slow down, stop or go?

This is not a Christmas Tree.

Believe it or not, it's actually a set of traffic lights in Canary Wharf.

Located on a roundabout just off Heron's Quay and south of Westferry Circus, I wonder how many traffic violations occur at this spot.

If you find yourself in the area, I dare you to beat the red lights.

snowed in

It has been almost a week now of reaaally cold weather. The snow hasn't stopped falling for more than 24 hours. I was supposed to go to the City today but trains aren't running and I don't even want to think of travelling down the motorway. I know someone who was stuck in the M25 for about 12 hours without food nor drink.

What we need now is for the temperature to go above freezing and a heavy downpour of rain to wash all the ice. I must go to London and seize an opportunity, you see. And I can't do that unless this side of the world begins to thaw out.

bunny suicide tips 2, 3 & 4

Because depressed bunnies are found in all corners of the world, here are more funny ways to die wherever you are.

Japan

Italy

and Israel

bunny suicides

The Book of Bunny Suicides: Little Fluffy Rabbits Who Just Don't Want To Live Any More is a bestselling collection of mostly one-image black comedy cartoons drawn by author Andy Riley. A friend gave it to me as Christmas/birthday present.

Some people may feel sorry for me because I only get one present for two special occassions. To be honest, I don't mind. I just think that at least I would always get something for christmas and my birthday no matter what, even if it's just a stupid little book about some depressed rabbits.

Here's one of my faves. I'll posting more by and by. Oh, just a disclaimer, I won't be held responsible for giving y'all ideas.

avenue Q

Best described as a theatrial version of Sesame Street but with very adult humour, Avenue Q follows the story of Princeton, fresh from uni and armed with a BA in English diploma as he embarks on a journey of self discovery. Bull! The show is about the residents of a fictional street located "in an outer-outer borough of New York City", an odd group of people and monsters, whose lives haven't turned out as they'd always planned.

Last Saturday, I saw it again with 8 other people from work. It was a team building/ slash Christmas party kinda event. I suggested that we do this instead, but got beaten when the team voted for a London jolly. I first saw this with Ketty four years ago and loved it. This time, I was still laughing my head off just like when I first saw it. It was crude, rude, politically incorrect and hilarious with a capital H.

The songs come on thick and fast, accounting for more of the show than any acting. Good thing the songs are great because it really gave me a serious case of LSS. Topbilled by an accomplished cast, they were brilliant! I was also pleased to see West End superstar and proud kababayan, Joanna Ampil as Christmas Eve. Although I felt she looks and sounds too sweet for the role. She ended up as Miss Saigon rather than a failed Mrs. Chinatown which is what the role called for. Nevertheless, they were all fantastic and all of us enjoyed it. A couple of my colleagues even commented that it was even better than what they've expected it to be.

After the show, we headed to Covent Garden where we had dinner. I had a big plate of Penne Carbonara which was a little salty for my taste. Not that it mattered to me because I finished my plate faster than Usain Bolt's blazing run at the world championships last year.

happy crimbo!

let it snow

And snow, it did!. The heavens dumped several inches of snow late Thursday - early Friday which resulted to this.

I am probably the only adult in the Kent area who is amused and delighted this has happened.

What a lovely way to greet me good morning.

My street. Or what's left of it.

Maidstone was on a standstill. This is a view of my neighborhood.

I didn't mind the fact that it was a nightmare hauling my monkey ass to work today because of the beautiful scenery.

Mc, you would've loved this. 'Di bale, we'll have our winters coming real soon.

Buried in ice.

Snow monkey.

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.

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.

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

psp

Prince Silverio Pacopong-copong is part of my loot. And it's easily the best present I received last Christmas.


Look, even Pepito couldn't get enough of it. Thanks, mc.

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!

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.

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

home for the holidays

On the morning of the 10th of December, I started the day with a very bad hangover. The night before, my boss together with a couple of colleagues asked me to go to a pub for some drinks. I told them I only planned to drink a few pints because I still haven't packed, but the bastards had a different plan. As soon as we made ouselves comfortable in the pub, they kept buying shots of grenadine, vodka, and tabasco. It was the most horrible drink. But I downed every shot anyway. Didn't mean to be rude, I mean free booze. Anyway, they ended up taking me home as pissed as an Irish man.

