SPICE GIRLS...They are sooooo back!

Watch their new video "Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)".

Me, Myself & I

Today I have finally gotten the chance to be with myself after such a long time. November 30 is a holiday and it fell on my rest day too so I've got the whole day to do what I want.

A manicure and pedicure treat at the salon is my first stop. It's been like 2 months since I had my toenails & fingernails cleaned up. When I was finally sure that the nail polish dried up already, I then prepared for dinner with some high school friends at Dencio's Starmall Las Pinas. I met with Val & Tina. We enjoyed long hours of chat & updating ourselves with what happened in the past months. Tina recently got engaged (I'm so happy for you, sis!) and Val is now in her first semester as a nursing student. I told them everything that happened to me, mostly the sad episodes.

I am just very glad to know that in the midst of all the difficulties I'm experiencing right now, there are TWO good good friends in front of me who never fail to cheer me up and reassure me of better things to come. I love you guys!

A bad day...

Wednesday, November 21

Today is such a depressing day at the office. I don't think I have the liberty to disclose the details but really this day brought me to rock bottom.

Witnessing those important characters disappear in your movie called "My Home Away From Home" is not a very nice way to start the Christmas season.

I am not sure if this feeling will go away very soon. But I promise to do best in order to help bring those characters back again.

Stayed in Putipot Island, Zambales

For the long weekend, I was able to visit PUTIPOT ISLAND in Zambales with friends. It took us 6 hours to drive to the town of Candelaria. We stayed at Isla Vista Resort (Sms 0905-9080876 or 09192449084).

randomly...

The GURRRRRLS are back!!!!

My favorite New York City girls will be on the big screen soon! "Sex and the City: The Movie" is set for release in May 2008.


CARRIE BRADSHAW, played by my favorite SJP, writes for her weekly column on The New York Star. She also is the narrator for each episode on the series.

SAMANTHA JONES, played by Kim Catrall, is the most sexual of the four. She is very independent and works as a publicist.

CHARLOTTE YORK, who is portrayed by Kristin Davis, is an art dealer. Among the four, she is the most conservative and optimistic.

MIRANDA HOBBS, portrayed by Cynthia Nixon, is a very dedicated lawyer. Miranda is Carrie's best friend and confidante.

My DREAM Destinations in the Philippines

Currently, here are the top choices for my dream destinations here in the Philippines. Trust me the Philippine archipelago is wealthy when it comes to white beaches, sumptuous delicacies and colorful festivals that reflect the rich culture of our forefathers.

For those who have already been to these places, you're BLOODY lucky! hehe

1. SIQUIJOR
Siquijor is an island province located in Central Visayas. Its capital is also named Siquijor. To the northwest of the province are Cebu and Negros, to the northeast is Bohol and to the south is Mindanao.



2. APO Island
Apo Island is small volcanic island situated in the southeastern tip of Negros Island, specifically in the municipality of Dauin, Negros Oriental. The marine habitat around the island is a protected area.



3. PAGUDPUD Island
Pagudpud is famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters.



4. BOHOL
Bohol is one of the most visited tourist destinations with its beaches and resorts. The Chocolate Hills is definitely the most popular attraction. The island of Panglao is a must-see as well as the Tarsier which is indigenous to the island.



5. CLAVERIA
Claveria may be a 4th class municipality in the province of Cagayan but it offers natural wonders too. It is approximately 185.3 kilometers from Tuguegarao, the center of Cagayan Valley.



6. SAGADA
Sagada is situated in the Mountain Province. Located 275 km. north of Manila and 100 km. from Baguio, this paradise is famous for its "hanging coffins" which is a traditional way of burying people.



7. MARINDUQUE
Marinduque is another island province in the MIMARO region in Luzon. Boac is its capital. Marinduque lies south and west of Quezon, east of Mindoro, and north of Romblon. The province is known for the annual Moriones Festival.

I wanna share my UMBRELLA with you

I super love Rihanna's "Umbrella" especially that Mandy Moore performed a cover version of this.
Enjoy watching!




