* * *
no this isn't Mitch Albom's blog
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
It's always sunny in Manila
I was relating to my mom over the phone that I had gotten into a heated argument with an ex-officemate last Friday, and she remarked, "yes, you can be temperamental." Temperamental!
I had to stop and think about that for a bit, because I was of the opinion that I was temperamental BEFORE like especially back in high school, but nowadays I had more control and restraint. There's nothing like your mom to tell you otherwise. "Well, it's coz you're a bit spoiled and impatient." She said that in a matter of fact way, not judging. The idea that I'm out of control, I don't like that.
Me and my officemate have patched our differences already anyway
* * *
It's been a week since I started with my new job at a management consulting firm. So far, things have been pretty ok. It feels much better to be doing work on an area that I'm actually quite interested in. Everyday, I learn something new. Quite literally. And if I spend my downtime reading McKinsey articles or business news, I don't feel that I'm just wasting time.
* * *
I'm reading this simple and short book called "What Do Muslims Believe?" by Ziauddin Sardar. It's good because it explains in plain language Muslim beliefs, its varieties, history, etc. All these random facts that I learned from years of debating now fall into a more coherent story and picture. It will give you an idea of why Iran and Iraq have gone to war with each other. It will also give you an understanding of how Muslim extremism has come about. But most importantly for me I think it gave me a glimpse of just how sophisticated, inspiring, compelling and progressive Islam can be. Normally we read articles in the magazines about how Islam is a peaceful religion, or how great scientific developments have been borne from Muslim scholars. This book puts forward historical developments, and explains the significance of Muslim texts in such a way that the previous sentence's pronouncements don't just seem like lip service to political correctness.
* * *
Funniest show on TV now
I had to stop and think about that for a bit, because I was of the opinion that I was temperamental BEFORE like especially back in high school, but nowadays I had more control and restraint. There's nothing like your mom to tell you otherwise. "Well, it's coz you're a bit spoiled and impatient." She said that in a matter of fact way, not judging. The idea that I'm out of control, I don't like that.
Me and my officemate have patched our differences already anyway
* * *
It's been a week since I started with my new job at a management consulting firm. So far, things have been pretty ok. It feels much better to be doing work on an area that I'm actually quite interested in. Everyday, I learn something new. Quite literally. And if I spend my downtime reading McKinsey articles or business news, I don't feel that I'm just wasting time.
* * *
I'm reading this simple and short book called "What Do Muslims Believe?" by Ziauddin Sardar. It's good because it explains in plain language Muslim beliefs, its varieties, history, etc. All these random facts that I learned from years of debating now fall into a more coherent story and picture. It will give you an idea of why Iran and Iraq have gone to war with each other. It will also give you an understanding of how Muslim extremism has come about. But most importantly for me I think it gave me a glimpse of just how sophisticated, inspiring, compelling and progressive Islam can be. Normally we read articles in the magazines about how Islam is a peaceful religion, or how great scientific developments have been borne from Muslim scholars. This book puts forward historical developments, and explains the significance of Muslim texts in such a way that the previous sentence's pronouncements don't just seem like lip service to political correctness.
* * *
Funniest show on TV now
Monday, August 14, 2006
quiet departure
The office was so empty today, most everyone was on leave. There were only a handful of people around, and oddly enough they were the perfect bunch to be around just before finally leaving. Big fusses are ok of course, but many one-on-one's throughout the day are even better.
What was a nice touch though was that aside from wishes of good luck for my new job, there was the genuine invitation from all parties, whether HR or my colleagues, or quality assurance, or the boss, to hang out and party in the future. I'm going to our firm's mid-year party, and someone else's birthday, and I'm celebrating my birthday with them October. I know: they like me! they really really like me! he he he.
Sometimes one hears that the first job one lands is crap. you have to work for peanuts, long hours, take crap from your bosses. Well, I'm lucky. My official first REAL job was great, in the many dimensions that something could be great. I wish all of you have this good a first job as well.
* * *
Onward and upward!
What was a nice touch though was that aside from wishes of good luck for my new job, there was the genuine invitation from all parties, whether HR or my colleagues, or quality assurance, or the boss, to hang out and party in the future. I'm going to our firm's mid-year party, and someone else's birthday, and I'm celebrating my birthday with them October. I know: they like me! they really really like me! he he he.
Sometimes one hears that the first job one lands is crap. you have to work for peanuts, long hours, take crap from your bosses. Well, I'm lucky. My official first REAL job was great, in the many dimensions that something could be great. I wish all of you have this good a first job as well.
* * *
Onward and upward!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Bebot
The Black Eyed Peas have released two versions of their music video Bebot,
one called Generation 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeFNDUBcrwc
the other Generation 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp0DcffERYs
You guys should see this. This ain't on MTV and VH1 yet, so hope it gets enough of a buzz or it gets released there or something.
Background on Bebot, the guys who made the video, and the Little Manila Project here: http://www.kidheroes.net/bebot/
Aside, Bebot is the reason why some Welsh kids in Cardiff even knew who we were and where we from.
one called Generation 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeFNDUBcrwc
the other Generation 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp0DcffERYs
You guys should see this. This ain't on MTV and VH1 yet, so hope it gets enough of a buzz or it gets released there or something.
Background on Bebot, the guys who made the video, and the Little Manila Project here: http://www.kidheroes.net/bebot/
Aside, Bebot is the reason why some Welsh kids in Cardiff even knew who we were and where we from.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
mind branding
Seal, "Killer" (Peter Rauhofer 2005 Mix)
David Bowie, "Fashion"*
Moby, "Beautiful"
Brazilian Girls, "Don't Stop"
Sarah Hudson, "Girl On The Verge"
Fischerspooner, "Just Let Go"*
The Bravery, "An Honest Mistake"
LCD Sound System, "Tribulations"
Deep Dish, "Flashdance"
The Postal Service, "We Will Become Silhouettes"*
_____________________
Harold Barefoot Sanders III "Get Plastered"*,
(?) also Sanders III?,"Breathe on Me"*,
Biff Sanders, "Prodigal"*
_____________________
A few tracks that I've been listening to. No prizes for guessing the over-arching theme. ;) Tracks with stars are those that I particular enjoy, not all for the same reason. Barefoot Sanders mostly coz of resonance and association with things new, Postal Service 'coz its like meeting an old friend (okay how slam(?) book, barf), Fischerspooner 'coz it's not about living here, David Bowie 'coz its gradually dawning on me that Labyrinth wasn't his best work. He he.
I have another track that I do like but I haven't found its name and title yet.
_____________________
David Bowie, "Fashion"*
Moby, "Beautiful"
Brazilian Girls, "Don't Stop"
Sarah Hudson, "Girl On The Verge"
Fischerspooner, "Just Let Go"*
The Bravery, "An Honest Mistake"
LCD Sound System, "Tribulations"
Deep Dish, "Flashdance"
The Postal Service, "We Will Become Silhouettes"*
_____________________
Harold Barefoot Sanders III "Get Plastered"*,
(?) also Sanders III?,"Breathe on Me"*,
Biff Sanders, "Prodigal"*
_____________________
A few tracks that I've been listening to. No prizes for guessing the over-arching theme. ;) Tracks with stars are those that I particular enjoy, not all for the same reason. Barefoot Sanders mostly coz of resonance and association with things new, Postal Service 'coz its like meeting an old friend (okay how slam(?) book, barf), Fischerspooner 'coz it's not about living here, David Bowie 'coz its gradually dawning on me that Labyrinth wasn't his best work. He he.
I have another track that I do like but I haven't found its name and title yet.
_____________________
Monday, July 31, 2006
excuse to Party
Party I threw this weekend turned out pretty well I thought considering that I had thrown caution to the wind when I invited people. I invited workmates, hockey players, high school friends, college travel buddies, mountaineers, theatre people, miscellaneous friends, and debaters (low turnout for the last group, losers!). Props for people who showed not hardly knowing anybody, but mingling well and having a good time (Mickey, Ria, Tina)
Bobby & Len: You would have more than made up for everybody if you were here. Carl was sick, and Kellda flaked (hmm). Maita had another engagement. John and Amanda showed up, good of them.
The authentic Thai food that was served early on was received really well; thought it was nice that people got an idea of how more scrumptious Thai curry and noodle salad could be. Drink of the night was the traydor "blue frog". This can easily become a staple for future parties IF people will chip in for the Amaretto.
There was a lot of booze, except for beer (on purpose, bwahahaha).
The home entertaining tradition lives on. . .
Bobby & Len: You would have more than made up for everybody if you were here. Carl was sick, and Kellda flaked (hmm). Maita had another engagement. John and Amanda showed up, good of them.
The authentic Thai food that was served early on was received really well; thought it was nice that people got an idea of how more scrumptious Thai curry and noodle salad could be. Drink of the night was the traydor "blue frog". This can easily become a staple for future parties IF people will chip in for the Amaretto.
There was a lot of booze, except for beer (on purpose, bwahahaha).
The home entertaining tradition lives on. . .
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Leaving London
Resting my heels now at Easyinternet Cafe along Bond Street. It was a day of shopping, hoo ha. Met up with Tams and her cuz Addie (sp?), and we were "good tourists" first: Buckingham Palace and National Gallery (!), but after lunch at Covent Garden we went on shopping mode. Actually, it was really just Harrods.
What a place. I had never been much to the Kensington-Chelsea portion of London before. I've really seen grittier bits more, read: Camden Town, East End and Brixton. This was a nice change, seeing posh cars, posh buildings, and posh people. So many Arabs here dang. I was also feeling ashamed that I wasn't preppie enough to wear loafers without any socks, boohoo.
* * *
Leaving London with a bit of stuff. Really hope it'll all fit into the luggage.
* * *
World Schools Update. Yeah, that's the reason I'm here after all, not shopping! he he. Australia won. Again. Corny.
We did okay, thought we really missed the break by just that much. We ranked 21st, and had 4 wins and 4 loses. South Korea made quarters and booted out top ranked Pakistan in Octos. Singapore made semis but lost to Australia.
The kids were very social during this tournament. Made many friends, and were quite popular I thought. He he. I do hope they decide to try out for next year's tournament in South Korea. We've got a strong chance to do really well, like make the final. I really think that World Schools is just a puzzle that the Philippines has been a little delayed in figuring out. All ingredients for a good run are there.
* * *
Okay, logging off now. Am flying out from Cardiff in about 7 hours. I'll probably be home in Manila around lunch time Monday. Til then I have no load. Sorry!
What a place. I had never been much to the Kensington-Chelsea portion of London before. I've really seen grittier bits more, read: Camden Town, East End and Brixton. This was a nice change, seeing posh cars, posh buildings, and posh people. So many Arabs here dang. I was also feeling ashamed that I wasn't preppie enough to wear loafers without any socks, boohoo.
* * *
Leaving London with a bit of stuff. Really hope it'll all fit into the luggage.
* * *
World Schools Update. Yeah, that's the reason I'm here after all, not shopping! he he. Australia won. Again. Corny.
We did okay, thought we really missed the break by just that much. We ranked 21st, and had 4 wins and 4 loses. South Korea made quarters and booted out top ranked Pakistan in Octos. Singapore made semis but lost to Australia.
The kids were very social during this tournament. Made many friends, and were quite popular I thought. He he. I do hope they decide to try out for next year's tournament in South Korea. We've got a strong chance to do really well, like make the final. I really think that World Schools is just a puzzle that the Philippines has been a little delayed in figuring out. All ingredients for a good run are there.
* * *
Okay, logging off now. Am flying out from Cardiff in about 7 hours. I'll probably be home in Manila around lunch time Monday. Til then I have no load. Sorry!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
World Schools Update: Some Good News, Some infuriating news
Okay, I can't take long here. There's a line behind me. But this is the short of it.
We carried the round through with Lesotho, no surprised there, though it was a split decision. Some of their speakers are really quite powerful. So a 2-0 slate was nice.
