airline potpourri

Fact 1: I love airline food. There maybe nothing special about them but still, dishes served on flights always leave me fulfilled and satisfied. Perhaps it's the fact that there really is no alternative when you're 30,000 feet above ground. It's either that or you wait till you get to the next airport. Which is not really worth looking forward to since choices at any airports are always fast food anyway. Nevertheless, I always finish everything on my tray. Except the chocolates because I find their smell repulsive.

Here are pictures of what I had when I travelled from London Heathrow terminal III to Manila's NAIA terminal I and back.

Did I tell you there were two stops? First in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (though massive, it looked eerily like an insect. A giant caterpillar or a huge dragonfly, I can't seem to figure out what exactly) to refuel and in Kuwait where I transferred to a different plane. Fact 2: the international airport in Kuwait, not so nice (Mas lamang lang ng isang paligo sa NAIA). It's dated and small. And freezing too! Also, I hated that people can just smoke freely anywhere, disregarding the polite notice to smoke in designated areas.

ang disyembre ko ay malungkot

For the fifth time this year, I'll be missing in action from this place.

My entire family spends Christmas in this shack. It has become a yearly tradition ever since my grandparents passed away. On Christmas day, every family (mother's side) come together for lunch and pretty much spends the whole day at my tito and tita's beachfront property. Each one brings a dish or two which we share. Devour actually is the right word. It is my family after all, we don't eat the food on the table, we attack them with reckless abandon.

Anyway, I'll be off to work in a few. In fact, I'll be spending my couple of days at the hotel because the management needs somebody senior to look after the team whilst most of the them are away for the holidays. I'll be the one in-charge, so to speak. How exciting! Not.


Merry Christmas y'all! Hope yours doesn't suck like mine.

narcissus

This was taken from my parents' backyard.

And this is what I submitted in the Phography Corner's 2008 Photograph of the Year contest. Photography Corner is a leading photography resource for the photographer or hobbyist, forums where you can read up on photography product reviews or discuss the latest photography news, talk to others with similar interests and start meeting people with similar interests. Photography Corner site includes a member-written articles, an active photography forum, photography tutorials, equipment & product reviews, photography projects, monthly contests with great prizes, a photography blog, photo galleries and more!

I'm neither a photographer nor a hobbyist. I just happen to capture some pretty decent photographs sometimes. And most of time, I just literally point and shoot. Like when I captured that picture above. So most of the credit should go to Ketty's very good camera and my hometown's beautiful landscape (riverscape, for that matter). By the way, I haven't touched that photograph. Just shows how amateur I am.

life's a b*tch

The four times I was at the beach, it rained heavily. Every fricking day!

Mactan Island

Laya Beach



Pandan Grande Island



Sablayan

7teen of December

I begged off work today because I'm still feeling rough. My 4 week trip at home left me knackered to the bone and it didn't help that I travelled for almost 28 hours on my way back here.

Although a month long vacation may seem enough to bond with family and friends, run errands, attend occassions and do a bit of R & R, it's not. Oftentimes, I found my self cramming and naghahabol ng oras. I really should've listened to Ketty about putting everything in order by planning efficiently.

Anyway, it's the missus' birthday today. I know you know how it pains me that I'm not there by your side to celebrate this special day with you. Don't be sad because you're still better off than him.

Happy birthday, my sweet!

back to reality

I'm back in England. And Boo wasn't kidding. It's bloody freezing!

To the 7 people who visit my blog regularly and wonder why I haven't updated this blog for a while, it's because I was in the Philippines for a month. It was a long break and still wasn't enough. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every single day of it.

I'll tell you more about what I did whilst I was there as I plod along. For now, I'll go back to bed and think of this.

I miss you already.

time for a cool change

Change is the only permanent thing in the world.

inipnako!

If not for the writer's strike last winter, we would be seeing the new HP installment next month. Instead, we have to content ourselves with another sneak peek of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film for it won't come out in theatres until summer of 2009.

Anyway, I'm re-reading the first 5 books again (sixth time, I think) and currently midway to the Goblet of Fire. I have until the 15th of November to finish the Order of the Phoenix because... I'll tell y'all about it soon. Basta, I can't wait for July!

beer barrel belly bruiser

For real!

potpourri sa juice

As mentioned in my previous entry, Ketty and I, together with some friends, visited Birmingham recently. It is widely considered as UK's second city, after London. The city has a population of 1,006,500 or roughly the number of people in Manila's University Belt at lunchtime.

