Rebel, rebel in Naga

22 going 26

2012-02-03T08:45:00.000+08:00

In a few weeks time I'm going to cross a very special line...at least for me. The time spending time at coffee shops (Starbucks not the Netherlands variety), malls, Xbox 360 and hopefully on Facebook will stop. It's time to grow up and smell the hazelnut-infused coffee at home. Damn you Starbucks! To think I used to hate coffee.

So before that..I'm gonna rock the place.

This birthday is gonna be legen...wait for it...dary!

Bakit senti? I just finished Halo Reach.., ahehe. Poetic kasi masyado. Meh kirot lang. bwahaha..bawal ba?

It's (Merry) Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:21:00.000+08:00

I'm glad I'm free at Christmas Eve, I'm not so happy I have to work on Christmas AND New Years Day. It would have been fine if I have the bank account to show for it - but no, my last payslip is embarrassing. So here I am, greeting people off of Facebook with the festive ham thawing, just waiting to be ready for the get together later. Me and the ham are listening to Bishop Allen's You'll never find my Christmas. Waiting.

The lead up to Christmas is hectic. Procrastinators, like myself wait 'till the last minute to get gifts. The lull after Christmas is a bliss, you can still feel that afterglow. No traffic. Kids - although, I don't have one - quiet and content with their presents.

What do I really know about Christmas? I may be a bit to old for Santa but a bit to young to preach about what Christmas is all about. There seem to be a lot of talk going around about brining back the true meaning of Christmas. Too much consumerism and lack of religious virtues. The sad thing is for many of the preachers, they won't leave their pedestal and will be satisfied to leave it at that.

By Christmas, it will be less than a week before the year comes to a close. 2011 went by really quickly. I can say I've learned a lot; grew up a wee bit and realized I want things to slow down even more. I have learned that snow is overrated, apple products are expensive, hazelnut syrup with coffee is awesome, walking is better than taking a pedicab and that the smile that gifts bring no matter how expensive are fleeting and most importantly Christmas should be a celebration of what we have. Hope is the afterglow.

...at least that's what I tell the ham.

Merry Christmas, Indeed

2011-12-20T09:38:00.000+08:00

Many people might not feel the Christmas fever this year. What with the storms devastating the south and the economic crisis gripping national markets big and small. However, there is a small victory this year - the end of the Iraq War. Finally.

Luke 2:14

Garfield

2011-11-15T18:59:00.001+08:00

Feed me.

I used to love Garfield when I was a kid - sly and dry humour, bring it on!

So I was really, really happy when this cat walked by while I hanged out in my friend's house.

I would have pet it but I don't really know who owns it and it might be temperamental (or its owner might be)

Plus, I'm still a dog-person but kudos to this cat for reminding me of my fave lasagna loving feline. Hmm.. I wonder.

P.S. The 3D Garfield in Cartoon Network sucks.

Marrakech: Sa pamilihing bayan

2011-10-05T06:56:00.000+08:00

I just came back from Morocco. Sikat daw yun for Casablanca..haven't heard of it. Ask your parents...to ask their parents.ahehe...I didn't go and I haven't seen the movie myself and just as well according to our guide - parang sheep lang may herder - It's not the actual place of the movie, it's apparently an industrialized town now and get this - it's a four hour ride away. So I'm quite happy I didn't go. Napaka saya ko pa namang kasama sa car rides.

La koutoubia

On the first day going to the world famous market was on top of my (well our) itinerary. We just went by ourselves. People say that Moroccans are actually quite helpful and that the crime rate is quite low; our guide at the orientation attributed it to insha allah belief among Moroccans to be content with the lot that you get and not harbour jealousy for others wealth as this was the will of God. Having spent a lot of my time in Manila I was paranoid err... sensible enough for our group. So off we went. On the way to the market we passed by La koutoubia Mosque. It was the highest building in the city, seen in most parts of Marrakech and rightfully so as it was mentioned to us that as a rule no building should be higher than the La koutoubia mosque.
Only muslims could enter though and they could only come in during times of prayer.

We did find the the Jemaa el-Fnaa which I think everyone should once in their life see if just to spend the afternoon watching the atmosphere when snake charmers and monkey guides abound change to the night time when food stands sprouts up and entertainers come.
Inside the souks; you can definitely feel it's a really big market. You can get lost and if you want you can spend a whole day and you'd never visit the same stall twice. All prices in the square are negotiable; they don't put guides and price tags the rule is you haggle. The price according to them is between what you're willing to pay and what they're willing to give it for. Haggling, of course, is not foreign to Pinoys but haggling in French is.
French and Arabic are the prevalent language..although some do speak a little bit of English. A few even tried to talk to us in Japanese and Chinese...very few can guess we're Filipinos. We went into the souks but spent the late afternoon drinking mint tea which I think was a bit overpriced...ang kuripot lang; parang starbucks kasi ang price. The view was well worth it though.
There were freshly squeezed oranges for 5 dirhams (about 26 Php) but I didn't really try that although I tasted the local food - sabi kasi ni Jamie Oliver I have to try it daw.There were loud story tellers (in Arabic..no subtitle. ahehe), acrobatics, singers, performers...you'll never be bored. It has everything you could think of daw (P.S. Jamie pas pork). There were loads of food to try. Tangine lambs, beef, chicken, vegetables and fish. Moroccan dishes on the cheap and their equivalent of balut...snails in what seems like brine. Which I did try.

I did buy some stuff for the house but |I didn't get a Morrocan rug, which everyone else seems to be getting one. The rug itself seems nice but I couldn't be bothered lugging one around.
A lot to say, huh...and that's just the first day.

Marrakech Turo turo? En francais!

Are you married?

2011-09-25T19:47:00.000+08:00

Nasa office kitchen ako when this (kinda snobbish) woman talked to me. Di naman sa nanghuhusga tayo ah pero snobbish lang s'ya kasi dati di namamansin kahit hanggang tenga ang smile ko pag nagkikita kami...kitchen kasi, so masaya ako sa break ko. ahehe. Di naman sa high ako or anything.
Moving on, so nilagay ko sa microwave ang aking lunch. I usually nuke my lunch for 1 minute on High para initin. She talked first. Small talk muna. Weather, check. Food, check. Family, check. Cute este mabait daw ako, check. ahehe.
Ang kakaiba, out of the blue tinanong n'ya ako kung kasal na ako. I was held back. . I mean she wasn't hitting on me or anything (feelingero, ano!) - she's older than my mum, hanep naman pero still that's crossing a line. We weren't close. Oh what I forgot to mention is she's Italian (I learned later) and maybe she was just curious. I heard that Italians can be a little bit forward - especially their men, asking any moving object, out for a date. ahehe. She said that they (Italians) usually marry early. She jest/said that if you're Italian, single and 20 - It's a problem. I'm betting my arse off that's an exaggeration - pero that's beside the point. I'm way past 20 and I don't think it's a big deal. May nagaasawa nga 40's or later. You get married when you get married. Plain. Simple. Some don't even get married. Co-habitation (live-in) it's not as big of a deal as most people think.
So began one of the most awkward minute in the kitchen. Sinasagot ko naman tanong n'ya di ako snob ah. Pero yung inaasahan kong kalahating oras ng quiet lunch eh naging showbiz linggo. Mukhang nagpepreach kasi si manang eh. It wasn't offensive pero I shouldn't have to explain myself. So what if I'm not married yet? So what if mas malaki ang percentage ng tax na binabayaran ko. I'm happy naman, ah. Di ba PNoy?! bwahaha.
I said, I don't really see the reason why people marry early. She seemed satisfied with this. She said she married at 16 or 19, Is that even possible? legal? - bolahan na lang ata 'to, naisip ko. She added that she's divorced from her husband. kitams. She added that her ex-husband hitched a younger...pinay. Awkward.
Hay, I went to the other room after that. As I ate my lunch in peace, I thought...nasa phase na ba ako na tatanungin na ako ng mga tao, 'Why aren't you married yet?'

Holiday 2011

2011-09-25T19:41:00.000+08:00

Spain. I'm sorry I can't make it this year. bwahaha... We wanted to try something new. So hello Marrakech. I'm quite surprised that I sorted the stuff I needed to in such a short period. Travel bookings; check. Travel insurance; check. Money scraped in the past few months; check. ahehe..Thank heavens we didn't need a visa..ganyan tayong mga pinoy, special sa Morocco.
I'm going for a week! This is so awesome - well at least I hope it's gonna be. I'm going with a couple of friends. And they're (well.,we are) excited to see the humongous Djemaa el-Fnaa market and although we have a smaller version a.k.a. Naga City Public Market; I assume it is every bit as exciting; may quota kasi ata ung sa Naga na masunog kaya medyo exciting din yung sato.

Kung ang ibang pinoy ginigibong playground ang Singapore and HK.. well this is my version and I think I freakin' deserve it. Ilang fiesta na ang na miss ko sa work. So here's to a new country and hopefully meet new people..

Fiesta 2011: Wait for me.....

2011-09-16T01:18:00.000+08:00

I'm beginning to like Septembers in Naga. A lot of my friends have gone home (some from Manila, some Middle East)...and reunions are always nice. It would have been awesome if I was with them. Sana itagay at ikain na lang nila ako sa dudumanan nila. Hanep, kasi di na okay ang leave ko.
When I was working in Naga, nakikifiesta din ako sa ibang bahay kahit fiesta din samin. ahehe...I remember trying to catch a jeep home but I didn't want to squeeze in (punuan di ba an, eh napaka arte ko pa - kasi naman pinapabayad pa ng buo eh only half of your ass is sitting and worst minsan pa nga sabit lang. bwahaha) so I ended up taking the long way home - seated properly.