Today was a different story today however. We lost to South Africa (deservedly actually) on a motion on treating terrorists as Prisoners of War (we were opposing).
And we (unfairly) lost to Scotland in the next round. I can give you a blow by blow about how I found such a decision to be ridiculous. Anyway, I don't want to dwell on negative feeling. But this par for the course anyway, unforunately, for World Schools. So we're 2-2.
Fairness to the tournament though, there have been some interesting upsets, so it isn't as if there are unbeatable teams. Pakistan has made the big splash today beating BOTH England and Australia. Good for them.
* * *
On more positive news, we absolutely adored the school we were in today, called Ysigol Plasmawr here in Cardiff. The high school kids (Ryan, Ruth and Angelauch (sp?) ) who were watching after our team were saying Go Team Philippines and also following the debate well, and making fun of our opponents bad points. That was really swell of them. Also nice to hear that one of them actually (no joke here), is going to be in the next Harry Potter movie. He has to be hush-hush about it though. He can't tell people much about it. Wow. We're one degree of separation from the entire Harry Potter cast. He he he. We've got pictures of him if you want to see. He really looks like he can be a character in the movie. It's a wonderful school really. Great kids.
* * *
I think the girls today are gonna do some retail therapy the next day since it's free day. We're gonna be at Cardiff Bay tonight. More updates soon. :)
We carried the round through with Lesotho, no surprised there, though it was a split decision. Some of their speakers are really quite powerful. So a 2-0 slate was nice.
Today was a different story today however. We lost to South Africa (deservedly actually) on a motion on treating terrorists as Prisoners of War (we were opposing).
And we (unfairly) lost to Scotland in the next round. I can give you a blow by blow about how I found such a decision to be ridiculous. Anyway, I don't want to dwell on negative feeling. But this par for the course anyway, unforunately, for World Schools. So we're 2-2.
Fairness to the tournament though, there have been some interesting upsets, so it isn't as if there are unbeatable teams. Pakistan has made the big splash today beating BOTH England and Australia. Good for them.
* * *
On more positive news, we absolutely adored the school we were in today, called Ysigol Plasmawr here in Cardiff. The high school kids (Ryan, Ruth and Angelauch (sp?) ) who were watching after our team were saying Go Team Philippines and also following the debate well, and making fun of our opponents bad points. That was really swell of them. Also nice to hear that one of them actually (no joke here), is going to be in the next Harry Potter movie. He has to be hush-hush about it though. He can't tell people much about it. Wow. We're one degree of separation from the entire Harry Potter cast. He he he. We've got pictures of him if you want to see. He really looks like he can be a character in the movie. It's a wonderful school really. Great kids.
* * *
I think the girls today are gonna do some retail therapy the next day since it's free day. We're gonna be at Cardiff Bay tonight. More updates soon. :)
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Philippines: First Win
On the motion that this house would have a worldwide ban on civil nuclear energy, Montenegro (AFF) and Philippines (NEG), the debate went to Team Philippines with a unanimous 3-0 decision.
Getting the first win in was good. Even though Montenegro isn't a highly touted team, getting that first win has been vitally important. We look to improve and solidify our performance for the next round. :)
Did that sound enough like a press release? He he.
As I blog on this matter, our team is in the middle of a one hour preparation for its 2nd Round. We are on the affirmative side against Lesotho, on the motion, roughly, that this house would have full-time education students engage in compulsory charity work.
* * *
Cultural Wales Update:
1. Food still crap.
So-called creamy herb chicken for dinner at Temple of Peace turns out to be boiled milky chicken fibers. Beef Bourgogne with a wine sauce means black-brown sludge. I kid you not. We were given a brief respite today at Bettws High School in Newport, today's venue for the rounds. We had yummy quiche, egg and ham sandwiches, curry samosas type stuff, and orange juice. The kids eat better than the uni students thank God.
2. Weather becomes more British.
Which I actually don't mind much. Rainy and colder now. Makes me feel that I'm really in Britain. The sun has come out again quite recently though, which is nice. Makes me hope that by the time we get to London in a few days, there will be neither the past weeks heatwave weather nor rainy-rainy-rainy depression.
* * *
Wales is starting to grow on me a bit. Caerdydd the Welsh name of Cardiff seems so much prettier than its usual name. We heard some musical performances in last night's opening ceremony and they were really good. We had a tenor, a choir, a soloist, and fiddler all give good performances (esp. the fiddler). We were proud to stand and show our Philippine flag and Filipiniana attire during the opening ceremony.
* * *
Italy vs. France. Wot.
Getting the first win in was good. Even though Montenegro isn't a highly touted team, getting that first win has been vitally important. We look to improve and solidify our performance for the next round. :)
Did that sound enough like a press release? He he.
As I blog on this matter, our team is in the middle of a one hour preparation for its 2nd Round. We are on the affirmative side against Lesotho, on the motion, roughly, that this house would have full-time education students engage in compulsory charity work.
* * *
Cultural Wales Update:
1. Food still crap.
So-called creamy herb chicken for dinner at Temple of Peace turns out to be boiled milky chicken fibers. Beef Bourgogne with a wine sauce means black-brown sludge. I kid you not. We were given a brief respite today at Bettws High School in Newport, today's venue for the rounds. We had yummy quiche, egg and ham sandwiches, curry samosas type stuff, and orange juice. The kids eat better than the uni students thank God.
2. Weather becomes more British.
Which I actually don't mind much. Rainy and colder now. Makes me feel that I'm really in Britain. The sun has come out again quite recently though, which is nice. Makes me hope that by the time we get to London in a few days, there will be neither the past weeks heatwave weather nor rainy-rainy-rainy depression.
* * *
Wales is starting to grow on me a bit. Caerdydd the Welsh name of Cardiff seems so much prettier than its usual name. We heard some musical performances in last night's opening ceremony and they were really good. We had a tenor, a choir, a soloist, and fiddler all give good performances (esp. the fiddler). We were proud to stand and show our Philippine flag and Filipiniana attire during the opening ceremony.
* * *
Italy vs. France. Wot.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
cardiff
We have no use for our rain gear and sweaters here in Cardiff. I spent the whole day in my tsinelas. Yes, it's the most appropriate footwear here in Wales. Some people in the main shopping area are nakahubo. Most are lean and have abs. A few needs to work out more. He he.
Speaking of shopping, I've gotten some done already. :) I'm never gonna shop at Zara at home again. I got a polo and a shirt here at 15 and 9 quid. they'd probably cost somewhere from 50-75% more back at home. The shopping area at downtown Cardiff is pretty okay. Much better than anything in Geneva (not that THAT is a tough standard), and Cardiff castle is in the background! *end ditz commentary*
Funny the people I've bumped into here at the tournament. Peejay Garcia is the coach of South Korea. Wen Qing (remember him William?), is the coach of Singapore. And JJ of La Verne is the coach of the USA. (die of jealousy Maita and Mahar). We had cross training today with Singapore that turned out okay. And we're doing something with the Korean team a little later.
Last bit to blog about before I go, since there is a bit of line here at the internet provided by the university, british food really still truly sucks. They have to a) learn to cook with garlic and b) stop frying things to death. I'm getting quite potatoed, and breaded out.
More later. Wales is great ey, don't get me wrong. There are lots of bikelanes and Bute Park and downtown shopping is not too shabby. Til next update.
Speaking of shopping, I've gotten some done already. :) I'm never gonna shop at Zara at home again. I got a polo and a shirt here at 15 and 9 quid. they'd probably cost somewhere from 50-75% more back at home. The shopping area at downtown Cardiff is pretty okay. Much better than anything in Geneva (not that THAT is a tough standard), and Cardiff castle is in the background! *end ditz commentary*
Funny the people I've bumped into here at the tournament. Peejay Garcia is the coach of South Korea. Wen Qing (remember him William?), is the coach of Singapore. And JJ of La Verne is the coach of the USA. (die of jealousy Maita and Mahar). We had cross training today with Singapore that turned out okay. And we're doing something with the Korean team a little later.
Last bit to blog about before I go, since there is a bit of line here at the internet provided by the university, british food really still truly sucks. They have to a) learn to cook with garlic and b) stop frying things to death. I'm getting quite potatoed, and breaded out.
More later. Wales is great ey, don't get me wrong. There are lots of bikelanes and Bute Park and downtown shopping is not too shabby. Til next update.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
World Schools
Hey guys, will be semi out of commission for the next two weeks. Am flying off with my younger sis to Wales with the Philippine team to the World Schools Debate Championships. This is the World Cup for High School debating. I'm there as a coach/chaperone. It'll be me and 6 high schoolers (2 miriamites, 2 povedans, 2 atenistas).
I bought a Philippine flag today, which we'll use during rounds. We'll put it on our table. If you think this is a little kitschy, shuddup. All teams do this. He he. We also have little pins of the Phil flag which we can put on our shirts.
Like the World Cup, we have an idea of our draw already. We are facing the following teams:
Montenegro (newly independent!), Lesotho, South Africa, Scotland, Wales, Peru, Lithuania and Germany.
there are 36 countries competing, and these are the one's which we'll be facing. The top 16 seeds will then face each other in knock-out rounds. Thankfully, we won't have to meet teams like Australia or England but til later.
Wish us luck! I'll still be textable, but can't receive or make phone calls. :)
* * *
Incidentally, the ADS is now in New Zealand. My bro is there. I think this is a first. All 3 of us debating siblings in international tournaments. (*proud*)
I bought a Philippine flag today, which we'll use during rounds. We'll put it on our table. If you think this is a little kitschy, shuddup. All teams do this. He he. We also have little pins of the Phil flag which we can put on our shirts.
Like the World Cup, we have an idea of our draw already. We are facing the following teams:
Montenegro (newly independent!), Lesotho, South Africa, Scotland, Wales, Peru, Lithuania and Germany.
there are 36 countries competing, and these are the one's which we'll be facing. The top 16 seeds will then face each other in knock-out rounds. Thankfully, we won't have to meet teams like Australia or England but til later.
Wish us luck! I'll still be textable, but can't receive or make phone calls. :)
* * *
Incidentally, the ADS is now in New Zealand. My bro is there. I think this is a first. All 3 of us debating siblings in international tournaments. (*proud*)
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Intro to Underwater Hockey
INTRO days are for people who want to see if underwater hockey is for them. Can't hurt to try, and it's loads of fun anyway. :)
No regrets eventually joining the school! You'll feel like a dolphin. :)
* * *
Guys and girls,
INTRO TO UNDERWATER HOCKEY
Sponsored by the Philippine Underwater Hockey Confederation
La Salle Greenhills swimming pool
Two dates to choose from:
- June 24, 2006 (Saturday), 1-4pm
- July 1, 2006 (Saturday), 1-4pm
*Instruction and use of equipment are absolutely free!
Just bring your swimsuit and PhP150 for pool fees.
If you have your own/borrowed diving mask, snorkel and fins,
grab them and you’re good to go!
Gear Loan available upon request (specify shoe/fins size).
Definitely a unique and exciting new experience!
For reservations and inquiries, please call/txt/e-mail fabian.mangahas@gmail.com / 0918-4299166.
See you underwater!
“It's a sport like no other. Practically the whole game is underwater! It’s unique, fun, challenging and it’s all about team play.”
- Rafa Valdes, 19 years old, college student and Ultimate Frisbee player
“It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, old or young, fat or thin, tall or short, swimmer or non-swimmer. You can still play as good as anyone else.”
- Chari Ongyanco, 28 years old, 5-foot-tall tri-athlete and mountaineer
“I love the water… With underwater hockey, I get to have fun and keep fit at the same time.”
- Roland Mendoza, 38 years old, businessman and water sports aficionado
More on underwater hockey at
www.98dpi.com/puhc
http://www.friendster.com/puhc
No regrets eventually joining the school! You'll feel like a dolphin. :)
* * *
Guys and girls,
INTRO TO UNDERWATER HOCKEY
Sponsored by the Philippine Underwater Hockey Confederation
La Salle Greenhills swimming pool
Two dates to choose from:
- June 24, 2006 (Saturday), 1-4pm
- July 1, 2006 (Saturday), 1-4pm
*Instruction and use of equipment are absolutely free!