One of the major attractions of the city is the Bullring. A commercial area where people traded goods since the Middle Ages. One of the UK's largest shopping centres, and the busiest, can be found on site. Oh, the missus had a grand time!

The mall consists of two buildings. One of which is probably the most dramatic that I've seen. And photogenic too. Selfridges, currently occupies this building which is clad in 15,000 shiny aluminium discs and was inspired by a Paco Rabanne sequinned dress. When we visited the place, Ginger Spice was promoting her book. Ketty and I didn't see her but two of our friends even had photos with her.

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Arguably the world's most popular pizza place is undergoing a major makeover. In my neighborhood, Pizza Hut is now Pasta Hut.

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The missus is in Cambridge today with her colleagues from work. She told me she went punting when I rang her this afternoon. It was her second time there. I was with her back in March during St. Patrick's weekend but we didn't go punting then. It was raining and chilly too. We didn't think it was a good idea. So we hopped on the red double decker bus instead, which is probably the easiest (and laziest) way to explore a place. The tour lasted about an hour and covered pretty much the whole of the city centre. We even went to the American Cemetery.

I took this picture outside Clare Hall. I was was going to use it on an entry heralding Spring. Funny, I'm only posting it now in the Fall.

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UST reprezent! My alma mater, together with 3 other Philippine institutions, is one of the world's top universities. Sweet!

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Some people climb buildings without safety nets, others jump out of the tallest waterfalls, there are those who eat fire and then there's the Filipinos who do this. To everyone, please do not try this at home.

queue to sin

Taken at Selfridge's in Birmingham last week. I couldn't resist the temptation and so I had to drag Ketty down the food court and waited in line for our turn. Sabi nga, if you can't beat them, join them.

Ang masarap na bawal.

weak-end

"Was everything good with your stay?" , I asked the lady guest on check out. No was her curt reply. She heaved a deep breath and added, "my boyfriend and I broke up last night. What's meant to be a relaxing weekend together turned out really horrible". I didn't realise that I opened the floodgates because not soon after, she started crying. I didn't know what to do, what to say even. I presented her her bill, which she signed, and I hurriedly wished her goodbye asking her to comeback and stay with us again.

hard work

I am absolutely knackered. And pissed off too! I spent 8 and a half hours of my work time today trying to sort out the mess that some people at work had made. I've been shouted at and threatened not because I was at fault but because of the stupid people that I worked with.

In the end, I managed to sort things out for today. Tomorrow, however, is another story. I want to be sick.

1,2,3...

how do you say spectacular in chinese?

Yeah, yeah. I'm like a long delayed echo.

The opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics was extraordinary, wasn't it? I didn't see the whole show for I was hard at work (not!) but what a spectacular performance.

bloody hell

A few of my favorite things. How I missed them. So when the missus went home for a 2 week r & r, I was making parinig every single day. Ayun, tinamaan. She brought me 18 pieces from Goldilocks!

She also threw in some pancit canton in the bag of pasalubongs. Lucky me indeed!

tiger power

Four in the month of July! Graduates of my alma mater, The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, topped the board examinations in their respective fields of specialization.

Emmanuel Franz Lisandro Medillio Plan- Architecture
Aira Therese Salamanca Javier- Nursing
Kriszel Urquiza Gatdula- Physical Therapy
Kristel Anne Llanza Ayroso- Ocupational Therapy

Incidentally, Celeste D. Briones, also of UST, placed second in the Pharmacy Board Exams. To the Thomasian board passers, well done and thank you for bringing honor and pride to that little big school in Espana. And to all new Filipino professionals, congratulations.

the magic is here

Apologies to Enchanted Kingdom.



Hold your mouse steady. Move it in a circular motion, click the play button and say: Revelio!

Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty.

It never fails to make me laugh. One of the funniest films ever made. Saw it again last night for the nth time.

i'm not a celebrity, but get me out of here!

All is not well at work. I am disappointed verging on angry. Everyday is a struggle getting myself to work. I hate my job! Absolutely hate it and recent events make me loathe it even more.