So, sa mga nangiinggit. Stop it..,Don't send me 'Wish you were here postcard' and I'll stop wishing nasty things happen to you.ahehe. Enjoy. I hipo n'yo na rin ako sa imahe if you can...if you can lang. No pressure.

P.S. If I were in Naga I would have also asked my friends to go to Mr Pilar's with me. I know events like that should be solemn but his family might wish to know we feel their lost. I didn't know the man but he sounded like I should have. Honest to the core. A true son and follower of the Penafrancia. Unlike, people whose initials and emblem crawl through CamSur but would be put so shame by Mr Pilar's tombstone.

9/11: A Decade on

2011-09-12T01:51:00.000+08:00

A lot has changed since September 11, 2001. It was a decade ago when the world was more trusting and at peace.

One year on. Quarter midlife crisis to follow

2011-09-07T07:16:00.001+08:00

It's been a year since I've really been standing on my own. It's a choice I made for myself. Dai naman pag agom lang ang primerong rason ta masuway ka sa pamilya, di ba? I believe everyone sooner or later do realize there just comes a time when we all have to grow up. You have to establish your own mark in the world. Wash your own clothes. Prepare your meal. Budget your ever shrinking paycheck. Make your own mistakes. Just live life, really.
Ito na ang walang kamatayang disclaimer: staying with your family is, they say ideal (our culture expects it) and practical, no rent to pay, but there is a certain feeling you get when you're on your own. Granted I still feel like I'm a kid most of the time. Me and my friends have loads of fun...but I work hard as well.
What now then? I don't think I want to settle down just yet. Parang yun kasi ginagawa ng ibang kasama ko. Either they're saving up for marriage or just bored to their teeth and posting pictures of their growing babies on Facebook. Proud parents? Yeah right, nang-iinggit lang ata.If I have a son, papatarp ko an sa plaza. bwahaha.
For now, I just have take it in one day at a time and hope everything pans out. And I found the perfect poster for it: Keep calm and carry on. Repeat 6x.

Le Faim

2011-07-22T05:39:00.015+08:00

I spent the better half of the hour looking for this supposedly awesome restaurant. Word has it there is this little french miracle erm bistro tucked in the city. So half past one I trawled for it,

and thanks to Android and google map - found it. Yey! (P.S. I say Apple is overpriced and too ubiquitous) Being it's almost 2pm, I was kinda hungry and I asked for a table. I was taken back when they said there was a

10 - 15 minute wait. I was thinking at the back of my head that half of the tables are empty but I just assumed it's because they don't have that much staff in a weekday.

So I agreed to wait.

When I was sitted I was handed French bread and a packet of butter.

The set menu was great. They asked what I wanted to drink and I said I'll try the house wine - syempre para complete ang french experience. The problem was I discovered I didn't really like wine so the ever trusty Coke followed. I started with leek soup (the soup du jour), which tasted like it was home made not like it just came from a can and the pork chop was great as well - although a bit heavy. It was cured and tasted kinda like smoked bacon na may kasama pang side dish ng veggies na nakalagay sa smallest skillet in the city. ahehe. The fifteen minute wait was worth it. The food was good and not that expensive - kinda like Clementine in Magsaysay - and when you are seated they really have amazing service.

They're there when you need them but not hovering maybe that's my new phase; foodie although I can't really make out being a food critic - I like most food, eh.., ahehe

There is one thing missing in this blog - the name of the bistro the thing is at this time I'd rather keep it nameless...it's one small gem, I'd like to keep secret a little while longer...painggit lang!

The haircut

2011-07-20T00:35:00.004+08:00

There are some things that you gotta try before you well hit the dirt. One of the things I wanted to see is if paying more means you'll always get more. Since I still couldn't afford a Porsche (siguro pag President na rin ako), I opted for umm... some other affordable luxury. So for my next haircut, I trooped to Toni & Guy to see if they are any different than Aristocrat. bwahaha.

The salon was all right..clean, free drinks (coffee or tea lang), new magazines (yehey) and friendly staff. The stylist (susyal na term sa dating susyal na term na hairdresser) was conversant and seemed to know what she was doing. I showed her a photo of the hairstyle I wanted and she said the length of my hair is fine as it is and she would just take some weight off of it. Ako naman, tango lang ng tango. bwahaha.

After about half an hour, we were done and dammit it looked awesome. Granted she only took a centimeter off my hair so it wasn't cut short but it still worked. Kung may 2K lang sana ako para sa haircut every two weeks, ahehe... magigi na akong suki. Kung may libre di sanang masahe...eh di solve na.

So note to self, don't scrimp unnecessarily...and baguhin na ang profile picture.

Summer Holiday

2011-06-22T23:56:00.003+08:00

Last year I missed the 300th Fiesta in Naga because of a job request. What you gonna do right? But just this month, di naman ako sinama nung nagpa Boracay at Sombrero Island mga kaibigan ko, hanep 'no. May galit lang sakin. Yun lang kasi mahirap mag timing talaga, lalo na sakin kasi medyo malayo na...pero may pambawi naman ako. A group of umm... fairly new friends asked me to go to Spain with them. Di yan street sa Cubao! The proper country yan. I will have to save up a lot. Di naman kasi tayo mayaman. ahehehe. The plan is on late September but I'm just a wee, wee bit excited. Seryoso kasi sila. First step is finding a travel agent then take care of the visa. Sino kaya pwede masama? ahehe...

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda

2011-06-20T05:45:00.003+08:00

One hundred fifty years ago a national hero was born. To a degree, a lot of what he faced that many years ago still haunts us. A corrupt government (albeit, a plutocratic democracy) and a slew of fanatical zealots. The first Filipino's life was impressive. He spoke his mind even when he could have kept silent...contented. Maybe because he saw the true value of the Filipino - beyond the ridicule and self disdain. His love for the country transcended his family and blind faith.
Ironically, his last words were 'It is finished.' For Rizal maybe it was as he laid 7:04 that December morning facing the sun after the thunderous sound of guns.
It is a fight that quietly began on June 19, 1861 in Calamba and a struggle we are reminded in every city hall, public school and one peso coin in the country.

Garage Junk

2011-06-14T04:42:00.004+08:00

I used to read all sorts of magazines...used to buy loads from the shop. Men's Health. Esquire. Time and unfortunately nasama d'yan ang Garage (for a time).
It was relatively new when I first saw it. I say what the hell...it's Filipino and new so I said, let's see. Try everything once, eh. I would say I THOUGHT I kinda liked it, before. Kasi naman unlike say Esquire or Men's Health most people (by that I mean masang filipino - tulad ako) can actually afford what they are selling yun lang nga ang labas the magazine became a catalouge. Feature articles never really did change...they were cheesy and tacky and recycled. Fashion this. Style this. How to achive looks.
Cover models looks like they came from a Topman Outlet store and tripped on a makeup stand along the way - geez. Worst, the cover page is an exercise in recognizing fonts; to be fair I heard they were challenged to use all the imaginable fonts in one year.
Why the rant? Sayang lang kasi. I really think it could have achieved so much more. Buti pang nirevive na lang ung Razor Magazine.
Maybe like ermm... Esquire or Vanity Fair, they manage to mix it up. Serious in one side, quirky on the other but no Garage seems to be happy to live off the crumbs, beneath the shadow of men's style magazine.
So that's 200 bucks on my pocket. Countless hours to be saved.

Nokia. We need to talk.

2011-06-06T21:02:00.005+08:00

Dear Old Phone,
I am always amused by how ''technologically inclined'' Filipinos are. Just less than a decade ago, the elite then the tweens and just those who cared were clamoring for their very own mobile. I wasn't really bothered. I remember when I was the only one in our group who isn't lugging a phone. They're useful, granted but I didn't see the glamour of tethering myself to a device - always available, always within reach; maybe I'm overly private or I just didn't buy into the hype.
Inevitability, however, is the cry of technology. People complained. So I got a phone and another and another and all the while I stuck with Nokia. I never lost any of my phones (yey!) I got three cause you get different phones with every new phone contract. So this cycle, I'm ditching my old (and they say, dumb) mobile for a smart-phone. Loads of people have smart phones these days. It's not you, It's me.

XOXO

And he kinda rested on the 8th day

2011-04-29T20:14:00.004+08:00

I was working 7 straight days, just horrible shifting.ahehe. Buti na lang off na ko ngayon. Nataon pang Royal wedding kaya makakadalo ako. hanapin ko lang yung invite, handali. bwahaha.
I wanted to unwind sana, kaso didikit pagpipilian mo sa Naga. It's all beergardens (I don't care what they call them- they are just places to drink), shops (SM really) and probably food trips. No decent clubs, parks or arts center (okay, it might be a long shot yung arts/community center).
How about CWC? Elitist and such a nuisance to get to and go home without a private car. I mean, masakit bang mag laag ng dedicated and regular bus route to it.
Beer este bar hopping? Eh pano kung liver-lover ka pala (tulad ni Pareng Robin)...ahehe. It's fine every now and then but c'mon there's gotta be something new.
Granted that Naga is way, way...way better than Legazpi at night but there is room for improvement. So what to do? Movie? Nothing good on. Magsaysay for a drink? Beer err been there, done that. Coffee? Then what?
I'll just go to the wedding. Leave me a message if you found something else to do.