Just bring your swimsuit and PhP150 for pool fees.
If you have your own/borrowed diving mask, snorkel and fins,
grab them and you’re good to go!
Gear Loan available upon request (specify shoe/fins size).
Definitely a unique and exciting new experience!
For reservations and inquiries, please call/txt/e-mail fabian.mangahas@gmail.com / 0918-4299166.
See you underwater!
“It's a sport like no other. Practically the whole game is underwater! It’s unique, fun, challenging and it’s all about team play.”
- Rafa Valdes, 19 years old, college student and Ultimate Frisbee player
“It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, old or young, fat or thin, tall or short, swimmer or non-swimmer. You can still play as good as anyone else.”
- Chari Ongyanco, 28 years old, 5-foot-tall tri-athlete and mountaineer
“I love the water… With underwater hockey, I get to have fun and keep fit at the same time.”
- Roland Mendoza, 38 years old, businessman and water sports aficionado
More on underwater hockey at
www.98dpi.com/puhc
http://www.friendster.com/puhc
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
House Warming
The biggest difficulty was deciding who to spend time with. Unlike other family gatherings, I was glad to see most everybody. Classmates and professors from grad school, cousins from down South (ok, just Paranaque, he he), cousins from around the block, feisty titas & lunching ladies, jesuits, and neighbours.
Neighbours. That is such a novelty. My dad was at the neighborhood community center earlier in the day and he remarked that he met more neighbours that morning than he had ever met in 30 years of living at our old home. One of our neighbours is this remarkable lady who said that she enjoyed reading the obituary section of the Economist. When I mentioned that half the time I don't know who they're writing about she countered with "all the more you should read them!". Good point.
One highlight of the day though was the entry of our next door neighbour of Ponds cream fame. Goodness. Luminous and amazing. I usually make jokes to my siblings and cousins and call them "pathetic" for being so star struck, but I do know that I get that way too. I said something quite moronic like, "Hi, I'm Fabian. I'm the son of my father". DOH!
For this family event I was in charge of dessert. This meant some last minute shopping for pistachio ice cream, and a decision to buy a cake. Courtesy of a "tea party" I had attended a few months ago, I had the idea of ordering a Lemon Torte . Out of the many wonderful desserts served during that party, this one stuck out. I also figured it would handle the heat well (though I took more than a few precautions). Needless to say, it was a hit, especially as it was unveiled to Auntie Susan and Mom's classmates in the air-conditioned dining room. It seemed like a special cake for them only. They were the best audience really. Pristine white lemon torte cake on white table cloth and white plates and silver. It all worked out. I was knighted a 'foodie'. "Nigella Lawson is quite sensual." "Where did you buy this?" Ha ha. That's the kind of question you love titas to ask you.
Only little hitch was when a strong downpour came and we had our old problem of leaks on the 2nd floor. We had to drill holes to prevent the dreaded pooling that devastated Kel's room just the weekend previous. A few guests over stayed a bit, but it's all good. Good time to share things with people.
* * *
Prior to this family thing, I wanted two things to happen. I wanted us to remember well where we came from, and I wanted people excited for the future. Not much of the former, enough of the latter. One of two ain't bad. It's a changing different time.
Neighbours. That is such a novelty. My dad was at the neighborhood community center earlier in the day and he remarked that he met more neighbours that morning than he had ever met in 30 years of living at our old home. One of our neighbours is this remarkable lady who said that she enjoyed reading the obituary section of the Economist. When I mentioned that half the time I don't know who they're writing about she countered with "all the more you should read them!". Good point.
One highlight of the day though was the entry of our next door neighbour of Ponds cream fame. Goodness. Luminous and amazing. I usually make jokes to my siblings and cousins and call them "pathetic" for being so star struck, but I do know that I get that way too. I said something quite moronic like, "Hi, I'm Fabian. I'm the son of my father". DOH!
For this family event I was in charge of dessert. This meant some last minute shopping for pistachio ice cream, and a decision to buy a cake. Courtesy of a "tea party" I had attended a few months ago, I had the idea of ordering a Lemon Torte . Out of the many wonderful desserts served during that party, this one stuck out. I also figured it would handle the heat well (though I took more than a few precautions). Needless to say, it was a hit, especially as it was unveiled to Auntie Susan and Mom's classmates in the air-conditioned dining room. It seemed like a special cake for them only. They were the best audience really. Pristine white lemon torte cake on white table cloth and white plates and silver. It all worked out. I was knighted a 'foodie'. "Nigella Lawson is quite sensual." "Where did you buy this?" Ha ha. That's the kind of question you love titas to ask you.
Only little hitch was when a strong downpour came and we had our old problem of leaks on the 2nd floor. We had to drill holes to prevent the dreaded pooling that devastated Kel's room just the weekend previous. A few guests over stayed a bit, but it's all good. Good time to share things with people.
* * *
Prior to this family thing, I wanted two things to happen. I wanted us to remember well where we came from, and I wanted people excited for the future. Not much of the former, enough of the latter. One of two ain't bad. It's a changing different time.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Anilao
Just returned from Anilao, a little burnt and tired. Quite a good trip though. Arranged this trip primarily for cousin Johanna who wanted to get some mileage in as a newly certified diver. Thought she got her moneys worth: overnight stay + gear rental + good food + 7 dives(!) = around $90 US. Diving in the Philippines is really a steal.
We stayed at Planet Dive , which was a no-brainer coz that place has always been reliable and comfortable. Just a bit of a chore to get too 'coz of the rough roads, but well worth it.
Finally had the excuse to do a discovery dive, something that took two years to do. Perhaps thanks to being in the water more this year, that whole bit went without a hitch. No problems equalizing, and all the colorful fishies to see. Our divemaster Carl was cool, and helped Martha out well when she was having trouble with her mask and tank. Being underwater is just about being 'chill' as Gica would put it. Feeding fish and watching the aquarium movie. Evenings spent some time with J just looking at books about molluscs, echinoderms, fish, coral, etc.
Rest of the time, when not enjoying PD's yummy meals (kilawin and seafood curry, pare), we just went island hopping and snorkeling. More fishies. More coral. Last bit was just working on some snorkeling skills 'coz people were tired of going to other places.
Could I imagine getting certified 2006? Perhaps. I think it's just a matter of time really. Money and Motivation shouldn't be big problems. I think I need a dive buddy for this one, someone besides all my other friends who already got their c-cards.
Finally, some color on my skin!
We stayed at Planet Dive , which was a no-brainer coz that place has always been reliable and comfortable. Just a bit of a chore to get too 'coz of the rough roads, but well worth it.
Finally had the excuse to do a discovery dive, something that took two years to do. Perhaps thanks to being in the water more this year, that whole bit went without a hitch. No problems equalizing, and all the colorful fishies to see. Our divemaster Carl was cool, and helped Martha out well when she was having trouble with her mask and tank. Being underwater is just about being 'chill' as Gica would put it. Feeding fish and watching the aquarium movie. Evenings spent some time with J just looking at books about molluscs, echinoderms, fish, coral, etc.
Rest of the time, when not enjoying PD's yummy meals (kilawin and seafood curry, pare), we just went island hopping and snorkeling. More fishies. More coral. Last bit was just working on some snorkeling skills 'coz people were tired of going to other places.
Could I imagine getting certified 2006? Perhaps. I think it's just a matter of time really. Money and Motivation shouldn't be big problems. I think I need a dive buddy for this one, someone besides all my other friends who already got their c-cards.
Finally, some color on my skin!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
my so-called suburban life
Have been living, comfortably, in LGV the past two weeks and things are going well. This is fortunate because I am able to temporarily distract myself with whatever dissatisfactions I've been getting in my professional life. Thankfully, we have quickly moved into a civilized existence here. We've got cable, phone lines, and internet. The first few days, I semi-felt (though not regrettably), that I was far away from everything, what compounded by that fact that we are in the further reaches of LGV. That has its own charms, but i digress. Now, that I'm plugged in, things are more comfortable again. :)
Airconditioning and Internet. Very important.
My room is shaping up! All you guys who I've bugged about advice, thanks. The room isn't complete yet, and it 'never will be" (haha). BUT, as Mahar will probably be glad to hear, I have lost the urge to hang-out in my siblings rooms. The minimum livable-ness quotient has been breached, and I could even legitimately claim that there is some sort of atmosphere in the room. Bob's framer did a decent job on this poster, and the color choice of the walls really worked out. Still would like to add other comforts in the room, but won't put that all down here, coz then that'll just be Queenie McBear braggy.
Living in a subdivision is a new thing for me, and, I find myself wondering if some family members realize how they're being sucked into the alternate reality that comes from living in a gated neighborhood (and in a pretty paranoid, though not without reason, gated neighborhood at that). Askals are not allowed/frowned upon here. So I still feel a little pang of guilt that we had to leave our askal dogs back in our old place with the tenants. The names of our dogs were Mommy Dog (coz she's a prolific puppy-bearing dog), and Zorro. Now, we have a mixed retriever that was gifted to Kel. His name is Nash (yes, Phoenix Nash), and he actually now sits when we tell him to. I know, how sub-urbia right. Hilarious. Our manang now speaks to our dog in English. "Come here, Nash!" Oh no, not you too.
We did a very sub-urbianny thing this afternoon. Pop bought bikes. Two bikes on the cheap, bought in Marikina (our backdoor). They look nice enough, but of course would never stand up for a real road test IMHO, much less for a triathlon. But, during early mornings I guess I'll be able to get around the neighborhood with less hassle. Really, this neighborhood is so Pro-Car already it's kinda gross. People can scarcely commute to this place (unlike our old house near Banawe and Quezon Ave.) If you take a cab home, you kinda feel you have to tip big, coz he really is 10 minutes into a neighborhood where his chances of getting a passenger are slim-to-none.
The end of the summer is just gonna speed along. I know it. Ateneo is hosting the Asian Universities Debating Championships. They're gunning for the 5th win in a row. Inside tsismis for debaters: I heard ICU made semis in rival tourney Asians. That's something huh? he he.
My cousins from the US are also coming over, partially to celebrate the 90th birthday of my recently passed Grandmo. It's Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day Grandmo! It's the first holiday I think that we won't be placing a call for her. No kwento about what their ulam and celebration is gonna be. We should play mah-jong (her game).
Drop me a line guys, I miss a lot of you guys. til next entry
Airconditioning and Internet. Very important.
My room is shaping up! All you guys who I've bugged about advice, thanks. The room isn't complete yet, and it 'never will be" (haha). BUT, as Mahar will probably be glad to hear, I have lost the urge to hang-out in my siblings rooms. The minimum livable-ness quotient has been breached, and I could even legitimately claim that there is some sort of atmosphere in the room. Bob's framer did a decent job on this poster, and the color choice of the walls really worked out. Still would like to add other comforts in the room, but won't put that all down here, coz then that'll just be Queenie McBear braggy.
Living in a subdivision is a new thing for me, and, I find myself wondering if some family members realize how they're being sucked into the alternate reality that comes from living in a gated neighborhood (and in a pretty paranoid, though not without reason, gated neighborhood at that). Askals are not allowed/frowned upon here. So I still feel a little pang of guilt that we had to leave our askal dogs back in our old place with the tenants. The names of our dogs were Mommy Dog (coz she's a prolific puppy-bearing dog), and Zorro. Now, we have a mixed retriever that was gifted to Kel. His name is Nash (yes, Phoenix Nash), and he actually now sits when we tell him to. I know, how sub-urbia right. Hilarious. Our manang now speaks to our dog in English. "Come here, Nash!" Oh no, not you too.