You try so hard to do your job effectively and yet in the end, people still think it's not good enough. What part of NO is difficult to understand? I had an argument with a guest recently about putting an extra bed in a family room. That is on top of the two single beds that are already there and an extra rollaway bed. It is an obvious fire hazard and for some reason this guest was having none of it. He wants an extra bed in that room never mind that it is not allowed. I wasn't prepared to break any laws and rules so I held my ground. I denied his request and he accused me of being a bad Duty Manager and giving the worst customer service. Well, I'm sorry if I'm just trying to protect him in case something unfortunate happens. Some people just don't get it that when you say No, it doesn't mean you just can't be bothered to do your job but because there is a Health and Safety Act of 1999 that you need to follow. I admire other those who can easily shake it off when they're being attacked personally. Most of the time I try not to get afftected but sometimes it just gets me. I feel so drained. I can't serve anymore. I am tired.

It's the same shit, just on a different day. The customer is always right my ass. Just because you pay for a room to stay in for a night does not mean you can have everything your way. Once, I got shouted at by a guest because there were no available seats in the lounge. The coffee shop was busy and this guest complained that we shouldn't have those business people sitting in the lobby and taking the seats from leisure club members. The complaints get better, there was this woman who complained about the pictures on display in the lobby because apparently, they're too dark for her taste and they make her feel depressed. They're black and white pictures for crying out loud. If you don't want them, don't look. Better yet, don't come here!

There is also this issue with my holiday. I had a holiday request that was signed off by my former Manager last April. Unfortunately, he's already resigned since and the one in charge of the department now had an about face and told me I couldn't go. She telling me this after a good eight weeks since I informed her about the request. And to make things complicated, she involved the General Manager who naturally sided with her. I will no longer have a job to come back to if I push through with my holiday, they said. Fine, was my short reply.

The next few days, I felt so sad and low. This is how they pay hard work. For more than two years I was only absent for 4 days, worked long hours and even took on a lot of responsibilities that weren't even in my job description. Friends and colleague tried to lift my spirits up by telling me that everything'll be allright and advising me to look for a new job. My former manager even sent me a text and assured me that I will definitely find a new job because I am brilliant in interviews.

God said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

I want a new job, please.

burst the bubble

Ako ay may lobo,
Lumipad sa langit.
'Di ko na nakita
Pumutok na pala.
Sayang ang pera ko
Pambili ng lobo;
Kung pagkain sana'y
Nabusog pa ako.

balikbayans

The missus is in the Philippines for a two week R & R. She arrived this morning at 0855 Manila time and at this very moment is having a grand time with her family, whom she hadn't seen for 6 months.

Nates, my brother, is currently en route to Manila. After a stint of over a year working for a UAE royal, he's coming home. He's had enough, apparently.

My nanay's youngest brother, Boni, a US-based physician is home too. He left the Philippines more than two years ago and just last week met up with my sisters and cousins. Rain made an entry about it here.

I envy. I want to go home too. And I will, come December. But dark forces are out to destroy my plans. Tamaan sana kayong lahat ng kidlat!

a foot in the door

From Crackle: The Wedding Of The Century

Hamming it up.

LOLz. Oh, Jesus! LOLz.

I met him through a friend of a friend of a friend. He told me he wanted to make a movie and he travelled all the way from the US to the Philippines to do just that. And since vanity is my second favorite sin, I wanted in. We shot for a little over 3 weeks. Most days, we started really early and finished way late. Sweated it out in a cockpit arena, chased tricycles and braved rains, we did. It was tiring but I had a blast. And after almost four years, a sneak peek.

Steven, ring me. Not! LOLz.

wimbledon-e

Been there, done that and taken a picture of it.

For 4 years, I've been wanting to go visit the All England Club. And since the missus is here to keep me company, we travelled to SW19 for a day trip. Although we didn't get Centre court tickets, just being there in the grounds is an amazing experience. The atmosphere was very festive and everybody was really enjoying the sun, which must be noted, didn't go out until midday. Yes, it was raining Saturday morning (what do expect? This is England after all).

After a 5 year hiatus, it was a Willams' sisters final at Wimbledon yesterday and I was there to see it. Never mind that I watched the game on a big screen by Henman Hill outside Court 1. By all means it was a competitive match-up. Both sisters hit big serves and had some heavy and long exchanges.