Freeze-bee: Here I come

2011-04-22T20:49:00.005+08:00

Sabi nila Basketball ang pinaka sikat na kawat sa Pinas, but if you take a drive in the provinces especially those near the beaches you often see more Volleyball (watch Yanggaw). There are other sports: football, rugby, tennis, golf, swimming....so a lot of other things to try. Point? May bago akong kawat.
I want to start Frisbee. It's simple, non-contact (you can play with the opposite sex in the same match) and fun (at least it seems like it).
Barato pa. The frisbee itself can cost 150 for the basic unit, yun lang. You don't need nets, expensive shoes, basketball court (na may logo ng congressman/barangay captain/tanod/barangay dog walker)...blah blah. Kahit anong soccer field/beach/open parks lang okay na. I always wondered why it didn't get off in Naga, We both have good access with the pang masa (Pasacao) and the well heeled and pretentious (CWC) places to do it.
It would really look amazing in the beach though, especially this summer. And if you're really good at it, you can even play the mother of all good frisbee player (starting to dazzle since the Roman Era)
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on TV

Libingan ng mga Bayani

2011-04-20T01:04:00.003+08:00

I say No. Why desecrate the memories of those who have given so much for our country to appease those who have raped it? The only thing more disgusting is Aquino and Binay's effort to tip-toe around the issue. It's not about hate or ass-kissing, it's about justice and honor.

Economics 811: Competition

2011-04-07T04:35:00.005+08:00

I remember I was walking around the mall when a chap was asking me to switch to Sun Cellular., unlimited daw blah blah blah. After a few more steps, someone else was asking me to switch to yet another provider - Red, I think it was. cheap naman daw. Eh bilib na bilib ako sa tagline na 'Are you one of us?'' so I wasn't swayed...ahehe.
The idea that Digitel is being bought by PLDT is a cause for concern; the fact that it is not making that much buzz is alarming.
In highschool, we had a class in Economics. One of the few things I learned was that competition drives prices down which then spurs growth. This was true as shown by the sheer number of mobile phone subscribers in the Philippines
When Digitel is taken out of the picture the major players will then only be Globe and PLDT - a duopoly!
We say goodbye then to unlimited calls and cheap rates as companies will worry less about widening their customer base and more about maximizing profits. We should begin to feel its price pinch rather quickly as telcos will find fewer excuses or threats to delay them. Monopolies normally use the guise of 'better services' for consolidating services but later on usually finds little reason to improve them as there is no one else to compete with; it's either their way or the high way.
In the states AT&T is making the same move by offering to buy T-Mobile and in Europe a major network is in the verge of disintegrating (in this case its inability to adapt to 4G) the problem then is not so really new, the difference is their government sees the signs and is doing something about it.
Granted that we shouldn't protect failing business, if ever Digitel is, but healthy competition must be fostered to encourage growth. Anti-trust laws, anyone?

Mid 20's

2011-03-30T15:51:00.003+08:00

After the (barely felt) holiday, I'm back and what a day. I'm in my - gasp for air - in my mid 20's. Now, Naga might not be so kind with 20 something people but it's kinda different elsewhere.
Last month, kasi, hinanapan ako ID while buying booze. I was like, do I look like I'm under 21 (pero pumapalakpak ang loob, ko, baby face lang kasi). Actually, the till person said I look like under 25 and he had to challenge that (hanep, ang taray). Tama naman s'ya I'm under 25 pero I'm over 21 so old enough to do what I want. So I digged into my pocket for my emergency (a.k.a old and forgotten) ID. Tiningtinan ako ng mga tao, iniisip alcoholic ang batang ito... kasi pinabakal Tequila eh dakul pa naman ito, tapos may Vodka at Kahlua pa (of course, pwede din iniisip nila sushal ang inuman ito, ahehe). Now, I'm not really an alcoholic despite my previous post. A party is a party lang.
But moving on, my age is a really a big number, right? Ibang ka age ko, millionaires na or nag papatalsik ng dictators (Tunisia and Egypt) eh ako what have I really done lately. I guess I'm not the only person in the world, who's got questions. Who feel like they are stagnating (drama-rama). A lot is going on for me I gotta say that. It's just that when I was like 16 I had another scenario in my mind. I thought may superpower na ako, or may family na o kaya famous something. ahehe.
Hay, start na ba ito ng mid,mid life crisis. C$&!. ahehe...

Unsettled

2011-03-16T23:54:00.006+08:00

I remember just killing time beside Avenue Park's ~~infinity~~ Pool. ...rich ba? No, un lang kasi haraning tahimik na lugar sa Magsaysay, may pool man sa Civic Center pero igwa palaging tawo...di naman din ganun kamahal ang food sa Avenue Park so it's worth it.

Now, time seems to slip so quickly. I'm getting older, di naman masyado wiser...ahehe. When I was young, I thought I would have had a family by now. I thought it was the natural course of things. May mga regrets din tuland nung di ako pumayag isama sa ilagay sa 25 Most beautiful people under 25 ng People Magazine. ahehe. I'm gonna be 25 kasi so mag co-close na window of oppurtunity nila. Kaso ginigising ako bigla ng mga kasama ko tuwing iniisip ko ito. bwahaha.

Seriously though while killing time in Magsaysay though, I decided I'm going to focus on my job. I still wanted a lot of things and maybe settling down could wait. Kaso, mukhang dikit lang samo ang ganun ang plan.

A lot of my friends and acquaintance are starting their family. Although, I could honestly ~~brag~~ say na so far I have done quite well for myself. Kung dati, simple things lang I'm quite happy na. Back then I was happy getting just the small things for myself every once in a while but now I could buy most of the things I really want...

I'm not rolling in dough....though. bwahaha. Mahirap pa rin ata magka Ducati. I probably could still not afford to splurge every week on AX (F&H pwede pa) - pero sisay man ang gusto, di ba. Pero for a lower middle class person, I'm quite content. ahehe.

Weird nang nagagawa ng annual leave 'no. Emo mode. And to think I never liked emo. Why the post? Cause I'd like to remind myself one of the perks of not settling down yet. I may not have a kid to come home yet but what I can do is hop on a train/bus tommorow...and get lost for a while. No ifs no buts. Carpe Diem daw kasi sabi ng tweet eh naniwala naman ako.

I hope my quiet spot in Magsaysay could wait for me. I'm coming back...eventually.

Post Valentine 2011

2011-02-16T02:37:00.003+08:00

We watched a movie at a friend's house this valentine; corny? All of us have work kasi, plus handaming tao pag sapit ng Feb 14 na gabi. I woke up around 9am and figured I should go home and hit the gym around lunch time - 'lang tao masyado. At sa mga oras na ito (9am), umuuwi ang mga honor roll sa walk of shame, mas marami around 8am but I was not willing to get up that early. ahehe.

After the gym, I went to the mall and saw the entrepreneurial spirit of Feb. 14. Bakit kamo? Buy 1, take 1 ang condoms and lubricants. Timing is everything talaga. ahehe. Ako naman nag hoard lang ng soaps. Ung soap kasi na gusto ko, mura din today (coincidence kaya?!) supog nga sa cashier inisip n'ya siguro magtatayo ako sari sari store. I'm guessing for a couple of weeks worth na ito.

At dahil naka save ako sa soap, I bought a boot. Un daw kasi uso ngayon, saka bagay naman daw - eh ang dali ko pa naman ma convice -damn. ahehe. It kinda reminds me of the combat boots we had at HS, for the military parade - astig, ngayon parang magpapaintball ako all the time, prepared palagi.

So far, I think I managed to salvage the better half of valentine. Even though I was at work for the better part of the Valentine's night, I had fun with friends after work and the day after. I wonder if next year would be so different?

Recidivist putschist?

2011-02-12T05:54:00.003+08:00

In the Oakwook mutiny, Sen. Trillanes made a bid that all they wanted to do was to reform the military and free the Philippines from corruption...blah blah blah. This was the cry of every self appointed messiah which professed to save the Philippines, the only difference was this one was not afraid to point a gun at us.

I could not believe any of my friends even considered voting for him. Even worse, when he was taking votes away from more logical and legitimate candidates like Joker Arroyo. Pero, that's democracy for you.

Why the sudden outburst? Just having a bad day, made worst by the thought of a future Pres. Trillanes. Will he be able to ever debate with Sen. Santiago or Sen. Arroyo baka magbarricade na naman siya sa Makati, pag natalo. Peninsula, Dusit...watch out. ahehehe.

Will he ever redeem himself? With the way things are going, probably not. He needs to get off his high horse first.

Case in point, in the heat of an 'inquiry' with the deceased Sec. Reyes:

Sec. Reyes: 'Your honor if I may...'

Sen. Trillanes: 'No, you may not!'

2011-02-01T19:16:00.003+08:00

3 Grocery trips and 2 drink runs later, we finished our party. yey. Masakit pala mag host ng party, makalat, magastos, mapagod pero masaya naman. ahehe.

Yun lang nga may mga na lasing, not me though I just had a couple of cocktails....or technically spiked soda lang. bwahaha. Hangdaya ano. Kala ko kasi makaka-galaan ulit ngayon, go to the city and all that crap may bar daw silang gustong puntahan, which oddly enough is not open all year round.
Kung alam ko sana di tuloy ngayon eh sky is the limit sana kagabi.
And co-ed ang event eh, kung puro lalake sana eh di pabayanan mo lang sa couch an nakahilata eh pag babae or aki pa (dai underage ah)., asikaso.

I woke up at 9 though and nakakatamad na maggala.

I'll just go town na lang. Grab a drink (non-alcoholic ha) and walk around. That's the plan. Gumagabat na kasi demand sa work. Kaipuhan time to unwind...sana lang di tayo maging alcoholic. ahehe.