The trip to the airport was awful. I didn't have a lot to eat before leaving my flat because, I was really feeling nauseated. Even a small sip of water made my stomach do 360 degree turns. It was such a shame, because that Sunday morning, the sun was out and it really was a beautiful day. The whole time in cab, my eyes were shut and I as calling on all the saints to help me not throw up.

The queue at check in was looong. It took me at least 50 minutes to reach the counter. And whilst I was in line, my head ache began to worsen. Not only was I having a hang-over, I was also starving and almost dehydrated. It didn't help that I only had a couple of hours sleep.

The Emirates flight from London Gatwick to Dubai was almost seven hours. The plan was for me to sleep the whole flight. I couldn't. So I ended up watching, Little Miss Sunshine and The Devil Wears Prada. Steve Carrell plays a suicidal gay scholar. The 40 year old virgin played it with amazing restraint. I normally like movies that are quirky but somehow I can't say it about this. It was funny and had fine performances but I dunno. Meryl Streep was wicked in Prada. She totaly owned the character. From the tips of her hair to the subtle smirk. She was indeed a devil. Anne Hathaway was a sweet eye candy.

I had chicken breast and mashed potatoes with carrot batons and broccolli for dinner. I finished it in a jiff! I'm not kidding. My seatmate made a comment how quick I was with the meal. I told her I was starving. We talked for a bit and I found out she's backpacking in Thailand for a month. The meal really improved my condition. The headache was still there but at least the nausea was gone.

It was my second time at the Dubai Airport. And I was still in awe on how gorgeous it is. I wondered if the NAIA-3 would even be half as good. Duty Free shops were everywhere. I found out from one of the information screens that the flight to Manila will be delayed by two hours. And as I was still hungry, I headed off to a food court. A Pinay working in a grill took my order. I had a big breakfast meal. The omellette was satisfactory.

After the meal, I proceeded to the boarding gate and surfed the net. Thank God for wi-fi. I checked the inq7 and philstar sites and chatted with the missus on ym. An hour and a half before the flight I quickly dashed to McDo for a double cheeseburger meal. That was nice.

At least 80% of the passengers were Pinoys. Mostly seamen and women from the Carribean, Texas, Florida and Southampton. I chatted to a few of them and we talked about where we work and where we live in the islands.

I still couldn't sleep on the flight so I watched The Da Vinci Code, Monster House and Thank You For Smoking. The first was a disappointment. The usually brilliant team of Ron Howard and Tom Hanks didn't deliver the thriller and suspense Dan Brown gave me in his book for which the movie was based. The second was cute. The animators did a brilliant job in capturing and showing even the tiniest bit of emotions in all the characters. And the last was a really smart movie about smoking. Aaron Eckhart leads an impressive cast.

The flight served a light snack of turkey burger and beef and oriental rice. As expected. I finished them all. I even ate the fruits. I was that hungry.

We arrived Manila at 25 minutes past 5. As I come out of the plane, the humid Manila air hugged me. Warm and familiar, family. Since Seniang was still in the country yesterday, my parents couldn't cross the Mindoro Strait to pick up their prodigal son. Instead, my Tita Helen and Tito Romy fetched me from the airport. We headed straight to The Aristocrat in Malate where my siblings and cousins were waiting to welcome me. We had a big meal. I was stuffed.

By the time we reached Sta. Mesa, the hang over was long gone. I was no longer hungry. I was tired but at least, now I am home. And I am happy.

---------

photos here.

ang paksa ng pasko ay paksiw

I am pleased to announce that I'm definitely going home for the holidays. I got my passport back and I'm thrilled to find it stamped with a resident visa valid for a few more years. Spending Chritmas at home is definitely worth looking forward to. I spent the last two Christmases here in the UK and it's nothing compared to what we have back in the islands. The scrumptous and rich food my family will prepare makes my mouth water just by thinking of it. To hell with eating in moderation. When you've got dishes like Dinuguan, Humba, Pansit, Pork Barbacue, Lechon at Paksiw and a lot more on the table, you don't eat enough. You eat more!!!!!

The missus and I are also meeting for the first time after her UK visit. Speaking of that trip, here are some photos we took in London.