We did a very sub-urbianny thing this afternoon. Pop bought bikes. Two bikes on the cheap, bought in Marikina (our backdoor). They look nice enough, but of course would never stand up for a real road test IMHO, much less for a triathlon. But, during early mornings I guess I'll be able to get around the neighborhood with less hassle. Really, this neighborhood is so Pro-Car already it's kinda gross. People can scarcely commute to this place (unlike our old house near Banawe and Quezon Ave.) If you take a cab home, you kinda feel you have to tip big, coz he really is 10 minutes into a neighborhood where his chances of getting a passenger are slim-to-none.
The end of the summer is just gonna speed along. I know it. Ateneo is hosting the Asian Universities Debating Championships. They're gunning for the 5th win in a row. Inside tsismis for debaters: I heard ICU made semis in rival tourney Asians. That's something huh? he he.
My cousins from the US are also coming over, partially to celebrate the 90th birthday of my recently passed Grandmo. It's Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day Grandmo! It's the first holiday I think that we won't be placing a call for her. No kwento about what their ulam and celebration is gonna be. We should play mah-jong (her game).
Drop me a line guys, I miss a lot of you guys. til next entry
Monday, May 01, 2006
bye bye old house
Gica and I passed by P. Florentino yesterday afternoon for a last minute clearing out of things that would then be transferred to Nova Scotia (street). Macy did a good job in moving things out though, since there was scarcely anything left for Gica and I to cart away, just a few stray musical score books that were gathering dust in a bodega.
Our old house has been transformed! We even have some photos as "evidenciary support". Our front door now has mini-Chinese lions on either side to welcome guests about to walk in. The foyer had all these religious figurines (ready for installation), and fake plastic flowers everywhere. Our patio has the orange fall-effect fake potted plants. What's with our tenants and the penchant for artificial foliage?
Upstairs, my parents room were painted deep pink. I'm glad actually coz it gave the room a better look. It looked much less sorry than the mess we had left it in from last week. It gave me the feeling that some Chinese spirits are gonna move into this house. My old room is now the temporary storage area for the new tenants things. There are multi-colored balls, for luck I assume, in a basket in my room. lovely.
* * *
Further up north, it has been moving in and decorating time at the new house. lots of problems/issues to deal with, which is why I've been neglecting this spot somewhat (and also because our house is very un-civilized in that there is no internet connection there! awful). the landscaping needs work, but our rooms are coming along. Megamall is a new friend coz we get stuff from Our Home to spruce the place up. you guys should check out my new room. i can imagine now burrowing and killing a lot of time in there. Never have I been so organized.
* * *
you guys should drop by for a merienda and chat. it's May, summer's almost over
Our old house has been transformed! We even have some photos as "evidenciary support". Our front door now has mini-Chinese lions on either side to welcome guests about to walk in. The foyer had all these religious figurines (ready for installation), and fake plastic flowers everywhere. Our patio has the orange fall-effect fake potted plants. What's with our tenants and the penchant for artificial foliage?
Upstairs, my parents room were painted deep pink. I'm glad actually coz it gave the room a better look. It looked much less sorry than the mess we had left it in from last week. It gave me the feeling that some Chinese spirits are gonna move into this house. My old room is now the temporary storage area for the new tenants things. There are multi-colored balls, for luck I assume, in a basket in my room. lovely.
* * *
Further up north, it has been moving in and decorating time at the new house. lots of problems/issues to deal with, which is why I've been neglecting this spot somewhat (and also because our house is very un-civilized in that there is no internet connection there! awful). the landscaping needs work, but our rooms are coming along. Megamall is a new friend coz we get stuff from Our Home to spruce the place up. you guys should check out my new room. i can imagine now burrowing and killing a lot of time in there. Never have I been so organized.
* * *
you guys should drop by for a merienda and chat. it's May, summer's almost over
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
what i do today
i drank many glasses of cold water today. also cold milo, cold sarsi, and cold iced-tea. the weather is so hot, that you can wear a sando in a coffee shop and it will be ok.
jeans are hot. but be careful if you wear white linen pants. why? because they can be clingy. your underwear and droopy butt might show.
i was pissed. my two Camus books have gone missing. maybe they're in some random movers box and i will not see them for weeks. what will i read now?
I tried reading Girl Meets Boy by Meg Cabot. useless.
the book is entertaining, but the book feel like a computer print-out. everything is either an e-mail, a voice-mail, an IM transcript.
i use the computer the whole day. why are u trying to make books look like computers, ms. cabot?
jeans are hot. but be careful if you wear white linen pants. why? because they can be clingy. your underwear and droopy butt might show.
i was pissed. my two Camus books have gone missing. maybe they're in some random movers box and i will not see them for weeks. what will i read now?
I tried reading Girl Meets Boy by Meg Cabot. useless.
the book is entertaining, but the book feel like a computer print-out. everything is either an e-mail, a voice-mail, an IM transcript.
i use the computer the whole day. why are u trying to make books look like computers, ms. cabot?
Sunday, April 09, 2006
EVERYTHING HAS TO GO
Hey, guys, a real resource here we're giving away. We simply do not have space.
If you know people who want these things, tell me right away and tell them to come over and pick them up:
--> Engineering Textbooks (thermodynamic, circuitry, steel and industry, etc.)
--> Daedelus (American Journal of Arts and Sciences). We got a whole bunch of stuff from the 60's and 70's.
If anyone wants them, they'll have to come over and pick em up!
-Fabs
If you know people who want these things, tell me right away and tell them to come over and pick them up:
--> Engineering Textbooks (thermodynamic, circuitry, steel and industry, etc.)
--> Daedelus (American Journal of Arts and Sciences). We got a whole bunch of stuff from the 60's and 70's.
If anyone wants them, they'll have to come over and pick em up!
-Fabs
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Garden of Elmer Gimmick
I told myself that I would not do any work this weekend, and that's exactly what happened. With some mountaineering buddies, trooped off to very far away Bulacan to hang out at Elmer's Kubo. Elmer's family runs a landscaping concern and this spot in Bulacan is where they have their nursery of impressive palm trees and koi fish. Would you believe that koi cost 70,000 a fish? I think it's crazy.
Elmer's Kubo isn't really a Kubo in that there's a dining hall area and a kitchen extension. It's more of a chill out house. We arrived Saturday night and watched Keeana Reeves win the finale of Pinoy Big Brother, after which it was pigging-out. Ruffles, Doritos and Onion Dip, pancit malabon, lechon manok, dark chocolate, asti, beer and red wine. Come to think of it, I think it's pretty amazing that I didn't get a stomach ache. I think it was coz I was mentally prepared for this one. Chatted til 5:30 in the morning. Running joke of the evening was that if you want a girl to fall madly in love with you, forget about giving flowers or chocolates. You should volunteer to clean her refrigerator. Spoken by a friend based on real-life experience.
After breakfast (at 930, yeah we woke up then), it was just more hanging around reading magazines till the trip home. The original plan was for some of us to go biking the morning to Subic from Bulacan (yeah right, diba). We passed by Razon's on McArthur Highway and they really have very soft and tasty puto (though im not into the butter brand topping), and a super yummy halo-halo which they're famous for.
The 45 peso concoction contains only a few ingredients but I think that that is the secret to its tastiness (ice, lecheflan, evaporated milk, macapuno, and a little banana). The whole thing is positive drowned in evaporated milk, I suspect, so that's why its so tasty. And it's just 45 bucks! If one goes to Bulacan you got to pass by here and get your halo-halo. It was particularly great coz the afternoon was so hot.
It was baboy weekend. I was allowed though, 'coz 1) it was yummy and fun and I deserved it, and 2) I'm practically gonna swim everyday this week! That's part of the reason exercising is fun. . .
Elmer's Kubo isn't really a Kubo in that there's a dining hall area and a kitchen extension. It's more of a chill out house. We arrived Saturday night and watched Keeana Reeves win the finale of Pinoy Big Brother, after which it was pigging-out. Ruffles, Doritos and Onion Dip, pancit malabon, lechon manok, dark chocolate, asti, beer and red wine. Come to think of it, I think it's pretty amazing that I didn't get a stomach ache. I think it was coz I was mentally prepared for this one. Chatted til 5:30 in the morning. Running joke of the evening was that if you want a girl to fall madly in love with you, forget about giving flowers or chocolates. You should volunteer to clean her refrigerator. Spoken by a friend based on real-life experience.
After breakfast (at 930, yeah we woke up then), it was just more hanging around reading magazines till the trip home. The original plan was for some of us to go biking the morning to Subic from Bulacan (yeah right, diba). We passed by Razon's on McArthur Highway and they really have very soft and tasty puto (though im not into the butter brand topping), and a super yummy halo-halo which they're famous for.
The 45 peso concoction contains only a few ingredients but I think that that is the secret to its tastiness (ice, lecheflan, evaporated milk, macapuno, and a little banana). The whole thing is positive drowned in evaporated milk, I suspect, so that's why its so tasty. And it's just 45 bucks! If one goes to Bulacan you got to pass by here and get your halo-halo. It was particularly great coz the afternoon was so hot.
It was baboy weekend. I was allowed though, 'coz 1) it was yummy and fun and I deserved it, and 2) I'm practically gonna swim everyday this week! That's part of the reason exercising is fun. . .
Saturday, April 01, 2006
summer
The blog has a new look, thanks Maf.
What is odd though is that I don't bike, though I have a bunch of friends who keep on bugging me to do so. I have a bike helmet just over a year old gathering some dust in a drawer.
Every other verb on the site description, I do: these days biased towards swimming and reading. I haven't climbed a mountain since late October.
Summer is on everyone's mind these days. School is out, and the holy week is approaching. Since our family is moving out to a new place this April, there are no grand productions / major outings lined up. We'd all be presumably too busy (and out of disposable cash!) to do any of those. There have been some invitations to go to beaches nearby, but I've got this slight aversion now to just pile into a car and take off to the nearest nature spot (whether beach, mountain, or forest).
No matter how careful you are, as an eco-tourist, you're gonna be making a dent on these environments. Environments are not destroyed just by loggers with chainsaws. They're also affected by people who bake in the sun while ordering their fruit shakes. Mind you, I've got nothing (much) against this type of consumption, 'coz I've done that sort of thing myself. But if you're going to be heading out this summer and going to Bora(cay), Bohol, Palawan, wherever, you got to realize the impact you make.
I've told myself that if ever I go to a mountain this summer, I want it to be in the context of a clean-up climb. Same thing if I visit a beach or a dive spot. Since, inevitably, I'll be "leaving a trace", I want to already give something back, if only to achieve balance in this place that I'm visiting. A tourist/traveller is a powerful thing.
There's a big brother / big sister climb coming up some time this summer, and I'm thinking of doing this again. I did this last year, and essentially climbers go to remote communities (in the mountains) to give them some books and school supplies. It's nice if you're a mountaineer to do this. This is your small niche in helping out education in the country. But people who aren't into climbing can also join in. Some of the people who tried this out for the first time ended up taking BMC (Basic Mountaineering Courses) the rest of the year. This year, there's a climb May 13-14 in Abra. I will put in more information about this project the succeeding weeks.
It's April 1. That means it's Jess Lopez's birthday. He'll be topping the bar in a few years like Len and Joan? Stranger things have happened. He he.
What is odd though is that I don't bike, though I have a bunch of friends who keep on bugging me to do so. I have a bike helmet just over a year old gathering some dust in a drawer.
Every other verb on the site description, I do: these days biased towards swimming and reading. I haven't climbed a mountain since late October.
Summer is on everyone's mind these days. School is out, and the holy week is approaching. Since our family is moving out to a new place this April, there are no grand productions / major outings lined up. We'd all be presumably too busy (and out of disposable cash!) to do any of those. There have been some invitations to go to beaches nearby, but I've got this slight aversion now to just pile into a car and take off to the nearest nature spot (whether beach, mountain, or forest).