For lyrics, pls visit: http://www.metrolyrics.com/umbrella-lyrics-rihanna.html

I'm still alive

It's been a while since I posted an entry here. Well I got busy with other stuff--work (yeah right!), life and my Maqx.

Hmmm...Last Sunday I watched The Simpsons Movie with my friend Mela at SM Southmall. I actually enjoyed the film since I am a self-confessed Simpsons fan. It was like watching a three-episode run on TV, without commercials. 

I also wanna catch Ratatouille! B and I have seen the trailer months back and I just can't let the week pass without seeing it on the big screen. For me it's another refreshing story. How creative to conceptualize a rat aspiring to become a famous chef in Paris someday. 

Oh well...there are no more activities lined up until the end of the week. 

Guys, what's keepin' u busy? 

Ciao!

Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix: The iMAX Experience

**May contain spoilers.


This is the fifth of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Harry is in his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Lord Voldemort is also back with greater powers.

One of the film's major showcases is Harry's hearing at the Ministry of Magic for the use of magic in the presence of a muggle, particularly Dudley. Potter actually comjured the Patronus curse to defend him and Dudley to ward off the Dementors who attacked them in a tunnel. This scene didn't really come out as horrible as what is described in the book. Of course it is understandable that not everything in the book shall be included.

My friends and I are fortunate to catch the flick on iMAX at the Mall of Asia, with more than 20 minutes of scenes on 3D. I guess that was the only rewarding part, being able to see the awaited Voldemort-Harry battle right in front of you.

Aside from Sirius Black, who was not given much exposure (hmp!), I find the character of Dolores Umbridge really cute. Those who know me will say right away the reason for this. Her PINK outfits are fashionable and her girlish voice has this commanding quality that viewers will find really annoying.

Overall, although Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix may not be the best film of the year, it still is "awfully" good and entertaining.

Three stars for you Harry!

Die HARDEST!!!

**May contain spoilers.

If you are looking for real action, then Die Hard 4.0 is definitely for you! Witness cars flying on top of each other, a car-helicopter collision and bullets coming from everywhere. But with an action-packed flick starring an "older-looking" (for me hehe) Bruce Willis, who plays police detective John McClane, don't expect that something has changed with his acting. You've seen Sixth Sense? or Hostage? I say DO NOT expect.

4.0 tackled cyber terrorism on a higher level--a FIRESALE. That's what they call it. It's a three-stage process to shut down the information infrastructure of the United States. It's computer hacking to the highest level!

McClane, aided by hacker Matthew Farrell, played by Justin Long (Jeepers Creepers II & Dodgeball), was able to stop a gang of virtual terrorists.

I give the film 4/5 stars. A must-see for action addicts.

Bridal Shower AGAIN :-)

Last night I was at Redbox Greenbelt to attend the bridal shower for my friend Michie. Her mom was very creative to set a Princess mood in the room. We all wore a small crown, I chose the PINK one (of course).

The Saint Paul people owned the microphone and performed I think 20+ songs. We wanted really the guests to have fun, even the young ONCE, that's why we all sang--performance level! Hahaha

Fraulie & Abby were tasked to think of games suited for the event. We had the MASHING game (aka Palambutin Mo Baby) using eggplants, the BANANA-eating contest, and BLOW the CONDOM. Surely Michie enjoyed the night especially that she was required to join the games.

Before calling it a night, we didn't know there was another surprise. The crowns we're wearing actually had numbers in them. Each number corresponds to a special gift from the bride. I got a lotion & cologne.


Thanks Michie!!!

Harry Potter is coming!!!

The MOST AWAITED film of the year is just days away. For the meantime, check the trailer.

The TRANSFORMERS Rule!!!

Last Sunday, my dad & I watched The Transformers. Next to Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix, I have waited with so much enthusiasm for this flick.