Skater Boi

2011-01-25T02:51:00.003+08:00

Well...Ice skater. I always see and wanted to try the rinks in either SM MOA or Megamall.

Pig purbaran ko kasubago, masakit sa katawan....kakabagsak. I guess that's part of learning, eh.

It was my first time and I was horrible the first hour but I did manage to glide in the next.

Yun lang nga may mga kataid na araki na mas magaling..kakasupog. ahehe. And when I fall, I keep cursing, horrible. Note to self...I shouldn't be around kids when I'm skating. ahehe

I'm just gliding around...it was kinda fun. I know the macho mindset of the

Pinoy's think it's girly but to hell with that, it's really an experience you gotta try...with friends. It's loads of fun.

It's not that expensive anyway, around 500 pesos for the entire thing, equipment rental and admission.

Sana meron din sa Naga kuta something new to do. It's like paintball, it hurts but it's a hell of a lot of fun with friends.

Next stop...winter games.bwahaha

Annual Leave

2011-01-21T09:05:00.003+08:00

My boss told me to book my holiday for the year. Syempre ang ngisi abot kung sain ta primerong paid holiday ko. So yeah, maybe it's not really holiday, holiday. It's just annual leave.
I still have time to kill eh... around 3 weeks cause I didn't take any last year...so yehey.
San kaya ako pupunta. Gusto ko ganito ang view., kaso mahal daw...ahehe. Sa Luzon lang ang nasa picture pero it is quite hidden. Pero I feel like I know it really, really well. bwahaha
Mag train/bus ride kaya kung saan na lang. Just to explore.
It's a no for CWC for me. No malls. I heard may lakes (parang great lakes...di ung parang sa Buhi na puro Tilapia... just around here, 'sang bus/plane/train lang. I heard Anawangin is nice.
What to do? My plan for now...just get out, get lost.

First day 2011

2011-01-02T09:24:00.004+08:00

So I wasted New Year's Eve (ung better part nang araw nu'n, na ironically cannot be named...New Year's Eve-Day?!) hauling my things. Worst, it was repeated on New Year's Day. I am not a very happy camper. I don't know why. Baka sa loob ko lang sayang ang aldaw na ito I mean new year's eve was great pero the day was exhausting.

Kasi siguro we were fixing furniture, dinamay pa ang gamit ng ibang tao. Molusko (...este selfish. ahehe) ba ako? My philosophy is if people can do it for themselves, I'd leave it to them. I'm not used to being attended, siguro, so I don't mind people when they don't need to be.

Pero ewan ko ba masyadong matulungin ang mga nakasama ko so sige lang. The thing is I've been busting my ass for the house for two days so don't expect me to overflow with energy. Di ata tayo Energizer Bunny! :)

Moving on...so what have I learned? My insights for 2010-2011: I still hate being told what to do especially if I'm just about to start doing exactly what they said. Ewan ko ba, I think I am a team player pero I don't need any more boss. It's also the smallest of things. Nakaka irritate lang kung minsan. Dakulon kaya mga boss...bwahaha. Dai man garo nila tuyo, pero makasuyaon pa man giraray.

Pero, the start of 2011 is not all bad. I, also, realized that I love Xbox 360 with Kinect. Endorser lang. It looks fun, ewan ko lang if it can still manage when two people are playing. Sana lang may ihabol si santa na Xbox this year. mangangapit bahay pa ba ako para maglaro?!

I also chose as my 2011 ~~recycled~~ resolution to ~~finish~~ learn my language course. Di pa nga fluent sa english naghahanap na agad ng iba, ano.

Anyway, I just hope the rest of the year turns out way, way, ehem.... 360-degrees better.

Moving Week

2010-12-30T19:11:00.005+08:00

I'm not working this New Year., yehey. Sabi ng mga ka work labas daw, night out! Sabi ko sure, pero..on second though..I'm moving. Bad timing! Habang nagpaparty sila, nag bubuhat ako ng gamit.

Pero ano magagawa, di ba? Apparently, that's my only free time for me to get things together. Maray sana if nasa France kita ta may leave daa pag moving day. Baka naman bad feng shui ito - yun ang una ko palusot. Pero, no choice my lease for where I am right now is due on the 3rd. Di na pwede pa magtagal, ahehe. Saka nag start na rin ako magbayad (sa share) sa house na lilipatan.. ang yaman, yaman ko nga may place na tanaw ang workplace sa bintana tapos may rest house pang binabayaran. Bakit kamo resthouse ang apod mi? Kasi may fireplace kuno itong harong. Di lang nga nagwowork, parang Tagaytay, pang decorate lang o baka naman ito ang lutuan.ahehe.

Hmmn, duang harong kaya siguro panay maung laog ang ATM ko.

So, pano an hello resthouse na., bakit ito kinua ko, Mas mura ito, di iling ang workplace saka mas dakul kaibahan. bwahaha. Dai na pagdungaw mo, iyo nanaman matatanaw mo. Kaso, hello commute din. Uggh., andami dapat isipin. Basta, Happy New Year. Off to a new start.

Andali lang, baka naman kayanun mag party after maglipat...,

Welcome Christmas

2010-12-24T20:02:00.004+08:00

Christmas music; check. Ham; check. Pasta; check. Gifts wrapped; check.

I love Christmas eve. It's such a special time. Although, mas maganda if kasama ko family and my closest friends tonight, I'll settle for what I have.

Workmates na pinilit din magpa off ang kasama ko sa noche buena. Then again, I guess they're kinda also my friends so it's still good. I opted not to work on Christmas eve, okay lang Christmas day pero hanep grabe na pag Christmas eve pa, di ba? So bawal heavy drinking mamaya; heavy eating na lang.

Although medyo gloomy ang Christmas day (di dahil sa bawal ang heavy drinking, ah), tonight's a special time. It always is.

Gifts;check. Warm smile;check.

More things to do, in a budget

2010-12-13T05:37:00.018+08:00

Last year, naggibo ako list what to do in Naga if you're in a budget. Five things to do lang naman kaso di natapos. hangtamad lang, kaya ganun. bwahaha. so here's the last two

Americano. Cafe Americano at Starbuck's.

It's not the best coffee daw. Pero, you gotta try it for yourself. Sakin coffee is coffee, and may rason naman siguro bakit parang kabute ang Starbucks, di ba. Siguro nga, makakabili ka isang gallon na Nescafe sa price ng Starbuck's pero it's gourmet coffee. Pero tama na nga rationalization. Basta it's getting cold, you only have a

hundred bucks. Starbucks (bow).

Normally, I'd usually end by saying spend your hundred on charity or kung ano pa mang goodwill and, secretly, wait for my call from Oslo for the Nobel Peace Price..ahehe. Pero you know what really is a good way to spend

a boring afternoon this season... get lost. Really. Take a jeepney ride. Madalas, dai man lampas 50 plete sa jeep. Pa-sain? Wherever. Somewhere new. Promise, you don't know where your journey will take you.

Pwede na ako kunin' sa Departures sa NatGeo, ano. Pero kung may DSLR lang ako, tadtad na sana pix ang blog na ito ng mga pix sa kung sain-sain.

Kuya Kim time: Maganda lang ang frost at ice sa picture. Sa totoo, malamig at madulas ito. Minus pogi points pag nadudulas.., ahehe

It's about time

2010-12-07T06:12:00.001+08:00

I think it was Sen. Biazon, who really tried to make a significant step towards real reproductive health. On the other hand, it ~~was~~ is people like Atienza and Pacquiao setting it back. Choices like this are individual and personal decisions not to be hindered or influenced by very loud and very public protestations.

Maray na lang, mukang makakapasa ang RH bill. It is the government's job to afford to the people a healthy and planned life. The church may be moving heaven and earth, twisting whatever logic to fit thier dogma - but that's nothing new. What's surprising is that it took so long for an RH Bill like this to take shape. Now, a future is on the horizon where family planning will have - well a plan. If the bill passes, the health policy wouldn't just be up to belief of the mayor or kung sisay pa mang ~~albularyo~~ community health officer - everyone will be given or should be given every information they need.

I mean people are entitled to know these things because they will do whatever they want especially when their hormones are raging. Abstinence is all good and idealistic but to ~~hope~~ harp on it, alone, is to turn a blind eye on the reality. That is - Pinoys are doing the nasty and most of them are exposed unnecessarily to VDs and early pregnancy; both which they are unprepared.

I'm kinda happy with the RH Bill's progress, I'm even kinda proud that the main proponent is a Bicolano, dikit lang ah -dai man psyched. Say what you want about Salceda, but he got balls. He might be able to pull this off.

Christmas v.2010

2010-11-14T19:04:00.003+08:00

Yesterday, I was in my room, turned the radio on and I heard the first Christmas song. This season will be really new. Christmas used to be spent with my family, in Naga or in Manila. But this year, I'll be away.

I think I'll miss eating ham at home, Iwonder if I could get the famous Binondo hams thisyear. I think I'll be working this Christmas - but not Christmas eve.

This afternoon, pa nga, the grinch peeked her head. But unlike the real grinch we're looking forward to this year's celebration. Whether home or away, we're gonna make this one a season to remember!

P.Noy: Strike One

2010-10-14T04:54:00.004+08:00

Steep learning curve. While no one really expected for Ninoy to fix the country overnight, these past few days have been very, very frustrating.

First, unlike Mayor Lim he doesn't believe in letting the chips fall where it may; which ironically should fall on Mayor Lim as well if the Independent Incident Review Committee (IIRC) is right. Those who are guilty should face the music not because China is watching but because it is the right thing to do.