No matter how careful you are, as an eco-tourist, you're gonna be making a dent on these environments. Environments are not destroyed just by loggers with chainsaws. They're also affected by people who bake in the sun while ordering their fruit shakes. Mind you, I've got nothing (much) against this type of consumption, 'coz I've done that sort of thing myself. But if you're going to be heading out this summer and going to Bora(cay), Bohol, Palawan, wherever, you got to realize the impact you make.
I've told myself that if ever I go to a mountain this summer, I want it to be in the context of a clean-up climb. Same thing if I visit a beach or a dive spot. Since, inevitably, I'll be "leaving a trace", I want to already give something back, if only to achieve balance in this place that I'm visiting. A tourist/traveller is a powerful thing.
There's a big brother / big sister climb coming up some time this summer, and I'm thinking of doing this again. I did this last year, and essentially climbers go to remote communities (in the mountains) to give them some books and school supplies. It's nice if you're a mountaineer to do this. This is your small niche in helping out education in the country. But people who aren't into climbing can also join in. Some of the people who tried this out for the first time ended up taking BMC (Basic Mountaineering Courses) the rest of the year. This year, there's a climb May 13-14 in Abra. I will put in more information about this project the succeeding weeks.
It's April 1. That means it's Jess Lopez's birthday. He'll be topping the bar in a few years like Len and Joan? Stranger things have happened. He he.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Things to do this Summer
Hi. Are you guys feeling that your brains are rotting from too much work in the office? Do you yearn for some sort of stimulation, whether intellectual, physical, or social? Then perhaps you should try one of the activities listed below. The information has all come to me at the same time, and I'm lumping them all together.
1. Critical Social Theory Group
a gathering of individuals who will read texts and talk about social theory. suggested first text will be paulo virilio's ground zero. gatherings will start mid-April. generally open to all interested individuals. the group is informally based in Ateneo. to sign up in the mailing list, head for badrabbit.blogspot.com
2. Underwater Hockey
for the underwater hockey blurb, I'll just paste the SMS that a friend forwarded to me. i've tried intro last year, and it's quite fun, especially if you like water and competition. more formal hockey school starts sometime mid-April as well.
* * *
Hey, wanna try UNDERWATER HOCKEY? Sign up for ur FREE INTRO on Mar 25 or Apr 1 at Ultra 1-4 pm. Just pay pool fee P150. Limited Slots only. Reserve now! Call/Txt Nikki: 0917-8902330. Xtreme fun guaranteed! :)
* * *
3. Groupe de Conversation en Français
Avril 8, brunch, La Vista, environ 1030.
un petit groupe de personnes qui veulent pratiquer et ameliorer le Français, avec la connaissance au moins du Français de base. :) E-mail si vous êtes intéressé
1. Critical Social Theory Group
a gathering of individuals who will read texts and talk about social theory. suggested first text will be paulo virilio's ground zero. gatherings will start mid-April. generally open to all interested individuals. the group is informally based in Ateneo. to sign up in the mailing list, head for badrabbit.blogspot.com
2. Underwater Hockey
for the underwater hockey blurb, I'll just paste the SMS that a friend forwarded to me. i've tried intro last year, and it's quite fun, especially if you like water and competition. more formal hockey school starts sometime mid-April as well.
* * *
Hey, wanna try UNDERWATER HOCKEY? Sign up for ur FREE INTRO on Mar 25 or Apr 1 at Ultra 1-4 pm. Just pay pool fee P150. Limited Slots only. Reserve now! Call/Txt Nikki: 0917-8902330. Xtreme fun guaranteed! :)
* * *
3. Groupe de Conversation en Français
Avril 8, brunch, La Vista, environ 1030.
un petit groupe de personnes qui veulent pratiquer et ameliorer le Français, avec la connaissance au moins du Français de base. :) E-mail si vous êtes intéressé
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Books to go + New Books!
Friends,
I know a few of you like books. Since we are preparing to move to a new house this summer, a lot of our old books, some in storage, have come to see the light of day. We have too many of them; we have to get rid of some.
Here are a (partial) list of books that I'm giving away. Some of them are pretty good. Just contact me if you're interested.
C.S. Lewis' The Last Battle (1970 edition)
Peasants and Peasant Societies - Teodor Shanin, ed. (Penguin Modern Sociology Readings)
Signs and Meaning in the Cinema - Peter Wollen*
The Speculative Philosophers - Commins, Linscott, ed.
The Political Philosophers - Commins, Linscott, ed. *
More than Conquerors - Edilberto K. Tiempo
Selected Stories of Lu Hsun*
Brave New World / Brave New World Revisited - Aldous Huxley*
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway*
Haircut and Other Stories - Ring Lardner
I also have a few of my Grandfather's old issues of the National Gardener
edited to add:
The Christmas Mystery - Jostein Gaarder*
China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power - Nicholas Kristof & Sherly Wudunn
new books:
Now You see it, now you don't! Lessons in sleight of hand - Bill Tarr
The State of the World's Children 1995 - UNICEF
Chess Openings: Traps and Zaps - Bruce Pandolfini
The Home and the World - Rabindranath Tagore*
Guide to Better Bowling - Chuck Pezanno
The Complete Prophecies of Nostradamus
How to Win Chess Games Quickly - Fred Reinfeld
An Outline of American Literature - USAID pamphlet
An Outline of American History - USAID pamphlet (well, more of a book)
A Book of Angels - Sophy Burnham
God's Country and Mine - Jacques Barzun
The Snows of Kilimanjaro and other Story - Ernest Hemingway (Bob, you can have first dibs on this one)
The Oresteian Trilogy - Aeschylus
The Jungle Books - Rudyard Kipling*
Interior Design with Feng Shui - Sarah Rossbach (paperback)
The Prince and the Pauper - Mark Twain
A Christmas Carol and other Christmas Books - Charles Dickens
Black Beauty - Anna Sewell
Questions and Answers on Bringing Up Children - Emma R. Tan
Making Effective Presentations - Robert B. Nelson & Jennifer Wallick
Discovering the Enneagram - Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert
Love Song - Andrew M. Greeley (hardbound)
The Greatest Salesman in the World - Og Mandino
Webster's New World Thesaurus
Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie (de-faced copy)*
Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift*
The Chamber - John Grisham
The Mill on the Floss - George Eliot
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
Dubliners - James Joyce*
Doctor Dolittle In the Moon - Hugh Lofting*
The Fit-or-Fat Target Diet - Covert Bailey
Bowling - Martin/Tandy/Agne-Traub
Public Speaking for College Students - Lionel Crocker
Literature 2 Selections - Ateneo High School (1994)
Your Book of Secret Writing - Geoffrey Lamb
The Pearl - John Steinbeck
A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
Journey to the Center of the Earth - Jules Verne
The Inferno - Dante*
The Purgatorio - Dante*
The Paradiso - Dante*
* someone asked for them already
new rule! :)
if you're gonna request for these books, and I don't normally hang out with you, you have to be willing to pick 'em up in a week in any of my "territories". Starbucks Katipunan / Coffee Bean Eastwood / Coffee Bean Salcedo
I know a few of you like books. Since we are preparing to move to a new house this summer, a lot of our old books, some in storage, have come to see the light of day. We have too many of them; we have to get rid of some.
Here are a (partial) list of books that I'm giving away. Some of them are pretty good. Just contact me if you're interested.
C.S. Lewis' The Last Battle (1970 edition)
Peasants and Peasant Societies - Teodor Shanin, ed. (Penguin Modern Sociology Readings)
Signs and Meaning in the Cinema - Peter Wollen*
The Speculative Philosophers - Commins, Linscott, ed.
The Political Philosophers - Commins, Linscott, ed. *
More than Conquerors - Edilberto K. Tiempo
Selected Stories of Lu Hsun*
Brave New World / Brave New World Revisited - Aldous Huxley*
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway*
Haircut and Other Stories - Ring Lardner
I also have a few of my Grandfather's old issues of the National Gardener
edited to add:
The Christmas Mystery - Jostein Gaarder*
China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power - Nicholas Kristof & Sherly Wudunn
new books:
Now You see it, now you don't! Lessons in sleight of hand - Bill Tarr
The State of the World's Children 1995 - UNICEF
Chess Openings: Traps and Zaps - Bruce Pandolfini
The Home and the World - Rabindranath Tagore*
Guide to Better Bowling - Chuck Pezanno
The Complete Prophecies of Nostradamus
How to Win Chess Games Quickly - Fred Reinfeld
An Outline of American Literature - USAID pamphlet
An Outline of American History - USAID pamphlet (well, more of a book)
A Book of Angels - Sophy Burnham
God's Country and Mine - Jacques Barzun
The Snows of Kilimanjaro and other Story - Ernest Hemingway (Bob, you can have first dibs on this one)
The Oresteian Trilogy - Aeschylus
The Jungle Books - Rudyard Kipling*
Interior Design with Feng Shui - Sarah Rossbach (paperback)
The Prince and the Pauper - Mark Twain
A Christmas Carol and other Christmas Books - Charles Dickens
Black Beauty - Anna Sewell
Questions and Answers on Bringing Up Children - Emma R. Tan
Making Effective Presentations - Robert B. Nelson & Jennifer Wallick
Discovering the Enneagram - Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert
Love Song - Andrew M. Greeley (hardbound)
The Greatest Salesman in the World - Og Mandino
Webster's New World Thesaurus
Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie (de-faced copy)*
Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift*
The Chamber - John Grisham
The Mill on the Floss - George Eliot
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
Dubliners - James Joyce*
Doctor Dolittle In the Moon - Hugh Lofting*
The Fit-or-Fat Target Diet - Covert Bailey
Bowling - Martin/Tandy/Agne-Traub
Public Speaking for College Students - Lionel Crocker
Literature 2 Selections - Ateneo High School (1994)
Your Book of Secret Writing - Geoffrey Lamb
The Pearl - John Steinbeck
A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
Journey to the Center of the Earth - Jules Verne
The Inferno - Dante*
The Purgatorio - Dante*
The Paradiso - Dante*
* someone asked for them already
new rule! :)
if you're gonna request for these books, and I don't normally hang out with you, you have to be willing to pick 'em up in a week in any of my "territories". Starbucks Katipunan / Coffee Bean Eastwood / Coffee Bean Salcedo
Monday, March 13, 2006
"If you can't change the way Manila looks, change the way you look at Manila"
I spent this Sunday afternoon getting lucky at Lori Baltazar's "tea party" in Malate. Quotations because what occured was more of a cake party, and not just a cake party, but a serious cake party for lovers of sugar, cream and chocolate, of which, I have come to discover, I am simply a rank amateur.
How can you not be overwhelmed with 12 or so cakes there for the taking? Some were very good, some were exquisite, all quite rich. We're talking a banana cream pie, a carrot cake, a strawberry shortcake, mango torte, this nut pie contraption, lemon torte, cheesecake, caramel cake, chocolate xanadu, strawberry short cake, blueberry and strawberry cheesecake, white chocolate cake, and a triple hazelnut mousse.
It was crazy. The cakes were served in two batches to avoid impacho (sp?) as Carlos said, but there was still an audible (yet happy?) groan when it was announced that the 2nd batch of cakes had arrived. Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookies. Damn good.
My assessment of the cakes probably was colored though by the heat that was permeating throughout the Living Room. I think some of the other creations would have tasted better in a chillier setting. e.g. the chocolate xanadu. But given the circumstances, the winning cakes for me were the lemon torte and the triple hazelnut mousse, the latter being made with Gianduja chocolate.
Part of the event was a cake raffle, where I parlayed a mango torte I won into a triple hazelnut mousse. I had tasted this mango torte last Christmas and wasn't too excited about it. Thanks to a friend's extra raffle ticket, I also won a framed photograph of Panna Cotta (sp?). [I'll spell check all these terms ASAP, sorry].