In the end, it was Venus rising to the occassion. With 5 Wimbledon titles, she still trails Serena 5-2, in the 7 Grandslam finals against each other. Ketty and I picked Venus to win and I was kicking myself later in the day for not putting money on it. A few hours later, Serena won her own title, with the help of big sister of course. The tandem clinched their third Wimbledon doubles title. Their seventh Grandslam Doubles title in total.

The Williams' sisters are two of my favorite tennis players. You watch them not because they look great but because they play great. Every stroke and every hit they make show how incredible they are. Take Venus for example, she maybe lacking in grace but her strength and speed more than compensate for it. If power has a name, Serena is it. The Sharapovas, Ivanovics and Jancovics can only dream what the sisters have. Surely, they have the talent but they lack the aura of invincibility that makes their opponents quiver as soon as they enter the court. No other women players have that presence.

On the other hand, have you seen the men's finals between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer? Now that's what I call, an Epic win!

hot date

On the hottest day of the year, what's this little monkey up to? A date with my psp, inggit ka ano?

do you hear it?

A film by Yam Laranas and featuring Iza Calzado.

a-choo!***

You know you've been away too long from home when your body, which you thought was immune to a majority of diseases having survived living in the Philippines, contacts some "foreign illness".

I have hay fever. And I absolutely hate summer in this country because it is at this time when my allergy is at its worst. All flowers are abloom and looking pretty, the air filled with the most atrocious smells. Take the lily for example. Put me in a room with a bunch of them and I begin a sneezing frenzy.

I long for the autumn, when it's dark and gloomy. When flowers begin to wilt and leaves start to fall.


*** In Tagalog, ha-tsing!

mystery solved

A guest rang Reception at 1800 to report that her bathroom lights are busted. As Maintenance only works until 1600, I called Dave, today's Duty Manager, to sort it out.

Five minutes later, he comes back to the desk. "I can't get the plastic cover off, man. Can you go with me and try it yourself." And so off I went. True enough, the lid was snugged tightly thus making it difficult to remove the cover. After awhile and with the help of my house keys, it was off! He then replaced the bulb and I flicked the switch on.

It worked! And then suddenly, we heard the guest talk. "I always wondered how many men does it take to change a lightbulb."

what freedom?

* photo from my sari-sari store

these shoes are not made for walking

They are dangerously pointed. My brother Nates got them from Morocco and sent them to me last Christmas as a present. I haven't worn it since. I am too worried to put them on lest I risk causing harm to myself and others.

I like it. And I am not being ungrateful. It's a handsome pair and will definitely make me look more dapper when worn with a suit. But I haven't got a decent suit. Nates, you get my drift?

Happy birthday. And goodluck. Much luck.

USTedyante ka na!

Welcome to the "Gateway to the history of the finest breed of Filipinos"

the white cliffs of dover

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover,
Tomorrow, just you wait and see.

I'll never forget the people I met
braving those angry sky's
I remember well as the shadows fell
the light of hope in thier eyes
and though I'm far away I still can hear them say
Sun's up for when the dawn comes up

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover,
Tomorrow, just you wait and see.

There'll be love and laughter
And peace ever after.
Tomorrow, when the world is free

The shepherd will tend his sheep.
The valley will bloom again.
And Jimmy will go to sleep
In his own little room again.

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover,
Tomorrow, just you wait and see.

*** lyrics by Vera Lynn

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You know those stories about photographers going the extra mile and sometimes even risking their own lives just to get that one shot. I did just that last weekend. But only because of stupidity.

It was a good day. And although the weather forecasts said otherwise, it didn't rain. Ketty and Eric came down to visit me here in the garden of England (Kent) since it's a bank holiday weekend. And the three of us decided to go to the English coast last Saturday to view the famed white cliffs. The views were indeed spectacular! The cliffs were breathtaking. More so because it was so high, that when we were finally there, I was shit scared. Y'all know about my acrophobia, don't you? If not, well I have a serious one. And just by talking about heights, it makes me cringe.