Just like with the Magdalo group, they should also face the music or the court verdict. Whether P.Noy wants another head in the senate or it's part of a political compromise the culture of impunity is being nurtured by his actions. Trillanes,after all, was voted by the Filipino with the knowledge that he has a pending case lodge against him. With that comes the possibility of jail time.

We were jubilant because P.Noy promised change (Although, I wouldn't say I voted for him).

But as the days progressed, I don't see any major changes. Just more of the same - really. There are silver linings like possibility of an RH bill, the more stringent measures to weed out corrupt projects but they are too little and too far in between.

Hay, I hope he would stop doing these political dances and just lead. If he continue's on this path I wouldn't be surprised if one day I see a billboard with him and THE bicolano political dynasty to boot...wakeboarding. Si Binay nasa background plotting...just planning.

...bells will be ringing

2010-10-14T04:32:00.004+08:00

Fresh off from the short pasyal and a visit to Manu, wala man lang time para mag rest...my boss called a meeting to talk to our group. It was as she mildly put it either a good news or bad news...depending how you look at it, daw.

I thought cool, whatever. Pa excite naman ito. And she layed it on the table...

We're promoted...kinda. Lalabas ko na sana SanMig sa bag ko. Our pay increased, not that much; I'm still taking the bus instead of the cab...but more than enough.

The downside...we have to work longer hours. not that long about half a shift and only until January. When February comes we go back to normal hours but the pay will stick. yehey..kinda.

Masakit din pala sumakat sa corporate ladder...mapagal, Dapat may Ducati (or gulang ng Ducati - to be realistic) na ko nito pag balik ko sa Naga o kahit isang battalion ng pedicab.

P.S. bawal umutang, ang kapal ng bills na binabayaran...damn plastic cards!

Manchester United...I never knew I kinda liked you.

2010-10-11T14:20:00.003+08:00

It was love at first turn (along the highway). Since this is my first time abroad, I went around and begged to see the famous Manchester United stadium (p.s. persistence pays off).

We went to Manchester and saw the semi-grand stadium it was a bit outside the city but while you're there, right?

Like any full-pledge Asians we went to Chinatown and bowed before the Chinese arch. ahehe. One thing, if the Chinoys had the best cars in in Binondo the Chinese in Manchester didn't veer far from the stereotype.

Now granted, I thought Makati had more modern architecture this old english city had character. They tried to maintain the old feel and built new shops using the shell of the old buildings. Culture is a big thing in Manchester too. Aside from the mixed races...which makes me wonder why we're so homogeneous in Naga.

Oh well next stop...Liverpool, London or home. Depends on the budget!

Un, dois, trois...stella artois

2010-10-05T15:10:00.003+08:00

I read in a Facebook account of a semi-new friend that the last month has been all parties. I kinda agreed., gusto ko na nga arugon shoutout n'ya., kaso dyahe. ahehe

Maybe that's why I've been kinda sleepy when I'm doing nothing that is when I'm walking about I don't really feel it but the minute I sit the drowsiness creeps in. God help me when I commute on a bus. bwahaha.

Should I do a moratorium on night parties...I want to but not if I'm the only one who's not going. baka sabihun pa espesyal naman ko.I mean it's not like I spend that much.. most of the time I can go out with no cash or card just my trusty phone. Leech mode. bwahaha

Hopefully, it's just the honeymoon phase.

Friday Night

2010-09-25T17:31:00.003+08:00

Pag nag off talaga.
I rarely go off to the clubs. It's crowded, the drinks are expensive and I have to left feet.
But last night was a blast, went home when the club closed - which is a first on my end, for clubs at least.
One thing that does pick me up in this long nights are Jagerbombs. And at about 200 a pop it's not a cheap fix...but I do know when to stop. I haven't been drop dead drunk yet - well not that I can remember at least.
Funny sidenote, I don't know if it's the mix of cocktails but there was this security (more like bouncer and he's in a yellow vest) but when we came in just before midnight he was just thumping to the music. After a few hours, he was bobbing his head. A few minute more he was just a wee bit dancing in place and well you guess what he did the next hour. The good thing is at the close of his shift he was just standing by again. Talk about loving your job eh...

Rebel not anymore in Naga

2010-09-12T03:51:00.002+08:00

After more than 17 hours in transit - flying, train, bus and taxi rides - I have changed zip codes. I asked to move after Penafrancia, afterall this is THE 300th year- celebration but my job has its own schedule. The celebration will be grand I thought. My friends are coming home...we would have splurged. But I find myself joining the hundreds of Naguenos celebrating Ina's fiesta on thier own.
Oddly enough, the place I've moved to is celebrating something else - not exactly religous but a celebration is a celebration, yah?
We even have a bigger celebrity to start things up - bigger than John Lloyd ah (sabi nila, s'ya nag countdown). Parehas lang sila, they didn't do much.
I guess the Sunday devotional prayer stuck on me.

Step 2

2010-08-18T22:27:00.003+08:00

I handed in my notice today. Why?
Dahil ba IronMan 2010 bukas and my boss won't approve my leave?
Dahil ba mangagana ang Alaska sa Game 6 atchan, at nakapay ako sa excitement?
Dahil ba naka iling na ako ng taong naka Ducati sa gitna ng traffic with full gear: jacket, helmet, pads...?
Nope, it just felt like the right time. As good as any. I could wait for everything to be set pero sain ang thrill duman. This is a big risk and it should feel like one from the start.
Inutan na lang kami ng countdown ng Peñafrancia.

Kopiko

2010-08-15T17:08:00.004+08:00

In a lazy week, I usually go to Beanbag probably once. Just to meet some friends or read the paper. I remember one friend, back in college, saying coffee in Beanbag is sweet while coffee in StarMark is strong (or is it the other way around). Since StarMark is almost out of the picture, I can confidently say Beanbag coffee now reigns as the sweetest blend...too sweet most of the time. But by default, it is the coffee house to go. If I really feel going at it alone, I'd go to The Coffee Beanery. They have this amazing coffee which they spike with Bailey's - who says you can't mix coffee with alcohol!
Why the late realization, I find myself frequenting Manila this past few months. Side by side with the king (or lady) of coffee...well our coffee houses just pale in comparison.
Like this one time, I found myself at Buendia at five in the morning. There were many shops to go - kahit fishball lang, okay sakin ah - I went to Starbucks to kill time and grab a quick fix. I agree there are people who go there just to be seen. Then there are people, like me, who downs two java chips in one sitting -sarap eh. Kaso palpitations after. hehe
I still wish Beanbag would pick up their game. I think the price difference is not that big (about Php 150 for a small cup in Starbucks) but it's really worth it. They've been doing it for decades so they know what they are doing.
For now, while wala pa sa Naga, haharang muna ako sa fishball vendor.

Coffee talks...nobody listens

2010-08-13T13:19:00.000+08:00

Overheard in a late night/early morning discussion:
This random musing is for the morbid in you.

Local Politico supposedly has a serious disease which is fatal. LP is supposed to be fighting the big C. They said LP may not even see the end of his term.
If that's the case, I have yet to see LP move heaven and earth to make amends for allegedly past deeds.
Maybe it's just talks or maybe LP is still in denial.

Ofis Work

2010-08-04T21:02:00.005+08:00

I remember the first (of the very few) commute I had from Buendia to the central disctrict of Makati. I, like most people, was wearing what I deem to be semi-formal - most were wearing long sleeved shirts [smile] ganito kami sa Makati, sana ganito sa buong bansa., hehe.
I rode on a jeep like the common-tao. It seemed that the higher-ups (those with ties and vest) were on taxis or lived right next to their offices.
What struck me at first was order. There were lines to the jeepney (it moved really fast) - sasaludo na sana ako kay Binay, kaso I heard about his...umm dealings with real-estate firms.
Anyway, the things is I never really imagined myself in an office. Today, however, I'm on an 8-5 job. Like many young adults, I assume, many of us feel this is just something in transition.
Going back, that day was memorable. First, many of my colleagues followed me around. They were also new in Makati and they taught I knew the place better. I knew a little of it - lakwatsero kasi, lakaw igdi, lakaw duman.
So they followed me to lunch. I felt eating some burger so naturally we went to BurgerKing...in Glorietta. Brother's Burger is nearer in Convergys but it's a bit too pricey. Sunod na kami oorder ng Kobe Burger pag nakakapag-taxi na rin kami pawork.
Eh ang plete pa Glorietta, minimum lang. duman na lang. Kahit mag taxi kaming lima., mura pa rin (around 50).
Office work, moving papers...Saan kaya sunod kong baba?

Table B

2010-07-30T23:38:00.005+08:00

It's Friday. At around 7, I was excited to finish my program and go back to Beanbag at Magsaysay. I, however, reluctantly agreed to come to an event that night. I thought I could just slip in and slip out. I was, again, wrong.
The event was about "detox" which to a non-addicted layman can mean a very long and expensive enema (labitiba). I have heard that gospel about five times. I don't subscribe to the belief. There was this surreal aerobics instructor who managed to umm...well for lack of better term gay-up hiphop. It was amazing; surprisingly entertaining. Unfortunately, I don't have a knack for dancing, I would have tried it just for kicks. It was really something else.
So time flew by. Even better, there were free food. It was spaghetti bolognese, celery stick, cucumber with what seemed like cottage cheese, crackers with light cream and chicken lollipop. I guess this is what the other half eats.
I stayed at a table where it seemed to be an EOP zone. I guess this is how the other half talks. Fortunately, I am mildly confident in speaking English so I went with the flow. There was this guy who said he's vegetarian (the first one I know) and he walked the talk. He was only eating celery sticks and crackers. There was this other guy who I thought was just another ordinary guy but from what I hear is a scion. There was this girl who was health nut. She was fun to talk with. And there was me.
I was fortunate enough to experience working with the other half . I'm not a missionary nor a saint though.
That night was really a glaring reminder of how far apart the divide has become. I remember there was this mother who couldn't afford health care for her seriously sick son (there is social service but that takes time. I think she knew her son doesn't have that luxury) and there were people here contemplating about 40K enemas.