Will try to get some interesting photos of the event. In the meantime, lots of info about the event and the features desserts at Lori's blog: dessertcomesfirst.blogspot.com
How can you not be overwhelmed with 12 or so cakes there for the taking? Some were very good, some were exquisite, all quite rich. We're talking a banana cream pie, a carrot cake, a strawberry shortcake, mango torte, this nut pie contraption, lemon torte, cheesecake, caramel cake, chocolate xanadu, strawberry short cake, blueberry and strawberry cheesecake, white chocolate cake, and a triple hazelnut mousse.
It was crazy. The cakes were served in two batches to avoid impacho (sp?) as Carlos said, but there was still an audible (yet happy?) groan when it was announced that the 2nd batch of cakes had arrived. Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookies. Damn good.
My assessment of the cakes probably was colored though by the heat that was permeating throughout the Living Room. I think some of the other creations would have tasted better in a chillier setting. e.g. the chocolate xanadu. But given the circumstances, the winning cakes for me were the lemon torte and the triple hazelnut mousse, the latter being made with Gianduja chocolate.
Part of the event was a cake raffle, where I parlayed a mango torte I won into a triple hazelnut mousse. I had tasted this mango torte last Christmas and wasn't too excited about it. Thanks to a friend's extra raffle ticket, I also won a framed photograph of Panna Cotta (sp?). [I'll spell check all these terms ASAP, sorry].
Will try to get some interesting photos of the event. In the meantime, lots of info about the event and the features desserts at Lori's blog: dessertcomesfirst.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 09, 2006
life update # whatever
ugh. it's afternoon as i type this and i think im paying for last night's episode of temporary gluttinous (sp?) insanity. i wolfed down some chocolate chips and mixed junk food. i think it was just my brain asking for calories.
had the HSBC assessment center bit yesterday, and i thought it turned out ok. i should be getting a call from them by the end of this week, and hopefully the response is going to be a positive one. i find myself leaning towards entering into a position in this company, among various reasons is that they seem to know best who i am and what i am capable of. that can only bode well for me receiving the proper kind of work that won't keep my unhappy. what helps is that friends who work for this company actually have LIVES despite being compensated well. this is a pretty good deal i think. oh yes, their CEO is also a triathlon nut. company culture should be compatible enough.
other things happening include the ateneo aquathlon finally taking place last sunday. just a little hairy and hectic during the morning registration, but over all something that turned out ok. the medal ceremony was nice. the overall winners were teenagers from laguna. nice to imagine that they'll be doing well and great in the future. glad this project is finally OVER. stress for sure. but it taught me a lot of things, and will help in the way that i manage and implement projects in the future.
bob and i have been working on our amazing race video. it's full of hot air. sent a few clips of our work off to len and jojo and they could only say, "yabaaaang". ha ha. well, that's gonna be our little differentiating tactic. we can't be as fun, perky and adventurous as other people, but it won't be easy to top us in terms of sheer arrogance and self-assured smugness. he he. it's an act, folks. though we do loove ourselves. hopefully bob figures out how to do all the editing soon.
what more is there to report? well, a little disappointment that brokeback didn't win. and the political noise going around the internet, "middle class" folks sending around all sorts of e-mails. valid points some of them, some pretty silly points in others. all quite loud, angry, and intolerant of viewpoints other than theirs. kinda shows that they dont think much actually, the fact that everything is black, white and nothing is concilliatory. well being simplistic is always the easy way. i haven't wired my brain yet to think that way about certain things. least of all political, economic issues.
am looking forward to the weekend! bob's b-day AND i get to attend a tea-party w/ lots of cake Sunday. hope ur weeks are turning out good.
had the HSBC assessment center bit yesterday, and i thought it turned out ok. i should be getting a call from them by the end of this week, and hopefully the response is going to be a positive one. i find myself leaning towards entering into a position in this company, among various reasons is that they seem to know best who i am and what i am capable of. that can only bode well for me receiving the proper kind of work that won't keep my unhappy. what helps is that friends who work for this company actually have LIVES despite being compensated well. this is a pretty good deal i think. oh yes, their CEO is also a triathlon nut. company culture should be compatible enough.
other things happening include the ateneo aquathlon finally taking place last sunday. just a little hairy and hectic during the morning registration, but over all something that turned out ok. the medal ceremony was nice. the overall winners were teenagers from laguna. nice to imagine that they'll be doing well and great in the future. glad this project is finally OVER. stress for sure. but it taught me a lot of things, and will help in the way that i manage and implement projects in the future.
bob and i have been working on our amazing race video. it's full of hot air. sent a few clips of our work off to len and jojo and they could only say, "yabaaaang". ha ha. well, that's gonna be our little differentiating tactic. we can't be as fun, perky and adventurous as other people, but it won't be easy to top us in terms of sheer arrogance and self-assured smugness. he he. it's an act, folks. though we do loove ourselves. hopefully bob figures out how to do all the editing soon.
what more is there to report? well, a little disappointment that brokeback didn't win. and the political noise going around the internet, "middle class" folks sending around all sorts of e-mails. valid points some of them, some pretty silly points in others. all quite loud, angry, and intolerant of viewpoints other than theirs. kinda shows that they dont think much actually, the fact that everything is black, white and nothing is concilliatory. well being simplistic is always the easy way. i haven't wired my brain yet to think that way about certain things. least of all political, economic issues.
am looking forward to the weekend! bob's b-day AND i get to attend a tea-party w/ lots of cake Sunday. hope ur weeks are turning out good.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
talking about myself, about my weekend, Jack Nasty
I did some closet cleaning this weekend. This is in preparation for our big move to LGV some time mid-April. You should see my room these days. It's never been this functional and organized. A little ironic, now that I'm leaving this place in less than 2 months.
I had Saturday and Sunday sessions trying things on and marching towards the mirror on the landing to assess how wearable said garment was, and also getting a 2nd opinion from Gica about how the whole thing looks. Funny, huh. Anyway, she knows what she likes but I got to say that she has some odd notions about what is not wearable but actually is. Maybe she's just a tad spoiled that way. Maybe.
So now I've got an organized closet, and know exactly what I'm missing and what I need to get. Managed to fill in that hole with a little shopping this weekend. I actually spent money I earned myself to buy these clothes. I realize that I can get addicted to this. It's fun. I must have tried out 10 pieces in one store. I knew something was going on outside and that things were getting chaotic. I felt mildly guilty, but that disappeared soon enough. I decided to watch Memoirs of a Geisha, which I enjoyed quite a bit.
* * *
I don't speak or think too deeply. I let some of my ranting friends do that. I'd just rather watch and let things play out, especially when truth and facts are so gray now.
* * *
I was reading a few old letters this evening which is what I do when I want to revisit myself. Realized that I was kinda pikon in high school, and really something of a dweeb, esp. to people who didn't know me. I present facades for people, that's for sure. I want them to get to know a certain part of me, as a matter of survival it might have started, and maybe morphed into a matter of habit or a matter of getting what I want. Is it deception if I never pretended to be something I wasn't, but merely hi-lighted certain aspects of myself?
* * *
tang-ina bitin naman yung Oprah Prime Time tonight. Nice interviews though.
I had Saturday and Sunday sessions trying things on and marching towards the mirror on the landing to assess how wearable said garment was, and also getting a 2nd opinion from Gica about how the whole thing looks. Funny, huh. Anyway, she knows what she likes but I got to say that she has some odd notions about what is not wearable but actually is. Maybe she's just a tad spoiled that way. Maybe.
So now I've got an organized closet, and know exactly what I'm missing and what I need to get. Managed to fill in that hole with a little shopping this weekend. I actually spent money I earned myself to buy these clothes. I realize that I can get addicted to this. It's fun. I must have tried out 10 pieces in one store. I knew something was going on outside and that things were getting chaotic. I felt mildly guilty, but that disappeared soon enough. I decided to watch Memoirs of a Geisha, which I enjoyed quite a bit.
* * *
I don't speak or think too deeply. I let some of my ranting friends do that. I'd just rather watch and let things play out, especially when truth and facts are so gray now.
* * *
I was reading a few old letters this evening which is what I do when I want to revisit myself. Realized that I was kinda pikon in high school, and really something of a dweeb, esp. to people who didn't know me. I present facades for people, that's for sure. I want them to get to know a certain part of me, as a matter of survival it might have started, and maybe morphed into a matter of habit or a matter of getting what I want. Is it deception if I never pretended to be something I wasn't, but merely hi-lighted certain aspects of myself?
* * *
tang-ina bitin naman yung Oprah Prime Time tonight. Nice interviews though.
Monday, February 20, 2006
2nd Ateneo Aquathlon - 1st Leg 2006 Speedo Aquathlon Series - 5th March
Triathletes, Mountaineers, Swimmers, Runners, Weekend Warriors, Lovers, Fighters, Friends:
Am helping organize an aquathlon! It'll be a fun, sporty (& competitive if you so choose) atmosphere at Ateneo this March 5! This is brought to you by the Loyola Mountaineers and Speedo with the help of TRAP (Triathlon Association of the Philippines)
Official ITU distance of 2.5km run - 1km swim - 2.5km run
Race Fee : 400 pesos til 2nd March
(includes Speedo Swim Cap + Speedo shirt)
500 pesos for 3rd-4th March
800 pesos on Race Day
Masaya 'to! Cool day in the lovely Ateneo Campus. He he.
If you guys are interested send me an e-mail, comment, SMS and I'll send you a registration form with payment details. :)
Monday, February 13, 2006
end of an era
I didnt expect that my whole weekend (including friday night) was gonna be gobbled up by debate tryouts. Thought I'd pop in at strategic times, but I actually saw practically every debate on this one. For those of you who are interested, and I know there are at least a few, the contingent line up is as follows:
[names in ranking order]
Ateneo 1: Leloy, Sharmila, Charisse
Ateneo 2: Glenn, Mahar, Miko
Ateneo 3: DS, Kip, Allan
Ateneo 4: Czarina, Cris, Danni
Ateneo 5: Adrian, Pat H, Franz
Ateneo 6: Faith, Bev, Dan L
Ateneo 7(?): Steph Poon, X, Y
Judges: Steph Co, James
Too bad Kellda's dream to be on the other side of a snakepit didn't materialize. Closest was the final slot for Team 2.
since this contingent is for CSB IVs (aka Ombudsman debates), IIDC (Inquirer interschool) and AUDC (asian universities), this will be the last tryout for a few months, and probably the last tryout in this house (we're moving in a couple of months).
It probably will also be the last tryout that I'll be attending, or at least attending this fully. Bob sounded out a theme earlier in the weekend: What the hell am i doing here? and I had ask mysef that as well.
Tryouts has a functional role, but it's highly social as well, but of course. The pecking order is confirmed or in some cases newly changed and established. Occasionally, alumni in town will be around to gather, and it'll be time to meet up, exchange gossip, and see each other.
I found it comforting yet, also a little bizarre, that soon it might be Gica who'll be in the middle of all this, holding court with all these speakers. In her case though, the physical venue would have changed. P. Florentino, something that could be argued as a debate-houses, with 3 debaters, and countless tryouts would give way to some place else. Maybe our new house? Not unlikely if a few circumstances turn out as they are.
In our little family-view, this all began sometime mid 1995, when I figured that joining the high school debate team would be a fun thing. More than a decade later, here we are.
[names in ranking order]
Ateneo 1: Leloy, Sharmila, Charisse
Ateneo 2: Glenn, Mahar, Miko
Ateneo 3: DS, Kip, Allan
Ateneo 4: Czarina, Cris, Danni
Ateneo 5: Adrian, Pat H, Franz
Ateneo 6: Faith, Bev, Dan L
Ateneo 7(?): Steph Poon, X, Y
Judges: Steph Co, James
Too bad Kellda's dream to be on the other side of a snakepit didn't materialize. Closest was the final slot for Team 2.
since this contingent is for CSB IVs (aka Ombudsman debates), IIDC (Inquirer interschool) and AUDC (asian universities), this will be the last tryout for a few months, and probably the last tryout in this house (we're moving in a couple of months).