And so we were on top of that friggin' hill. There were a number of trails which we all assumed will lead us to a much higher ground to get an even more spectacular view of the cliffs. I found one and being the self appointed leader of us three, I led the way. The trail is a small one (not more than 2 feet wide) and took us to a lot of twists and turns and ups and downs. There were times when we were so close to the edge of the hill that Ketty commented, how scary it was and that we should go back. I dismissed it and assured her that we were close to the top and that I couldn't see anymore drops. Or so I thought. Yeah, we were definitely near to the top but before we can get there, we had to climb a steep hill. It wasn't that high, maybe about 10 feet but it was so steep, you had to climb it like it was wall. Think of Ethan Hunt and the Grand Canyon, better yet, think of Spider Man. But that's not the worst part, it was so close to the edge of the cliff, one wrong step will definitely make you plunge to your death, at least 50 feet below. You'd think that those people who made those stupid trails would put up barriers for safety reasons but NO! They will let you die because you're an idiot for following their stupid path.

Anyway, when I saw the steep hill, I stopped and stood still. I grabbed the grass with my both hands and said to Ketty, "I don't think we can make it. Mc, I won't make it!" My knees began to wobble and fear covered my whole body. For a few moments a vision flashed before my eyes. A picture of three Pinoys holding on to the grass, shrubs and vines, dangling on the side of the cliff and with helicopters hovering above us. Rescuers yelling at us to hold on. It was a terrible and embarassing picture.

I took a deep breath. Asked the others that we need to go back. Slowly, we made our way back into flat ground. We did this without talking. It was Ketty who said something first. It was to scold me. I knew I should've listened to her. When we were finally on the safe ground, we started laughing about our misfortune.

I don't know who found a much safer trail to the spot where I took that picture. But despite the near death experience, it was definitely worth it.

c"/ )

A new cell phone and the most beautiful girl in the world.

Kapag sinuswerte ka nga naman.

oh, danny boy, danny boy, danny boy

Katie is a colleague from work. She has a 3 year old cousin named Danny, who's a real smart aleck. Once they were in a restaurant when mother nature called and so the little boy asked his big cousin to go with him to the toilet.

Inside, after pulling his trousers down, he told Katie: "Will you hold it please because I just can't be bothered."

He's gonna grow up a lovely man, don't you think?

getting a head

Today, I asked Ketty to give me a head. She refused with tremendous vehemence. So I bought myself one.

The missus, together with her two friends, travelled all the way from Leicester to Ashford to do some shopping. And since I'm only half an hour away from the outlet stores, she politely asked me to help them. Help, by the way, means carrying their huge and many shopping bags. What is it with women and shopping? Some girls are unreal. Take Jane (sorry Jane, good sport ka naman 'di ba? hehehe), for example, she purchased so many bags that I was joking her that she is just one bag less to buy the entire fall collection (all colors!). It was quite funny watching the three of them get excited whenever they see red posters with these bold letters written on it: CLEARANCE or SALE or 50% off- in the stores.

Anyway, the head is a pair of white trainers that I got from Clarks. On sale at £19.00 with an extra £5.00 off, it's a good bargain. I wasn't really planning on buying, but the energy from the girls must've rubbed on me so I decided to get them. Plus, carrying those big sacks of shopping wore me down. A little retail therapy was well deserved. Size 10. It fits to a T. Although, half an inch more would've been perfect, but unfortunately, that was the last size.

It's okay though, I can always buy thin socks next time.

Pepito giving my head a try.

procrastinating

Another month has exploded upon us. Can you believe it's already May? Next month, we'll be half-way through the year and yet sometimes I still put 2007 when I fill the date in.

Just like every morning, a new month is another chance for us to seize the day. We always complain about how miserable our lives are that we don't notice the blessings and opportunities the universe gives us. No amount of moaning can get us out of loserville. Stop feeling sorry for yourself because if you don't act, it won't happen. Did you not hear them singing in Sister Act 2? "If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you gotta wake up and pay attention."

But who am I to talk? I am the guy who wakes up every morning annoyed by the singing and wishing for lie in.

Somebody better kick my monkey ass off my stupid bed!

crab cakes, anyone?

This anecdote was posted in my old blog a few years ago. My good friend Martyn went away for the weekend with his mates from college. When I saw him Monday, I asked how it went.

Me: "How'd the trip go? What did you do?"

Martyn: "Went fishing."

Me: "What did you catch?"

Martyn: "Crabs!"

wednesday potpourri

After four months, I'm back in the graveyard. For nine straight nights, I'll be covering the graveyard shift. The powers that be decided to sever ties with one of the newly hired night auditors. He's underforming and has a hard time listening to other people. Been busy doing some chores that the big boss left that's why I haven't even noticed how he's getting on. The other supers and I will be covering the lost shift alternately every week. It sucks because until we find a new guy, will be doing it for awhile.