Table A

2010-07-30T22:16:00.005+08:00

It's friday. I was suppose to hit the gym at 4, I figured I'd finish my sets before 6 then go for a swim and go out at 8. As I was about to go to Magsaysay, a friend texted me that he wanted company - since I didn't really like going to the gym I happily agreed, yup kahit ang pinaka sadit na rason dai lang ako magkawat. So we went to Beanbag.
I was still feeling a little bit guilty missing my workout but I liked hanging out with my friends even more. That afternoon at the corner table, even though there were flies - really, was perfect. We talked about nothing for two hours. Joking about the prospect we have in the future. However up to today, I haven't told anyone (even them) that I was leaving in a couple of weeks. I kinda hinted that I have plans - but not in the foreseeable future. I'll tell them. I just don't really know how to bring it up. It's not like, "Hey, Ano gusto mo coffee? Ay paali na pala ako, medyo haloy ako duman. Eh, anong size nga pala?"
So we talked for hours and I prodded about what we planned for ourselves. At about 7, I excused myself and told them I'll be back around 9. I still had to go to the gym, because I don't want to go tomorrow and I have all the things with me. Besides, I reasoned they can always contact (text) me.
But things happen. Things always do. I got a text at 8:39pm. I came back to Beanbag around 10pm. I tried to call but I can't reach them. There were new faces sitting at our table. I went to the Blue bar and Molino. I tried to glance and see if they were there. If they were, I couldn't recognize any of them. So, I left.
As corny as it may sound. Maybe this is the future. There are some things that I have to risk if I want to try something else. Dear Ate Charo. crap!

What happened between 7 and 10 pm. That's the story of the second table: Table B.

Moving Mobee

2010-07-24T12:34:00.007+08:00

Scene in Jeep. It's dark outside. It looks like it's gonna rain. It started to drizzle
Stranger 1: Naggibo pelikula para ki Ina. Ta habo mag pabasa
Stranger 2: (knowing smile then smirks)
Me: (just listen in - finish bottle of water, then gulps)

I've kinda lost my Lifetime Exclusive Ever Platinum Super Juday Kami Fans Club card so forgive the following unofficial rhetoric.
As many may (not) know, there is a movie in the works about the devotion to the Peñafrancia. Even fewer would probably know that Juday was billed for the project - allegedly she backed out citing the schedule may be unhealthy for her unborn baby.
So if those things were true, the producer (ka-iba kaya an diocese) must be moving heaven and earth to meet the deadline. It's exciting - I know. Will the movie make it? Will Catholic schools "encourage" their students to watch the movie (instant blockbuster - remember Tanging Yaman)? Will it touch on the Colgante Bridge collapse? Who will act as the miraculous aspin (Pag pig 3D parang Kimmy Dora ang aso - walk out yan)?
Moreover, will the shadow executive producer (BicolMail) stop gras ping at straws?
It is unfortunate that Juday backed out - but it was her choice. Her baby came first before her job and rightfully so. Threatening err.. warning about falling from grace? Sad.
The movie is a good idea. Kudos to whoever thought about the idea. I wonder who got the lead though.

Chocolate Starbucks

2010-07-22T12:31:00.010+08:00

Going home from Manila, passing by at the SLEX., there are these gas stations with restos/shops . It's at both sides of the SLEX and it's kinda weird cause you don't see buses stopping by - maybe it's a unspoken rule. It's kinda like the ultimate stopover: restrooms, fill up your car, eat a pancake...doze off.
When I was young(er) this is also where I had my first taste of Starbucks (check n'yo picture ganyan ang stall nila - joke). Even back then, I new it was an expensive place. I was, however, insistent for a cup of chocolate. Mcdonald's was, oddly enough, out of it. The PancakeHouse wasn't open at that hour. The big red bee has really long lines...so Starbucks won by default.
Starbucks was known for their coffee and I was known as nonchalant about it(coffee). I didn't crave it but if it's there I won't refuse either. Hot chocolate, however, is a mild addiction and Starbucks is more than happy to feed the urge.

It's a place to kill time. Read the paper. I'm kinda - dikit lang - looking forward to Starbucks in Magsaysay because I like the street. It's not generic white and blue like SM. It's still open past 9pm and it's accessible - very little traffic.

It's another reason to love Magsaysay. Four gyms (depending on your budget), 5 coffee shops, 3 great pizza shops...well you get the idea.
So welcome Starbucks - if you're really coming to Naga. Save a cup of choco for me! I'm sure you miss me. It's been a while na.

Not so golden ticket

2010-07-20T21:45:00.008+08:00

I thought back to my Ducati-inspired thoughts. Maybe it is time to move on. Naga has been great; it still is but just like any night owl looking for the next bigger, larger than life party or the eternal romantic waiting for "the one"... I am made to believe that there must be something else.
The deal is, I've been offered another job... elsewhere. I'm not sanctimonious I know how things are and I certainly don't mean to gloat. I'm quite fortunate to even have my current job. It's just that things change (Why do I feel like I'm breaking up with someone...parang it's not you, it's me.hehe)
Mas maray na nga ito, at least I'm moving up in the world.
There is this more senior colleague who said she doesn't think about changing any aspect of her life. I joked that I could put in a referral - if she wants - so that we can switch into the same boat. She refused and said her family's stability is more important. She added that she makes enough, anyway, so she couldn't really complain (Pig translate ko na lang - ta di naman talaga kami nag i-english sa trabaho)
And believe me there are enough songs/movies/stories about just taking THE leap. I guess it's just normal to feel anxious. It is a whole new culture. No time for the laid back attitude that is Naga. Mayo nang Beanbag, 100 peso movie, short rides to the beach...recurrent na bagyo.
I know I'm going to take that job there are probably hundreds of people who'll do cartwheels for the offer and here I am just sitting on it. I guess it's the sensible thing to do - but they're gonna have to get me kicking and screaming (inside -hehe)
I haven't done the paperworks but I feel like the countdown has already begun.

Gym Kino

2010-07-15T19:28:00.004+08:00

Just like any small, progressive and almost-but-not yet sleepy city in the Philippines, our dear Naga is not immune to fads, not really.
Today's specialty on the menu are Gyms - the workout 'till every muscle in your body aches kind.
Like a good soldier, I scouted the reputable gyms hoping to find the best. In this instance reputable is you're unlikely to catch Tetanus if you use their facility and near Magsaysay or Centro.
Around Centro there is a dearth (dikit) of really good gyms. The ones that charges 50 for walk-in is just okay - the basics, really. There are a lot of people here though probably the price. I thought I'd really fit in if I can get over one problem. It's hot! Because, sometimes it gets really crowded and there are a lot...a lot of professional bodybuilder huffing and puffing not the most pleasant of scenes.
There's this one gym near San Francisco..well at least the banner is there, that I didn't bother to go. I know the stalls there are really small; so don't hold your breath.
Where does that leave me? Magsaysay. My 2nd favorite place in Naga. (The first is not SM - I'm not a mall rat). There are small gyms here too...there's one near Concepcion Church. It's better than those in Centro it has A/C. There are Aerobics classes. Although, it's also quite small. At the very best around 35 people could comfortably fit it - standing room na an ah.
Then there's one below Clubm8 and atop Philhealth. Really weird location, unless you work at Philhealth. Work all day, exercise in the afternoon...party all night. Galing!
That gym (sorry, horrible with names) has probably the cheapest walk in rate I've seen. 26/day... maybe it's just temporary though, I guess just until they have more regulars.
The cream of the crop seems to be the hotel gyms. Villa Caceres has theirs renovated and there are not that many people - the only thing, again, is space. It seems they devoted their space to restaurants/conference rooms so much that the gym was just a hindsight.
Last, the Olympia Gym. I remember the name cause their rate makes their Gym memorable. Although, it is cheaper than Fitness First and Gintong Gym in Manila - and their equipments are up to par. But for common tawo...that's a stretch. I poked around and saw that most people there really looked well-off and sponsored. Gabos igwang sarong Nike apparel; Either shoes, pants, shirts, gloves or water bottles. So Far, Olympia seems to be the winner hands down -three floors (two overlooking the Bicol River), sauna, pool, locker room, Spinner (google)...now where to get 18,000.