It probably will also be the last tryout that I'll be attending, or at least attending this fully. Bob sounded out a theme earlier in the weekend: What the hell am i doing here? and I had ask mysef that as well.
Tryouts has a functional role, but it's highly social as well, but of course. The pecking order is confirmed or in some cases newly changed and established. Occasionally, alumni in town will be around to gather, and it'll be time to meet up, exchange gossip, and see each other.
I found it comforting yet, also a little bizarre, that soon it might be Gica who'll be in the middle of all this, holding court with all these speakers. In her case though, the physical venue would have changed. P. Florentino, something that could be argued as a debate-houses, with 3 debaters, and countless tryouts would give way to some place else. Maybe our new house? Not unlikely if a few circumstances turn out as they are.
In our little family-view, this all began sometime mid 1995, when I figured that joining the high school debate team would be a fun thing. More than a decade later, here we are.
Monday, February 06, 2006
the devil's right hand
do you know the despair of never being able to watch a movie for the first time, again? maybe you watched brokeback mountain saturday afternoon, like i did. this plus the news friday night of my grandmother's death from a lingering battle against cancer made for a messed up weekend.
saturday afternoon and evening, spent some time with bob discussing and threshing out the more poignant parts of the movie, so i won't go at length talking about that here. what i will say is that Ang Lee has given me the kind of heartache that is reserved for adolescents in high school. odd moments during the day (And in the middle of parties), i'm thinking about the movie. . .
you can't watch a movie for the first time, more than once. so i do other things. have been listening to the score of Gustavo Santaolalla when i can, and reading more annie proulx short stories. when i told gica last xmas that her choice of giving me Bad Dirt was a jackpot choice, i didn't realize how prescient i was being at the time.
so i read wyoming stories with the Gustavo guitar score. take note of the silences between the notes . . .
also find myself groovin to country music tracks, who would have guessed. Willie Nelson in the house.
* * *
tend to avoid reviews, the making of, specials, interviews about the movie unless the primary source is involved. maybe if heath is talking to Parkinson or if Jake is in the Actor's Studio. NPR Radio has a good piece on Gustavo in its archive. Not interested in Jay Leno / Entertainment Tonight bullshit. Much less movie reviews. Why? 'coz if someone gets it wrong, some dumbass comment, i just might hurl a brick at the tv set.
lookin forward to the 5th/morning of the 6th March, Oscar Awards. best film, best director, and best original score my bets
saturday afternoon and evening, spent some time with bob discussing and threshing out the more poignant parts of the movie, so i won't go at length talking about that here. what i will say is that Ang Lee has given me the kind of heartache that is reserved for adolescents in high school. odd moments during the day (And in the middle of parties), i'm thinking about the movie. . .
you can't watch a movie for the first time, more than once. so i do other things. have been listening to the score of Gustavo Santaolalla when i can, and reading more annie proulx short stories. when i told gica last xmas that her choice of giving me Bad Dirt was a jackpot choice, i didn't realize how prescient i was being at the time.
so i read wyoming stories with the Gustavo guitar score. take note of the silences between the notes . . .
also find myself groovin to country music tracks, who would have guessed. Willie Nelson in the house.
* * *
tend to avoid reviews, the making of, specials, interviews about the movie unless the primary source is involved. maybe if heath is talking to Parkinson or if Jake is in the Actor's Studio. NPR Radio has a good piece on Gustavo in its archive. Not interested in Jay Leno / Entertainment Tonight bullshit. Much less movie reviews. Why? 'coz if someone gets it wrong, some dumbass comment, i just might hurl a brick at the tv set.
lookin forward to the 5th/morning of the 6th March, Oscar Awards. best film, best director, and best original score my bets
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Roger Federer, Marcos Baghdatis, the great sport of tennis
The past two years, as I've gotten more into sports, one element that I've been confident in possessing was a different type of mental will. I felt that I could outperform, outlast and defeat opponents because of a mental will that would not let me down. This is what has brought me up 10 mountains, has made me (me?!? me!) join adventure races, and even make a fool of myself (just a little) on international cable tv.
so it's a joy to behold, someone, who is the epitome of a person who controls and disciplines his mind in such a superior fashion. This I saw in tonight's grand slam final between the great mental man in person, Roger Federer, against the refreshing presence of Marcos Bagdatis --- who in more ways than one, is a true twenty year old, but I'll get to that portion later.
The score doesn't tell you much, so if you hope to be able to analyze the match by looking at a 5-7 7-5 6-0 6-2, you won't even get a shadow of what really occured.
5-7 and 5-5, we had Marcos relentlessly testing Federer. Federer was struggling to hold serve at times, and I wondered what the hell was with the easy errors Fed was committing. Baghdatis played many brilliant points, and at a certain point could have even been up two breaks on that very set. But this is when the turning point came where Roger staves off a forceful attack on his serve and managed to hold to 6-5. He then wins the next 10 games.
Baghdatis goes off the boil, loses momentum in the 3rd set. That much is evident with the 6-0 score. It's a 6-2 score in the final set, but there was a lot of drama here. 3-0 we see Marcos falling from a cramp. Dang he's got a friggin cramp. I was hoping he'd come back.
The cramp doesn't visibly show in the next games, but it's obvious that Marcos doesn't move as well. His ability to return the impossible balls starts to wane. This is a spent Baghdatis, mentally and physically drained. There was valiant stand at 4-2 though. Very close he could have broken Fed, which would have put him on serve. Doesn't happen. The precocious kid from Cyprus, the most fun thing from the last 2 weeks, has run out of gas. Later, during the awarding ceremony, he recovers his usual persona: smiling, goofy, loving life. For now, it's the pain of impending defeat.
* * *
Always always always watch the awarding ceremonies of Grand Slam Finals. This is where all the drama occurs, and where you fall in love (or in hate, e.g. Hingis' occasionally icky speeches) with your tennis players. Baghdatis comes up and is happy to be there. This is a big win for him, for his family, for friggin cyprus. His heart shines through. All through the two weeks he's wore his heart on his sleeve and he has been pounding his chest. Yeah, all heart. Like a typical young person, he forgets to say a few things. Only later, with the help of the commentator, does he make amends when the MC says that Marcos wants to insert that he also congratulates Federer for his win (he forgot that), and also that he much appreciates the presence of his girlfriend Camille, for the last two weeks. YOU FORGOT TO GREET YOUR GIRL YOU DORK!!!! Bwahahahaha. Ok, lang. Ha ha. He's 20! But man, did you see that beard? These Cypriots really. . .wait, I digress.
Back to the Drama. Oh, yes. Roger Federer. All the while, all these two weeks, he's been MR COOL. Tennis Australia head calls him a King, and I think, well, Federer is awfully used to all these compliments. I wonder what it means to him all now? Does the dam ever break? IT DOES. He's given his trophy by the great Rod Laver. Rod Laver, non-Tennis fans, is the ONLY person to have completed a grandslam (win Australian, French, Wimbledon and US), twice. This was 1962 and 1969. After receiving his trophy from Rod, he goes to the mic and is speechless. "I don't know what to say," Roger says. A few more seconds pass and he starts crying.
He finally let's his guard down, and it "all is coming out now", he admits to the entire crowd. He thanks Marcos, Marcos' team, his team, the audience, tennis australia, the sponsors, everybody who watches. And finally he thanks the great Rod Laver. Thanking Rod Laver brings him to tears again. He can't help but give Rod a hug after stepping down from the microphone.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images, taken from AustralianOpen.com website.
* * *
I thought the glistening eyes of Mauresmo last night as she finally won her first grandslam was gonna be the most poignant image stuck for me from this year's Aussie Open. Turns out it's a far second to Roger Federer's emotionality. With three in a row now, he'll be gunning for the French. Baghdatis is the new fun face of Men's tennis. Tennis in 2006 looks promising.
so it's a joy to behold, someone, who is the epitome of a person who controls and disciplines his mind in such a superior fashion. This I saw in tonight's grand slam final between the great mental man in person, Roger Federer, against the refreshing presence of Marcos Bagdatis --- who in more ways than one, is a true twenty year old, but I'll get to that portion later.
The score doesn't tell you much, so if you hope to be able to analyze the match by looking at a 5-7 7-5 6-0 6-2, you won't even get a shadow of what really occured.
5-7 and 5-5, we had Marcos relentlessly testing Federer. Federer was struggling to hold serve at times, and I wondered what the hell was with the easy errors Fed was committing. Baghdatis played many brilliant points, and at a certain point could have even been up two breaks on that very set. But this is when the turning point came where Roger staves off a forceful attack on his serve and managed to hold to 6-5. He then wins the next 10 games.
Baghdatis goes off the boil, loses momentum in the 3rd set. That much is evident with the 6-0 score. It's a 6-2 score in the final set, but there was a lot of drama here. 3-0 we see Marcos falling from a cramp. Dang he's got a friggin cramp. I was hoping he'd come back.
The cramp doesn't visibly show in the next games, but it's obvious that Marcos doesn't move as well. His ability to return the impossible balls starts to wane. This is a spent Baghdatis, mentally and physically drained. There was valiant stand at 4-2 though. Very close he could have broken Fed, which would have put him on serve. Doesn't happen. The precocious kid from Cyprus, the most fun thing from the last 2 weeks, has run out of gas. Later, during the awarding ceremony, he recovers his usual persona: smiling, goofy, loving life. For now, it's the pain of impending defeat.
* * *
Always always always watch the awarding ceremonies of Grand Slam Finals. This is where all the drama occurs, and where you fall in love (or in hate, e.g. Hingis' occasionally icky speeches) with your tennis players. Baghdatis comes up and is happy to be there. This is a big win for him, for his family, for friggin cyprus. His heart shines through. All through the two weeks he's wore his heart on his sleeve and he has been pounding his chest. Yeah, all heart. Like a typical young person, he forgets to say a few things. Only later, with the help of the commentator, does he make amends when the MC says that Marcos wants to insert that he also congratulates Federer for his win (he forgot that), and also that he much appreciates the presence of his girlfriend Camille, for the last two weeks. YOU FORGOT TO GREET YOUR GIRL YOU DORK!!!! Bwahahahaha. Ok, lang. Ha ha. He's 20! But man, did you see that beard? These Cypriots really. . .wait, I digress.
Back to the Drama. Oh, yes. Roger Federer. All the while, all these two weeks, he's been MR COOL. Tennis Australia head calls him a King, and I think, well, Federer is awfully used to all these compliments. I wonder what it means to him all now? Does the dam ever break? IT DOES. He's given his trophy by the great Rod Laver. Rod Laver, non-Tennis fans, is the ONLY person to have completed a grandslam (win Australian, French, Wimbledon and US), twice. This was 1962 and 1969. After receiving his trophy from Rod, he goes to the mic and is speechless. "I don't know what to say," Roger says. A few more seconds pass and he starts crying.
He finally let's his guard down, and it "all is coming out now", he admits to the entire crowd. He thanks Marcos, Marcos' team, his team, the audience, tennis australia, the sponsors, everybody who watches. And finally he thanks the great Rod Laver. Thanking Rod Laver brings him to tears again. He can't help but give Rod a hug after stepping down from the microphone.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images, taken from AustralianOpen.com website.
* * *
I thought the glistening eyes of Mauresmo last night as she finally won her first grandslam was gonna be the most poignant image stuck for me from this year's Aussie Open. Turns out it's a far second to Roger Federer's emotionality. With three in a row now, he'll be gunning for the French. Baghdatis is the new fun face of Men's tennis. Tennis in 2006 looks promising.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
am actually enjoying my part-time job, mostly due to the interaction that i get with French people. Occasionally, I even have to employ my French language skills to get something productive done. I'd say that the language environment here is 10-15% French and 85-90% English. That small percentage is more stimulation in this language than i've had in a long time.
What I didn't expect though is that I'd be dealing with people who would talk about other topics like economics, finance and art, so I find myself boning up also on these issues (in both languages). The dreariest part (and thankfull shortest) is evaluating language levels of leaners, but after that is done with, I find myself engaging in intelligent conversations. If I happen get to a low-level learner, then I get to do translation work and also occasionally speak in French.