I haven't told you this but moving to days had been one of the best career decisions I ever made. Although it's still shift work, I get to do more things on work days. Yes, the politics is unbelievable and I still haven't learned the art of sucking up but whatever.

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My favorite inaanak, Yuan, made it to the Ateneo. Attaboy!

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Called Nanay last week and was told that she's off to Cebu next month to attend a DMI convention. And my two sisters will be tagging along. I envy. I desperately need a break from work.

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I'll be celebrating my two years at work tomorrow. This is the longest I've been in a job. Mind you, I only had two others before this. And yes, I still don't like it.

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Had a haircut last Saturday. It's amazing how cutting three inches of hair can make me look 10 years younger. Okay, 5 years. No? 2 years then.

a job is hard because it's work

The boss left last Friday. He's gone for pastures new and is now the GM for a Holiday Inn in Canterbury. I will miss the guy, he's treated me well and good always and although I am sad that he left, I know he's moving on to better things. With a baby on the way, he certainly deserved that break. All the best, man!

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My manager is not the only one who's left the company recently. The Friday before last, the Operations Manager bid farewell to the hotel as well. Before him, it was the Night Auditor. Today, the HR Manager and Maintenance Manager also said their goodbyes. When we gathered this afternoon to wish them good luck, I commented that it's becoming a Friday habit. And the others couldn't agree more.

Incidentally, one of the Team Leaders from the pub will also leave the hotel tomorrow. And a C & B Team Leader will say goodbye in two weeks.

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Two members of the team came up to me recently and told me how they enjoy doing the shift with me. Working with me, they say, is always relaxing and easy. It should be like that, I said. That's the least I could do. It's bad enough that I'm working, might as well make it as easy and smooth sailing as possible. I will still do my job, don't get me wrong. After all, it's still work and that's how I earn my keep. But you can bet I'll take it easy with less stress and no pressure as much as possible.

One of them said, I've got the right attitude and should make a good manager. Although flattered, I said never. With the manager's position available, my ex-boss's right hand and a fellow super are in a squabble for the post. And it's getting uglier by the day.

The missus asked me last week why I didn't apply. I am more than qualified, I know, and the money seems good, which probably is. But I just don't want to. Taking on a much bigger responsibility for a job than I don't even like is something I'm not prepared to do. I know it sounds childish but I'd rather stay where I am right now. As a super, I still get enough to take Ketty to fancy restaurants every once in a while and more importantly, I still have the power to fire people.

I know, sooner or later, I have to grow up and take on a bigger responsibility. Eventually, I will play a mature role. Make adult decisions not only for myself but for others as well. I will be a slave to my job. And I won't mind because it will be something that I like to do. It's the idealist in me. There are far more important things than money in this world; find something that you enjoy doing and everything will be alright. At least that's what they say. For now, let me just enjoy my extended adolescence.

ken lee

Not related to Bruce Lee, Tommy Lee or Lady Lee.

april showers

The heavens dumped at least 2 inches of snow last weekend. I know, spring should've sprung up already. I guess, mother nature had other ideas.

I like a bit of snow because I don't mind the cold. The air actually felt refreshing and everything looks ... white! Clean and pure.

Here are a few photos.

huli ka!

Sabi nila, and buhay ay mas masaya kung mayroong drama.

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"P*tangina u! Kapal ng mukha u! Ksma u pa mismo ngsbi s akin! Ngpa2ktino me d2 tpos gnyn lng pla ggwin u s kn!"

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This is a text message from a husband to his wife- who he suspects of cheating on him.

Imagine them in real life. Visualize their confrontation. Face to face. Laway sa laway. I don't know about you, but I can totally picture Michael V in character delivering these lines in a movie.

Classic.

blackout

Lights off please.

white christmas

Easter last year was this.

This year, it was cold and snowing. I was kinda bummed out last Christmas when we didn't get snow. Sometimes, the best gift comes three months late. It's a White Christmas after all. Pasko ng Pagkabuhay.

The missus came down to visit because of the long weekend. It kinda sucked that I worked the first three days but whatever, at least I was still able to look at her beautiful face as soon as I wake up in the morning.