Witnessing my favorite heroes moving again, and this time on the silver screen, brought me back to my childhood days. I'm sure a lot of you would agree. I remember those days when my brother used to draw Optimus Prime on the street because he is his favorite.

Yes, a lot of people would criticize that this film contains so much violence not suited for children but that is how it's supposed to be. Nobody would want the battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons to be boring! C'mon, many of us too have waited for years to see them again.

So, better go to your favorite cinemas to see for yourself!

Two thumbs up for The Transformers.

showers & weddings

Two days ago, my friends from St. Paul & I suprised our friend Thecx at her room in Vivere Suites in Alabang. I wouldn't really call it a bridal shower because we failed to bring a stripper--the most important element of a shower. Hehehe...Anyways, she was really surprised & glad we kept her company while waiting for her gown, a Veluz creation.

The next day was her big day. Getting married at the Church (St. James Parish in Ayala, Alabang) is a blessing even though they were wed already civilly in New York. I wasn't able to witness the bridal march but the guests say it was really very emotional. Thecx looked gorgeous in her gown, so as Charlie, her husband.

Reception followed at The Palms in Alabang. Food was awesome. Our table was in a strategic area of the grand ballroom--just beside the BUFFET table. I can't even remember how many times I went back to the chocolate fountain. :-)

Overall, the guests had fun. The couple enjoyed the night & we all wished them well.

Next agenda:
Bridal shower again on Wednesday for Michie, still a friend of mine from St. Paul. Her wedding is on Saturday at Christ the King Church in Green Meadows.

The Mona Lisa drawn using MS Paint

What would Da Vinci say?

TENNIS galore!!!!

It's WIMBLEDON season again, my favorite of the four grand slam events. It is played on grass surface and held at this time of the year at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London. The tournament lasts for two weeks, considering that occasional rains sometimes delay the games. My bet of course is the defending (4th successive year) Gentlemen's Singles champion & World No. 1 Roger Federer. I really hope he bags the trophy again and equal the record of Bjorn Borg who won 5 consecutive Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles titles. For the women's singles, I go for Maria Sharapova--both for playing style (minus the yelling) & fashion inspiration on the court. Hehe...

FAST FACTS:

1. A wooden racket was last used at Wimbledon in 1987.
2. There will be approximately 200 ball boys and girls running around the courts at this year's event.
3. There are currently 20 grass courts available for play at the Wimbledon complex.
4. The youngest player ever to compete at Wimbledon was Mita Klima from Austria, who was 13 during her 1907 singles competition.
5. Since 1922, there have only been four championships in which there was no rain - 1931, 1976, 1993 and 1995.


Enjoy the games!

Fantastic week

Great that the bus driver cooperated with me today...u know what i mean. Hehehe..

Last night, my friend Mela & I watched "Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer." It was just OK with me. I expected more from this flick. I waited with so much excitement for its release but there was a bit of disappointment. The special effects were great but the romantic thing between the silver guy & the invisible woman was "Filipinoish". Hehehe

Well what do you think about the film?

i'm ok

I wanna say this day is a good one. I started it right by having a conversation with the love of my life. Im feeling better and I should say, although each day is a test...surely I'll be able to go thru everything thrown at me.

With God's love & guidance, I am strong.

welcome friend!

I just got a text message from my friend Thecz who is already based in New York. She's actually in town for three weeks only for one of the most important chapters of her life--her wedding. She's inviting us (her pals from Saint Paul) for lunch tomorrow at the Mall of Asia. She will be Mrs. Apun on June 29th. The matrimonial ceremony will be held at St. James Parish Church in Ayala, Alabang, reception follows at The Palms.

Congratulations & best wishes, my friend. :-)

why today?????

Today is one of my worst days as a commuter.

It's a Saturday and I'm not expecting much traffic in Alabang since there are no classes today. Usually, buses bound for Lawton are few on weekends. I was lucky there was one already loaded with passengers. I chose a comfortable seat and with much confidence I know I'll be just in time for my shift.

