have a wicked new year!!!

"May your year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art - write or draw or build or sing or live as only as you can. And I hope somewhere this year, you surprise yourself!"

--- Neil Gaiman

miserable old git

In two years, I'll be f*cking thirty!

* photo from catsper's photostream in flickr.

do not judge me, i'm not a book

Christmas, they say is best celebrated snug in the bosom of loved ones. Since the missus and all my family and most friends are back home, Christmas this year will pretty much suck. For one, I'll be stuck at work. Which is really my fault because I told them I won't mind. Eh kasi naman, I've been told I can't go home this year since I was off for 5 weeks around this time last year. Besides, I'd rather keep my mind off this Xmas thing by working other than staying at home and moping because I'm having a blue Christmas.

Anyway, since I'll be pretty much on my own this holiday season, my secret Santa thought it would be a wicked idea to give me company. An instant inflatable "perfect" woman, at least that's what the box says.

She fulfills all the exacting criteria of any red blooded male, by having the most important physical attributes, guaranteed to delight every man who ever sees her and ensuring harmony at home.

And she even has Big Tits! Now, there goes the bosom where I can spread the holiday cheer.

He! He! He! Merry Christmas y'all!

alien language

charice pempengco

Not all third placers end up empty handed. Sometimes, the loser gets something better than the million peso top prize. In this case, she gets Hollywood. Watch the video of Charice Pempengco, the Filipino teenage singing sensation as she wows Ellen Degeneres with her outstanding rendition of a Jennifer Holliday classic. She even gets a standing ovation from the audience. Twice.

One more reason to be proud of.

Mabuhay ang Lahing Kayumanggi!

balitang-balita

Baptist minister 'killed by Filipino wife'.

I wonder what movie inspired her to do it?

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GMA is 'most corrupt RP leader' - survey.

Now, this is one 'honor' she truly deserves.

mabilis lang 'to. parang si-me-co.

* I have yet to hear a Christmas carol this year. If I were in the Philippines, this wouldn't have been a problem since some radio stations play the first Christmas carol on the 1st of September.

* Have you tried eating beer-battered chips? It's the bomb!

* Go for glory. To the Filipino athletes competing in the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, goodluck.

* GMA gets Medalla de Oro for defending human rights. They must be having a laugh?!?!

* Teatro Tomasino - the university-wide theatre guild of UST- will be staging "Twosome" at the Albertus Magnus auditorium on December 11 and 12. This twinbill production features Chris Martinez' "Welcome to Intelstar" and Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero's "Wanted: Chaperon" both directed by John Lapus.

* The Manila Ocean Park is already open. Have any of you been there yet? Any good?

* Finally saw Les Miz in West End. Ketty and I queued up three times (the last one at least for 30 minutes in bitter weather) to get tickets. Apparently, that weekend was very busy. The guy at the box office even told us how lucky we were to get tickets as the show was sold out. Unfortunately, the seats weren't together and with restricted view. It was a good show though. The performances were remarkable. Joanna Ampil's portrayal of Fantine was spot on. Her "I dreamed a dream" number was stirring.

* Did you know that we have to pay for a TV license here in the UK? A colour TV Licence costs £135.50 and a black and white licence costs £45.50. And you'd think they'll produce quality shows after that. Not!

* "Jack Bauer" begins his 48-day prison sentence. 48 divided by 2 is 24. Wala lang.

* Don't forget to switch off the lights when not in use.

harangan man ng sibat

When I told Nikki - a colleague who lived in the Philippines for three years - how wonderful my girlfriend's visit was, she asked me: "Aren't you two not allowed to be in the same room because you're not married yet?" I smiled and nodded. "So, what did you do? Did you put a stack of pillows between the two of you to resist temptation?" I looked at her, smirked and finally said, "Yeah, like the pillows can actually do anything."

chow king

The following are not pictures of the buffet tables. These are some photos of the plates of food that I ate in the last two weeks. To say that I went on a food binge would be an understatement. Gano'n yata talaga, you eat everything when you're inspired (and tired *wink-wink*).

To Ketty, thank you. Your company made those lovely meals even more beautiful. I look forward to all the meals we'll share in the future.

Me and my big mouth.It's no wonder I ate them all. And oh, just so you know, it's not the only big thing about me.