Afternoon at Casureco

2010-07-02T15:36:00.003+08:00

I was a bit psyched when I read the letter from Casureco saying they were slapped with a TRO. First, I paid full for their June billing so I was kinda expecting a refund. The good guys won!
So I took the afternoon off (well half of the afternoon) and went to Del Rosario to pay the bill. I went past 3pm, got the number and was floored when I saw the gap between my number and the switchboard was 230 (really-parang Twilight Eclipse ang eksena). I was even more pissed when I saw there were only 2 cashiers working; there were four windows so I guess the two is props.
But I waited (yup, I'm that patient)
And 2.5 hours, 2 sodas, one bag of chips and half way through an audiobook my number is within reach of the almighty switchboard. I went inside waited a little more and approached the cashier when it was my turn. I was kinda sure that by now, the woman behind the glass (Let's call her Ms. WMG) would be exhausted so I brought my charming and preppy game face and said, "Hi..." ewan nga kung bakit pa nag english, sugar high siguro ako.
I asked how much, and the Ms. WMG nonchalantly read the actual price. I thought okay I could disregarded the rebate I should be getting (recomputation, di ba!) and said it was not beyond due date so I should still get a discount from the actual reading (yun kasi naka print sa bill) she said it was not anymore enforced. She reasoned the the penalty wouldn't be enforced anymore - as if that balances things out. I thought iipunin ko na lang future bills and delay payment so I win a little bit thanks to inflation and compound interest. I thought of arguing to Ms. WMG but after about 3 hours in their compound I just wanna get out. So i left.
Still angry, about the long lines, my wasted afternoon, the discount I didn't get (DVD din un sa Astrovision) and the continuing blunder being made by the current crop of Casureco's Board of Directors. I hope the new NEA will sort this things out and if they still choose the lazy ass route we always have elections.

The countdown

2010-06-23T21:53:00.004+08:00

About a year ago there was this brewing stand-off between the Archdiocese of Caceres and the City of Naga...it was a protracted discussion on how best to celebrate the Peñafrancia Festival. Now that the countdown is about to end, the silence is deafening.
Granted that the schedule for religious aspects for this year's festivities has been posted as early as January, the notice for the "civic component" of it is lacking.
For this year I hope to see the Military Parade with the banners of the Ateneo, the colors of UNC and USANT, the Civic Parade with the performance from USI (parang showtime lang - kidding!) and the diocese accepting concessions on the definition of how to truly celebrate Peñafrancia 2010.

Huff and Puff

2010-06-10T21:19:00.003+08:00

First. I'd like to say I'm not in the payroll of Casureco not even Jane Barrameda - though, at this time I'm quite relieved I'm not.
Now to the point, some are saying tomorrow will see a critical mass of angry people trooping to Casureco asking for penance from its managers. I'm betting the current crop of Casureco's Board of Directors will see another day.
What happened in Casureco IS corrupt incompetence - it could have been prevented but what will happen tomorrow is a mini-tragedy in itself.
The shouts and chants tomorrow will draw attention away from the most viable solution for this problem.
The leaders of Casureco is entrenched into a corrupt system that it will take more than protestations to rid the Co-op of its ills.
That is while mass protest are loud and quite entertaining they are rarely effective - case in point, when protesters begin to disturb the peace the police are duty bound to disperse them. The protesters will be agitated, they begin to point fingers and the main issue becomes background noise.
In reality, there is very little chance that the current crop of Casureco 2 managers will resign for if they have delicadeza they would have left the minute the aggregator's promises fell apart.
So chances are June 11 will come and go and very little in Casureco 2 would change. Maybe the shady deals made in Del Rosario would be hushed down for a few months. Maybe the ratings of AM stations would surge - and the influence of commentators be cemented even more. Maybe Casureco 2 managers would negotiate to appease the consumers and then go back to the good old days after the fuss have died down.
But come June 12, no matter how the protesters huff and puff the current board of directors will see another day. The brick wall that is regional politics fortifies the scampering director(s) inside. But for the wolf in City Hall the only thing it can use to break down the brick wall is through the gavel of the court.

Super (Pricey) Power

2010-06-04T20:26:00.006+08:00

“Ben Franklin may have discovered electricity- but it is the man who invented the meter who made the money”. Earl Warren

They say all (can't really verify that) wars waged in the last century (maybe decade lang) is caused by energy - or lack of it. Control of energy is elusive; just ask Ben Franklin or Jane Barrameda.
It really is ironic that we have an abundant source of energy (geothermal) yet in the Philippines (one in Asia's where energy is most expensive), Bicol has one of the most expensive power rates.
Syllogism: Bicol has one of the most expensive power bills in the Philippines. The Philippines has one of the most expensive power rates in Asia. Ergo, Bicol has one of the most expensive power rates in Asia. Conclusion: Napaka yaman naman natin.
Now the power hike isn't an isolated case, I think Meralco's consumer had the same problem last month. The thing is ours is persistent and escalating. A problem which all those running for positions in Casureco promises to resolve.
What is plain to see is that mismanagement continues to hound the halls of Casureco the present problem has a clear enough trail to deduce what happened (there's even a blog, where the alleged source/insider of BicolMail told his story). Which kinda explains why people are asking City Hall for heads to roll.

I think the cause of the high power rates could be attributed to a series of mistakes - the aggravating factor is if it could have been prevented by simple prudence and whether these actions were malicious.
But more to the point, if Naga is really unsatisfied it should make sure this anger is felt in the next election of Board of Directors. (I nominate a "Jose Rizal hairdo, Ferdinand Marcos height conformist guy who intentionally slows down on a 2-1 fastbreak.")
But, for today, let them have their day in court, let them air their side. They, after all, won a hard fought mandate (I think it was brought to the ERC) to guide Casureco 2.
If they refuse to then I pray City Hall will muster enough political will to resolve this irritant. The incoming mayor should make sure "changes" do come - that is after the Del Rosario and the Naga Gymnasium have quite down.

P.S. The power rate hikes are troubling. It is a burden shouldered mostly by families whose finances are stretched to the limit. A burden surely felt by rank and file employees of Casureco 2. It is a shame the anger of some are vented on them.

Early mid-mid life crisis

2010-05-22T21:17:00.000+08:00

I usually feel down a few days after New Year because of the things I haven't accomplished the past year. In 2010 the moment came late., masyadong late, how late? I realized I've messed up another year of opportunities in 2009 on May 22, 2010 4:30am.
While drinking with the guys - an event I don't do that often, dai ako parainom -I realized just how left out I was. Granted that their stories might involve some grandstanding on their part (booze + stories + wasted people = legends; ung parang pataasan ng ihi na kahit anong gawin ni Superman di ata kayang tapatan) it was a bit disheartening to realize na I haven't done as much.
It got me thinking.Have I spent the better part of my early 20's in Naga as best as I could? If I worked in Manila or somewhere else would I feel the same? Kelan kaya ako makakabili ng Ducati? Makakataas ba ako sa bagong gawang Naga City Market gamit yun ng di naheheatstroke sa sobrang kapal na jacket na kailangan kong suotin?
Maybe it's time to change gears (okay enough with the Ducati reference)... maybe it's time to move out of Naga. Hmmn.,maybe it's time to seriously think about that.

2010-04-04T18:24:00.001+08:00

Who needs PAGASA...

Sharing GMA's headache..again.

2010-03-28T16:12:00.000+08:00

While I thought I escaped the political machinery centered in Manila, I was unpleasantly surprised to see a cavalry of orange line up Magsaysay.
Last time it was Pili, now it's Naga. Imagine getting stuck on traffic for almost two hours - on what would normally be a 10 minute ride.
Granted that Bicol is up for grabs - none of the presidential candidates can claim oragon blood; except for the flimsiest, most creative definition that Jamby has - it's no surprise that candidates are coming here.
It's a pity Noynoy, snubbed the UNC graduation yesterday - Kris Aquino as commencement speaker, that's umm... interesting. Noynoy should do more.
Even if his local candidates win, Villar is likely to lose Bicol - it's quite late to pull in the crowds. The scandal thrown against him coupled with the turncoats he calls his allies are as real as his promise to eradicate poverty.
Nonetheless, kudos to him for trying. GMA knows she has lost the trust of the Filipinos; Villar should know it's just as a lost cause when he does not believe in the people he prays to believe in him.
Bicol is going to be a split vote.

The Summoning

2010-02-14T08:40:00.000+08:00

Last night was a quite busy day for us, seminar and paperwork aside we decided troop to Avenue Square for late dinner.
As with all lazy nights in Avenue there were amazing singers, familiar faces and for this night a lot of dressed up people. It was after all the eve of the Chinese New Year and S. Milby, Richard Poon and Niña is in the building. Needless to say, it is a reminder of the hierarchy in Naga. If you found yourself in the Avenue Square last night, you've got it made. If not, you don't care if people think you've got it made...

Waiting for Bicol Access Health to open

2010-01-28T22:15:00.000+08:00

I can't remember that last time the people in Naga got a huge boost health-wise. Okay granted that probably only a few people could afford the services of Bicol Access Health, it is still comforting to note that we are making progress in this field.
So with fingers crossed, I patiently hope that Bicol Access Health would deliver its promises of upgrading the capacity of Naga to take care of its sick (privileged or not).
Lots of potentials...let's see if it delivers.

Magsaysay in free fall

2010-01-17T09:13:00.000+08:00

Beanbag, Chili Peppers, Molino Grill and Tokyo Tokyo. What do these four restos have in common? They've closed up shop in Magsaysay.
Okay, so we HAD vivid dreams that Magsaysay would be Naga's Malate but come 2010 that dream's getting bleaker.
And where are people going? Besides the Tent, it seems SM. How horrible, huh. I mean SM is a good place to kill time but not to kill the night. Come on, the place closes at 9!
I am hoping against hope that Avenue Square and WestPark could pull Magsaysay from its freefall. How?! Well that's the big question -right? For WestPark, find a freakin' niche. Don't compete with Avenue for the high-end crowd but don't go for the low-end either. How about the yuppies, who want to unwind for the night. Throw around some drapes, low lighting (but blinding lights outside) and you got yourself a bar. Oh and remember to hire beautiful people...
But I'm freakin serious with the niche thing for WestPark; it doesn't matter if it becomes the place for guys/gals/gays/tomboys but find your spot, focus on one - do that and we'll tell you how to get off from there.
We're tired of going to Liboton err M. Villanueva...is that the right name?!
Hell, you know what, I can't wait for Magsaysay to get its groove back

New Year, New Attitude, New Surprises

2009-12-31T15:15:00.000+08:00

I used to like the One Tree Hill series, before their stories become protracted and their music went downhill. One of the things I picked up was to create at start of the year a list of predictions you think will come true for that year.
I wonder if any of Robredo's wish list came true cause 2009 was a big year for Naga. BicolMail got its sense back. Casureco is still saddled with conflicts and corruption - though it effectively broke away from the grasp of the Archdiocese and the city government proved it had balls - hopefully one that won't wither away come September 2010.
However on a personal note - on my list, only one came true. That was to do something impulsive - this wasn't just buying things but really do something really big, something I didn't have to think twice.
So that is my thing for 2010, to make at least half of the things I will write down today come true before 2010 ends.
So cheers to 2010. A year that I hope will be rollercoaster both for Naga and me.