The conductor says "with e-pass" and passing by iskaywi :-)...But right before we reached the Skyway entry, the bus suddenly went the other way. DAMN!!!! Sure I'll be late.

Certainly I was. Grrrr!!!!

How much travel have you had?

My Lakbayan grade is C!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

my PALAWAN adventure (February 2007)

This is my very first plane ride. I flew to Puerto Princesa with my dad and sister via a Cebu Pacific flight. This trip is actually my Kuya’s Christmas gift to us (one of the nicest gifts I ever received actually). Our plane took off on time and I must admit I wasn’t feeling good while it was taxiing at the Domestic Airport . But surprisingly, the fear turned to excitement when I heard the Airbus engine’s noise. Papa and ate both said the plane is now off the ground. Not a bad experience for a first timer like me, it was just fine. Better than riding that small boat going to Puerto Galera. We landed right on time. It was funny because I saw a guy raising this placard with my name on it. Right then I knew he was from the hotel we’ll be staying at for 4 days and 3 nights. Duchess Pension House (www.duchesspensionpalawan.com) turned out to be a cozy place after all. Miss Tricia, our contact, was very accommodating (the same way she is when we were still texting each other). We had a reservation for a family room (P700/day, quite a good deal), it was spacious with a big T&BR.

DAY 1 – AFTER LUNCH – CITY TOUR

Our first stop is the Butterfly Garden . It is located in the southern part of the city. After viewing a short film about butterflies, we headed to their sanctuary. If you are into these insects, you’ll surely enjoy getting a closer look at them because they come in different colors and sizes. Next destination is Crocodile Farm. The institute implements a 30-minute interval per group of tourists. Lucky us, we didn’t get to wait too long. They now have approximately 1500 baby crocodiles, bred in captivity. If you are interested to have them as pets, feel free to contact the institute. Third destination is the Iwahig Penal Colony, a.k.a. Prison Without Bars. Inmates from minimum security (color code: brown) can freely roam the 28,000 hectares of land provided they report for headcount in the morning and evening. Mitra’s Ranch, the fourth stop in the tour, is the residence of the late House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Jr., highlighting the large trunk of tree supporting the whole house. Near the ranch is Baker’s Hill—famous for its hopia and tuna pandesal. This isn’t an ordinary bakeshop. People, most especially tourists spend their merienda hours to experience freshly-baked items at super affordable prices. (Take note, one box of hopia, 10pcs regular size, only costs P26.)

DAY 2 – HONDA BAY

We settled for a hassle-free tour since we're not familiar with the barrios and municipalities of Puerto Princesa. Entry to this amazing destination is via Honda Bay Wharf. First stop is SNAKE Island (called so because it is shaped like a snake). This is a very good site for snorkeling, fish feeding and plain swimming. Next is Starfish island which is also recommended for snorkeling. By the way there are 5 Nemos (clown fish) here. Lu-Li (lulubog-lilitaw) Island is the final stop. Highlighted at Lu-Li is the diving board that guests should try (but I never did). I think the water is 10 to 15 feet deep.

Day 3 - UNDERGROUND RIVER TRIP

I must warn you that the trip to the Subterranean River is a challenge. One needs to endure a two-and-a-half-hour trip on a super rough road. The tourist guide calls it the "Palawan massage", and indeed it is. But once you get to the cave entry, the excitement will start. Paddling inside the cave, the boatman points at the various images formed by the stalactites and stalagmites. There's a giant candle, the Virgin Mary, a banana heart, the Holy Family, Smokey Mountain (yes!), the face of Jesus Christ and a lot lot more. The National Park limits the river trip to only a kilometer (the whole stretch is more that 8 kms).

Maqx, our baby

MAQX, our baby pug, just turned 4 months last June 18. He's becoming more adorable every single day. Since he came to our home, his weight already tripled. But no worries, the vet says it's just normal for a baby pup like him. We don't overfeed him, we try to avoid that.

He's a joy to the family. Maqx keeps me sane whenever I miss his "daddy."