*** Bear in mind that I didn't take photos of the food I ate at home and in fast food outlets.

it's one for the old guy

Former world number one, and personal favorite, Pete Sampras stuns Roger Federer in Macau.

kentish potpourri

I saw more of Kent this week than in the past 18 months since I moved here from Berkshire. The missus and I visited a few tourist towns in the Kent countryside this week. We would've seen more if not for the horrible rainy weather we had since Saturday.

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Going around in the UK is not as difficult as in other countries. You don't have to drive to move from one place to the next. Unlike in the States where a car is essential for travel, here all you have to do is hop on the train. The British rail service is effective and convenient. It connects majority of the towns and villages in the whole country. You can even go to Paris or Brussels by train!

Travelling by train is romantic, don't you agree? Last Friday, on our way to Rochester, the missus and I were the only people in the second carriage. I cuddled her next to me as she rested her head on my shoulder. Both of us were quiet as we watched the stunning vistas from the window. The rolling hills covered by the green grass and the autumn colors- gold, auburn, brown, red- from the forests which occassionally appeared in the horizon, awed us. I kissed her on the forehead and she looked up to me and said, "I love you". And I love her, too. More, in fact.

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Rochester, is a charming Norman town along the banks of the river Medway. We went to see the Dickens Center, the Rochester Castle and Cathedral. I had a panic attack on our way up to the Rochester Castle. I can't stand heights! And at least a hundred steps up the circular stairs made my knees weak.

Apparently, this picture taken inside the Rochester Cathedral is sweet.

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This year's Maidstone Christmas Lighting Ceremony was wet. But it didn't stop the hundreds of people in taking part of the celebration. We were joined by families, including the wee ones, as we all braved the rain and freezing cold winds to witness the momentous event.

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This was taken from the bridge to the Lockmeadow complex. Autumn here, sure, is pretty.

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The Canterbury Cathedral is grand. Before this, only the Paoay Church in Ilocos left me speechless. Ketty and I sat in a quiet corner as we marvelled its beauty. Everything about the church is spectacular. From the floor to the pillars to stained glass windows. And don't get me started on the ceiling!

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

Yesterday, Maidstone had its annual Christmas lighting ceremony. If not for the horrible weather that we had to endure, it was a lovely event. The missus and I, together with a hundred people, lined up the streets as we witnessed the Maidstone sky lit up.

Here are the pictures we took from the event.


christmas lights

christmas tree at Fremlin Walk

blue tree

the revellers

a very cold christmas

edinburgh

In case you're wondering why I haven't been updating lately, the missus is here. Mc - mahal ko- flew in last Saturday from the US and we went straight to Edinburgh for a bit of R & R. Scotland's capital city is lovely! Everywhere you look is like a picture taken from a postcard.

Because my vocabulary is limited, I won't even attempt to describe how beautiful the city is. I'll just post these pictures to compensate for my literary incompetence.

There are more photos but I'll post them some other time.

photographs from the grave

More photographs here.

forgiven

Only six weeks after his conviction of a grave crime, Erap is a free man. I am infuriated to say the least. Walang-hiya!

"Eh, kung hindi ka ba naman makapag-mura kung mababasa mo ang balitang 'yan."

There is no doubt in my mind that a deal was made in exchange of Erap's executive clemency. Not only was the decision done in haste, it is clear that it was a desperate act. Calling her decision appropriate is both wrong and untrue. How can someone who commited a serious offense walk away unpunished?

In danger of suffering the same fate of her disgraced predecessor because of serious allegations of corruption in her administration, she does exactly what is expected from her morally inept office. It is very obvious that she wanted to set a precedent. To save her own selfish and immoral ass and hope that when her time comes, her successor will do the same thing for her. Walang-hiya talaga!

Citing national unity, the rule of law, justice with accountability as her guideposts in her decision to grant pardon; we must commend her for being a great liar. The amount of bull coming out of her mouth is astounding.

It is interesting to note that the some people who acted as catalysts in the Estrada impeachment are now singing a different tune. Joker Arroyo, regarded as one of the heroes of EDSA 2, can only say, “If the President pardons, nobody can question it. That’s one (presidential) power you can’t question.” What is wrong with you? Did they get you too? How much was it?

Commenting on the issue, FVR warns Gloria: Estrada could bring you down. I hope he's prophetic. And may it be a big crash.

the bee and the flower (or an insult to grade schoolers and the sweetest thing for some)

Once upon a time there was a bee.

He was searching for the perfect flower to pollinate. "I will find my perfect flower", he announced. "She will be the most beautiful and she will be my own", he added.