As with all office environments, there are a few things to get peevish about. But why grouse about that? Actually, office grousing and griping CAN be fun. Just don't do it with your co-workers. Ha ha. I find it hilarious when I see people getting political. . .ooh, oh so early, I hear office tsismis.
I haven't gone swimming in a week, partially due to an allergy. Dang.
What I didn't expect though is that I'd be dealing with people who would talk about other topics like economics, finance and art, so I find myself boning up also on these issues (in both languages). The dreariest part (and thankfull shortest) is evaluating language levels of leaners, but after that is done with, I find myself engaging in intelligent conversations. If I happen get to a low-level learner, then I get to do translation work and also occasionally speak in French.
As with all office environments, there are a few things to get peevish about. But why grouse about that? Actually, office grousing and griping CAN be fun. Just don't do it with your co-workers. Ha ha. I find it hilarious when I see people getting political. . .ooh, oh so early, I hear office tsismis.
I haven't gone swimming in a week, partially due to an allergy. Dang.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
weekend richness
my weekends are always good, coz i don't do any work (even if i have to). i think i've been this way since forever. my dad's birthday is tomorrow, so we did our celebrating today already. we ended up eating rich food at banana leaf in podium, and then headed to cafe breton afterwards. now i feel like getting up at 5 in the morning tomorrow to meditate and do yoga before a breakfast of gemeincha green tea and porridge. yeah, that bad.
i've brought in an arm-chair sofa into my room coz we had a superfluous one in my dad's room. now it's my favorite place to read and take phone calls. i don't know why i didn't think of this sooner. this surge of practicality came about 'coz of the progress the house construction has taken so far. we visited the site and the top floor has been primed white. the doors are on! unvarnished and all, but on nevertheless. we're waiting for the windows now. little by little, as the weeks go by, im beginning to absorb the spatial sensibility of this place. the outside world sure comes in. there's gonna be light everywhere -- only concern is all the chi getting out.
tomorrow is the beginning of the week.
i've brought in an arm-chair sofa into my room coz we had a superfluous one in my dad's room. now it's my favorite place to read and take phone calls. i don't know why i didn't think of this sooner. this surge of practicality came about 'coz of the progress the house construction has taken so far. we visited the site and the top floor has been primed white. the doors are on! unvarnished and all, but on nevertheless. we're waiting for the windows now. little by little, as the weeks go by, im beginning to absorb the spatial sensibility of this place. the outside world sure comes in. there's gonna be light everywhere -- only concern is all the chi getting out.
tomorrow is the beginning of the week.
Friday, January 20, 2006
resembling my photo
am actually beginning to resemble my b&w high contrast photo these days. I feel so pale as a result of going to part-time work in a refrigerator environment (the later in the afternoon it gets, the colder i become) and the bleaching that comes from being dipped in chlorinated water 3x a week. the last straw will be my hair getting even more white hair strands.
i'm changing yet again. i find myself becoming so conventional. is this what 20 somethings inevitably become?
i'm changing yet again. i find myself becoming so conventional. is this what 20 somethings inevitably become?
Monday, January 16, 2006
I skipped my swim tonight at MSC because I've had enough of Makati for one day. It was the odd bureaucracy of a firm that would not give me an offer and yet is already having me fill out forms for the BIR and for opening a bank account. Well, that's a little presumptuous of them I think.
The retarded road logic of that city is appalling. Whoever heard of a major avenue suddenly becoming oneway at the daytime? AND w/ warning roadsigns at very poor locations (i.e. right at the point where the one way system begins)! Yes, I'm talking about Makati avenue, and having to turn into P. Burgos. All that Makati avenue traffic has to enter little P. Burgos.
I imagine all the Makati denizens snickering because of my naivete about the city. The city is relatively progressive, but it's psycho. I've told myself that when I move out, I'm not going to locate in Makati. I'm gonna get something at the Fort. I need a place that'll rejuvenate me, and not some place that'll piss me off. If one lives in a state where logic and sensibility are absent, you end up becoming semi-psycho yourself.
The retarded road logic of that city is appalling. Whoever heard of a major avenue suddenly becoming oneway at the daytime? AND w/ warning roadsigns at very poor locations (i.e. right at the point where the one way system begins)! Yes, I'm talking about Makati avenue, and having to turn into P. Burgos. All that Makati avenue traffic has to enter little P. Burgos.
I imagine all the Makati denizens snickering because of my naivete about the city. The city is relatively progressive, but it's psycho. I've told myself that when I move out, I'm not going to locate in Makati. I'm gonna get something at the Fort. I need a place that'll rejuvenate me, and not some place that'll piss me off. If one lives in a state where logic and sensibility are absent, you end up becoming semi-psycho yourself.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
some so-called intelligent people quickly turn into irrational beings once their egos have been pricked. i've had the misfortune of being blasted by (imo) an insecure twat. please give it a rest. u bring out ur guns, i call your bluff.
i asked (coach) Ria who was the new addition to the swim class yesterday. There were only three of us in the pool, so it was easy to spot that someone new had come. I heard Via, but was later corrected that it was actually Pia, and not just any Pia, but our Senator Pia Pia Pia Cayetano. Yeehaw. She was consulting with Ria about her training and the way she felt in the pool. One thing I notice is that she "cerebralizes" sports, too! Thinking out feelings and intuition, etc. :) I have a celeb classmate.
im doing work errands: medical certificate, getting my diploma, and getting NBI Clearance. I was supposed to get the latter this afternoon, but I saw the gross line at City Hall. I'm not gonna stand in that packed and stifling heat. Ugh. I'll come back one morning and try to get it. Am I maarte? A little.
Started reading Annie Proulx's short stories book: Wyoming Stories. Pretty good stuff.
i asked (coach) Ria who was the new addition to the swim class yesterday. There were only three of us in the pool, so it was easy to spot that someone new had come. I heard Via, but was later corrected that it was actually Pia, and not just any Pia, but our Senator Pia Pia Pia Cayetano. Yeehaw. She was consulting with Ria about her training and the way she felt in the pool. One thing I notice is that she "cerebralizes" sports, too! Thinking out feelings and intuition, etc. :) I have a celeb classmate.
im doing work errands: medical certificate, getting my diploma, and getting NBI Clearance. I was supposed to get the latter this afternoon, but I saw the gross line at City Hall. I'm not gonna stand in that packed and stifling heat. Ugh. I'll come back one morning and try to get it. Am I maarte? A little.
Started reading Annie Proulx's short stories book: Wyoming Stories. Pretty good stuff.
Monday, January 09, 2006
one week into the new year, and things aren't looking that bad. i just came from another one of those time-pressure tests that corporations like to give you to gauge your abilities. am a little pissed off coz i didn't finish the quantitative portion of the test (w/c i normally do). i will be placing a call at around 330 for the results. hope it works out.
ive gone swimming this first week. that's the main constant thing for me this 2006. i've got a swim coach that makes me swim laps and corrects my technique. it's pretty empowering to get your body to do things that you never do. i'm trying to get my technique perfect, so that i feel the most comfortable and relaxed in the water. i feel that what im going through actually is more of a transition phase 'coz doing the right things still don't feel completely natural. am trying to get to natural .
i've nothing else left to do today. i've got a book here that needs finishing. i can also always try to do some marketing that im supposed to do for a concert. but am just not into it just right now. for one thing, i'd need a ready phone. i'm here at an internet cafe, in a nice mall yes, but w/ no dedicated phone line. im not gonna waste my credits making cold calls. yeah, im cheap.
hmmm. why is "I'll never love this way again" piping in from outside. I thought this was a posh mall.
ive gone swimming this first week. that's the main constant thing for me this 2006. i've got a swim coach that makes me swim laps and corrects my technique. it's pretty empowering to get your body to do things that you never do. i'm trying to get my technique perfect, so that i feel the most comfortable and relaxed in the water. i feel that what im going through actually is more of a transition phase 'coz doing the right things still don't feel completely natural. am trying to get to natural .
i've nothing else left to do today. i've got a book here that needs finishing. i can also always try to do some marketing that im supposed to do for a concert. but am just not into it just right now. for one thing, i'd need a ready phone. i'm here at an internet cafe, in a nice mall yes, but w/ no dedicated phone line. im not gonna waste my credits making cold calls. yeah, im cheap.
hmmm. why is "I'll never love this way again" piping in from outside. I thought this was a posh mall.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
it's an incoherent post, so shut up
My brother and sister are groaning that the holiday season is ending. Schools starts for them this Wednesday, Jan 4, which also happens to be my bro's birthday. (Poor him, his celebration always comes when people are stopping the celebrating).
I'm not sorry that the holiday season is ending.
This isn't Ebeneezer Scrooge talking. I actually really enjoyed this holiday season. So far, I've had great parties and dinners with friends and had also taken a good trip to Ilocos in between Xmas and New Year. I got some cool Xmas gifts (jackpot Gica on the annie proulx!)
So why am I glad that it's ending? Coz there's a joy and energy that comes from getting back to work. I'm looking forward to not eating fatty meats and cheese, nor ensaimadas and hot chocolate, to glasses of wine and champagne. Come on. They're tasty but do you want them all the time? And the wreckage that is your body afterwards. Those bastards who talk about holiday will power -- I already am showing will power! Could you imagine though if ur the prick who won't toast in the new year with your alcohol? And of course, once you get started, well the ball keeps on rolling.
I'm looking forward to my gym being open again, to my swimming lessons restarting, to my job applications again being processed. I'm looking forward to semi-normal traffic, and people temporarily halting the spending and returning to producing. An economy needs consumption, but also investment and production. I wonder what percentage of our spending is bunched up during the 4th Quarter and how this affects things.
So I don't dread Jan 2. I'm thinking, thank God. No more holidays ok until Holy Week.
Maf!! My new layout! I think I'm gonna have to pay you, even though you say you don't charge.
There will be no problem looking for material to update my blog with the next few weeks. I've got enough stuff from Ilocos and books over Xmas. What I need now is to go on a climb! :) There's a clean up climb in Maculot on the 7th of Jan. God, this reminds me that I'm gonna have to fix my sports calendar of sorts.
more later. hope 2006 is cool for all of you.
it's world cup time again!!!!!
I'm not sorry that the holiday season is ending.
This isn't Ebeneezer Scrooge talking. I actually really enjoyed this holiday season. So far, I've had great parties and dinners with friends and had also taken a good trip to Ilocos in between Xmas and New Year. I got some cool Xmas gifts (jackpot Gica on the annie proulx!)
So why am I glad that it's ending? Coz there's a joy and energy that comes from getting back to work. I'm looking forward to not eating fatty meats and cheese, nor ensaimadas and hot chocolate, to glasses of wine and champagne. Come on. They're tasty but do you want them all the time? And the wreckage that is your body afterwards. Those bastards who talk about holiday will power -- I already am showing will power! Could you imagine though if ur the prick who won't toast in the new year with your alcohol? And of course, once you get started, well the ball keeps on rolling.
I'm looking forward to my gym being open again, to my swimming lessons restarting, to my job applications again being processed. I'm looking forward to semi-normal traffic, and people temporarily halting the spending and returning to producing. An economy needs consumption, but also investment and production. I wonder what percentage of our spending is bunched up during the 4th Quarter and how this affects things.
So I don't dread Jan 2. I'm thinking, thank God. No more holidays ok until Holy Week.
Maf!! My new layout! I think I'm gonna have to pay you, even though you say you don't charge.
There will be no problem looking for material to update my blog with the next few weeks. I've got enough stuff from Ilocos and books over Xmas. What I need now is to go on a climb! :) There's a clean up climb in Maculot on the 7th of Jan. God, this reminds me that I'm gonna have to fix my sports calendar of sorts.
more later. hope 2006 is cool for all of you.
it's world cup time again!!!!!
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