We had a lovely dinner at the hotel Saturday night. Ketty enjoyed her lamb. It was served with creamed white beans and spinach, which according to her was just divine. I had Chicken Milanese which was good and one and a half servings of Sticky Toffee Pudding with Ice Cream topping. Fasting, I was not.

We visited the church Sunday evening and made way to Nando's soon after. Nando's is one of my favorite restaurants. It's Portuguese and Peri-peri Chicken is their speciality. That was hot. And I mean it every way possible. I always leave the restaurant feeling well-stuffed!

Easter Monday was Ketty's last day here. I managed to get a day off and so I went with her shopping at the outlet store in Ashford. My girlfriend made me laugh the moment she stepped into the Lacoste store. She couldn't contain her excitement when she saw the number of bags on sale. With almost everything 70% off, it was indeed Christmas for her.

Finally it was time to say goodbye, I saw her off the East Midlands train to Leicester at 2055. I kissed her and told her to look after herself and I then dashed to the tube as I had a train to catch myself.

Managed to get home before 2230 feeling tired yet fulfilled. Whilst in bed waiting to sleep, I thought to myself: rewarding ourselves with beautiful things for our hardwork is good, eating delicious meals at fancy restaurants is better, appreciating the great outdoors is best and waking up in the morning with the person you want to spend all your mornings is greatest but let us not forget that Easter is a celebration of our Lord's love for us. Through His sacrifice, all of these were made possible. It was God's love for us that we are saved. May we live our days with that in mind and love for one another in our hearts.

Hope y'all had a lovely weekend!

* photo courtesy of the Times

episode 1: meeting the jedi

This has got to be one of the most exciting things that happened to me in London. A celebrity encounter with a Hollywood actor! Not that there was an encounter. It was more like catching a glimpse... from a distance. Around 20 feet to be precise.

On my way to Leicester to visit the missus, I found myself in a middle of a film shoot. Without realising it, I managed to walk into a film set of The Other Man at the St Pancras International Station when I decided to wander around whilst waiting for my train. Seen at the shoot were Oscar nominee Liam Neeson (yep, the Jedi master Qi-Gon Jinn) and Romola Garai- who, I was told by fellow usis (an elderly English couple), appeared in Atonement.




As you can see from the photo, paparazzo I am not. My hands were shaking a bit not only because of the excitement but more so because of it was freezing. And the security people aren't exactly very friendly. One in particular kept on blocking the view everytime I get a clear shot.

window display

The people at Anne Summers certainly know how to grab everybody's attention .

Seen not in Amsterdam but in their store at the High in Oxford- a mannequin in a very "interesting" position. Tell me you didn't give it a second look.

london eye

Here's how I saw the eye.

I wonder how it saw me.

mag-donate ka mag-isa mo

For weeks now, Ketty had been asking me why I haven't blogged about the NBN-ZTE scandal. Do not mistake my silence for indifference. After all the things I read and heard in the media about the issue, I was so shocked. It left me speechless. You always think that the bad guys you see in the movies are just fiction. A figment of imagination. Although on some level, I always think that it's not far fetched but I just could not fathom that the faces of evil can be so familiar. Their greed is just unimaginable. It's frigthening! Abalos and Mike A should be skinned alive.

I am mad yet confused and a bit disenchanted too. I want Gloria out of Malacanang pronto! but I also believe that the Philippines cannot afford another People Power. Especially, since the last one brought us to this tragedy that we are in now. I don't know if impeachment can work this time. The rule of law should be followed, and yet you half expect that any effort to do this will be quashed by these same monsters who masquerade as people of honor.

The other day, Kiko Pangilinan urged OFWS to donate money to whistleblowers. I couldn't help but tell myself how kapal ng mukha! Why ask us? Why don't politicians like him do it on their own. They're the ones with the pork barrel. Instead of using those millions to fund some dubious projects, why not spend it to create opportunities back home so that OFWs like me, don't have to leave the Philippines just to earn a decent living.

Kiko, katukayo pa man din kita, do your job by serving the interests of the people who voted for you. If you are indeed sincere in your call for transparency and good governance, why don't you start from your own pocket. Is that noted?

date movie with ketty (11.02.08)

Watching Juno is like waking up in the morning beside the person you love and seeing her smile.



I like this movie to bits! A quirky comedy with a cool soundtrack too.

you seem so near yet so far

*** photo taken in Nottingham last weekend.