It didn't matter to him how difficult it's going to be. He knew what he wanted and he was going for it. He searched long and hard, far and wide. Along the way, he saw the most amazing flowers, all lovely and beautiful. But he hasn't found his flower yet. His friends worried about him. They advised him to pick just any flower. The'yre all pretty anyway, they said. But he wouldn't listen. Deep inside he knows he'll find her.

Until one day, he saw her. He found his flower. And the flower met her bee.

* photos from exterpassive.com, druidlabs.com and woolloomooloo's album in flickr.

the emperor's new clothes

How do you like me now?

unforgivable

I know it's not right to wish other people ill , but to those horrible monsters responsible for the killing of 9 and injuring hundreds of people in Glorietta, mga putang ina n'yo! Calling you insane would mean giving you an excuse for doing that dastardly act. Resorting to violence just to put your message across is both cowardly and pathetic. I feel nothing but hatred towards you. Claiming and harming innocent lives in the name of your stupid beliefs and principles is abosolutely contemptible. You don't deserve any understanding for you are all despicable!

May your lives be filled with great misfortune. And may you all live to be a 100! A 100 years full of great sufferings. May you experience pain that is so extreme, you'd wish you're dead and yet you can't die. Not until you realise and feel the pain of all those people dealing with their loss now.

Mga putang ina n'yo talaga!!!

burning trees

"Every bliss speaks to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." --- Emily Bronte

Autumn Fires
by Robert Louis Stevenson

In the other gardens

And all up the vale,

From the autumn bonfires

See the smoke trail!
Pleasant summer over

And all the summer flowers,

The red fire blazes,

The grey smoke towers.
Sing a song of seasons!

Something bright in all!

Flowers in the summer,

Fires in the fall!

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." --- William Cullen Bryant

*** Pictures taken at The Archibisop's Palace in Maidstone this morning. More photos here.

i am a receptionist

I have advanced degrees in Accounting, Public Relations, Management, Computer Engineering and Swahili.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. Of course I have the reservation that you booked six years ago even though you do not have the confirmation and you think that it was made under a name that starts with an X.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and it is not a problem for me to give you the seven connecting, non-smoking poolside suites with two king size beds each, four rollaways, and yes, I can install a minibar. I know that it is my fault that we do not have a helicopter landing pad.

I am a Hotel Recetionist. I am expected to speak all languages and read minds. It is obvious to me that when you booked your reservation for Friday, you really meant Saturday. My company has entrusted me with all financial information and decisions and yes, I can tell you your bill from March 1989 contained 25p phone call because you obviously never pay phone charges.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and I understand that McGuillicutty Widget Manufacturing is a vast empire that will make or break our hotel. Yes, I am lying to you when I say that we have no more rooms available. It is not a problem for me to quickly construct more guest rooms. This time, I will not forget the helicopter landing pad.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. I am quite capable of checking 3 people in, 2 people out, taking 5 reservations, answering 15 incoming phone calls and plunging the toilet in room 221 . . . . . all at the same time.

I am a Hotel Receptionist, I always know where to find the best vegetarian, Kosher, Halal, Mongolian Barbecue restaurants. I know exactly what to see and do in this city in fifteen minutes without spending any money. I take personal blame for airline food, traffic jams, rental car flat tires, your mother-in-law and the national economy.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and I realise that you meant to book your reservation here. People often confuse us with the Galaxy Delight Motel of Antartica. Of course I can "fit you in" and yes, you may have the special rate of £1 because you are affiliated with the Hoboken Accounting and Sandwich Club.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. I am expected to smile, empathise, sympathise, console, cajole, upsell, downsell (and know when to do which), perform, sing, dance and fix the bloody printer!

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from a poster in the Front Desk office.

bobby/fox

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; all of those acts will be written in the history of this generation."

--- Robert F. Kennedy

Saw Bobby yesterday. Or a movie of which title should've been: Half of the Screen Actors Guild.

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Former Mexican President, Vicente Fox, was on Larry King Live the other day where he talked about his book and his life after the presidency. He also discussed various issues affecting Mexico particularly immigration. When asked which US presidential candidate he supports, he practically endorsed Hillary Clinton saying that a lady would be his choice. Adding that women candidates show their vision, their capacities, their emotions, their passion, their compassion.

And did you know that before becoming Mexico's president, he started as a truck delivery driver for Coca-Cola working his way up to become the company's chief executive in only ten years! Truly remarkable.

i don't think a title is necessary

untitled

Mukha kang guni-guni.

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Untitled painting by Jackson Pollock