Federal State of Bicol: No!

2009-12-22T15:13:00.000+08:00

The BICOL AUTONOMY MOVEMENT! Draft Charter is being prepared.
So why aren't Bicolanos jumping for joy? Because we don't want it.
Granted that there used to be a time when the idea of autonomy for Bicol seemed alluring, the proposal today feels more like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
Back then imperious Manila was the battle cry now it ranges from independent growth to just plain lust for power. That is to say, the same families who rule over Bicol now will likely still lord over once Bicol becomes autonomous - only that their control will be widened and the likelihood of change even more unlikely.
The centralized government we have know is imperfect, but this is something we can work around - only if our leaders show political will and sense of service they had promised the electorate in the first place.
Autonomy is not a panacea - we need to only look at Maguindanao as a case study.
And before we even contemplate handing even more power to our current crop of politicians, we implore them to first do the job they have now. Serve.
Hell, if they can't do that how can they handle an autonomous region? Hopefully not with backhoes.
When we see a real statesman step up to lead Bicol and not a trapo, we will look forward returning the draft charter into the table but right now it's just paperweight.

Cold & Bored: 5 things to do in Naga under 100 pesos

2009-12-02T19:45:00.000+08:00

Didn't we tell you the season's comin'. So what do you do if you find yourself alone - without a hugging companion because you're unlovable and cheap. Well fret no more, we know a great escort service...or you might just want to entertain yourself with these suggestions:

Red Ribbon's Grilled Cinnamon
There was a time when you could only enjoy Red Ribbon's Grilled Cinnamon in Manila then a few months back we rejoiced when they opened a branch in Centro though after a while they closed shop err.. [started] renovating. Sad, huh! You could still buy packed buns at their other shop but you have to grill/reheat it yourself (as well as add choco syrup, powdered sugar and butter) and warm/reconstitute the choco - cheaper but a bit of a hassle

Hunt for a scarf
Ever since Mega and Garage Magazine editors saw Janjalani, they saw what we did not - a fashion forward terrorist. Yes, since the hey day of the Abu Sayyaf they have been photographed wearing scarves while terrorizing Mindanao (take that André Leon Talley, who only terrorizes young models while drowning in LV); past forward four years and everyone seems to be wearing one.
You could swag one of these babies for less than 80 bucks, under 60 if you haggle really, really hard.

Hmmn.., who's scarier?

Feel like a million bucks at Avenue Plaza
So, you're as broke as a joke - that doesn't mean you should feel like one. Granted that Avenue Square is an expensive place to hang out and the crowd has become well slim pickin' you can impress your friends by bragging that you've hanged out at the Avenue Plaza Hotel (just leave the 100-peso budget out in the sideline)
There is a 24-hour cafe past the lobby where you can hang out by the pool. No need to take a dip though just look like you wanna kill time..chill. The best place to hang out is the side of the pool - after the afternoon heat. All the umm... young-at-heart stay inside and the yuppies stay by the pool. Now for the 100 bucks, first you need to load up on something before you come there - that amount is going to get you squat. What you can have is a can of soda or fruit juice, so just stretch it out and enjoy the music (they love soul & instrumental) while waiting for the sun to set. Smile occasionally and look like you're bored even though who's who of Naga is passing you by.

What are the top two ways to do in Naga just wait...our can of soda is here.

Our Hero(es) for 2009

2009-11-23T19:20:00.001+08:00

While many people are still engrossed in Pacquiao mania, Efren Peñaflorida single-highhandedly showed the greatness within the Filipino. We're more than proud to say, we helped/voted for him - cue in Susan Roces -"...not once, but twice..." and that's just in a single week. The works of the finalists for the CNN Hero of the Year award were all great - each making a tremendous difference in their own little way. On the other hand, there could only be one winner of the award so our allegiance, of course, went to the man who valued education and espoused belief that everyone has the capability to rise above and beyond what is presented to them.
However, we would like to highlight the works of an equally admirable man, Jorge Munoz(left). He started the program Angel in Queens. In it his whole family pitches in to feed homeless people around New York; selfless, wouldn't you say? He is not rich, he just does it - just because it is the right thing to do.
So why don't we see this kind of people in Naga City. Is everyone busier than Peñaflorida and Munoz that they can't do anything else than write cheques for the church. And wouldn't it be nice if priests and nuns went around the city directly helping the needy? Just to show the way - cause somehow prayers don't quell hunger.
Anyway, congratulations to all of them! If only we have leaders who could walk in their shadows.

It's in the air

2009-11-15T15:26:00.000+08:00

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Among the many signs, the most glaring are the Christmas lights courtesy of Casureco - with houses, appliance as bulbs.

Yup in, probably, the greatest spectacle of lights this side of the city - the heavens must have a good view of the on and off electrical lights synchronised by Casureco. This view as we notice is most evident in the Magsaysay area.
And we are surprised - with such organized electrical wires, how come?

Oh well, enjoy the show. This one's perennial.

Phoned for comments, we got this from Casureco's office: "we'll be faxing our statement to you, eh, igwa bang kuryente d'yan?"

Inanod from Manila

2009-11-11T21:47:00.001+08:00

We were wasting away time (again!) over kinda cheap & good coffee - unlike those in most coffee shops, EXACT opposite - and we were talking about the day, we all had. Some were amusing, some were boring but one that did stood out was this one.
Here's the first person perspective:
While one of our friend is having his hair cut. Another guy walked in and asked the price of a trim (in Tagalog no less!) well that wasn't really the problem, you should really ought to know the cost of what you're gonna have/do and some of us do still speak in Tagalog (first language is hard to kick out) so that's not it.
So to speed things along, there were small talks, then casual flirting (not us or our friend - but, that's still not it though, they can touch 2nd base for all we care) but what set me off is this part, "taga-Daet ka?" asked the other person and the guy who walked in a few minutes ago replied "hindi ah! sa Manila ako"
What the *&ck! I thought, What's wrong with Daet? Are we being discriminated in our own place? Well, I'm not really even from Daet but I felt insulted - but thankfully, another person had quick wits to much my rising temper.
But that got us talking. How often do we judge people based on their hometown? We mean we're not saints, we do joke around about each others' places but we never take any of the banter seriously. Growing in the city or in the province has little bearing on who a person is or what he becomes.
The Promdi mentality is just stupid! Thank God, there are not that many people like him.

P.S. We'd finish the story (the rest was kinda amusing!) but we thought the point was made. But if anyone wants to know what happened, you gotta treat us to a cup (the kinda cheap & good ones!)

Trick and Treat

2009-11-02T09:42:00.000+08:00

A brief bout with cold and the outgoing typhoon, proved no problem when we decided to get together before Undas. And having weaned ourselves to the sugar-laced liquid dubbed “coffee” in Beanbag, we decided to let one slip at their branch in SM (plus there was a sale—again– at the mall, and we thought we could grab some cheap pants).
Anyway, to our, umm... minor, surprise we saw kids in costume at the mall.
Now, Trick or Treats is not a new thing—well, maybe in Naga. But it is a uniquely honed western tradition and one we see aped poorly in posh villages in Manila (not that this one is any better).

It was never an irritating sight, though. Let kids have fun, right? Plus, the change is always welcome. It was, as PDI, pointed a way for kids to deal with the inevitable and the unnatural—a huge step, from using ghouls as ways to keep kids at home and behaved.

Plus, whatever sugar rush they had will be quelled by the somber celebrations in cemeteries the day after.
Whichever, way you celebrated Halloween, Undas, All Souls day. We hoped it was memorable—Cheers.

(P.S. Now’s the time to set the Christmas Trees—right?)

Erap's running (again)

2009-10-26T22:48:00.001+08:00

we don't always agree with Erap, but we took it to heart when he said in his inaugural address:

"Huwag n'yo 'kong subukan (ulit)"

amen, that's duly noted. Although, we're hoping the Supreme court wakes us up before this nightmare begins.

Sharing GMA's headache for one night

2009-10-21T18:07:00.000+08:00

Political butterflies are a reality in Philippine politics, but we wouldn't have cared if not for one ruined evening care of the Nacionalista Party's mass pirating err...oath taking last night. We were waiting for some people yesterday night to join us for dinner. At around 8:30, the group said they're in Pili coming from Legaspi. We said, yey! let's order pizza so that when they arrive our orders would be done. But lo and behold, an hour has passed and they're nowhere. The pizza is starting to droop so what do we do - we called our guest. They said they're stuck in a massive oathtaking ceremony in Pili.
So to make the story short, what was planned as a night of hot, crispy shared pizza turned out to be huge packs of doggy bags. We waited for an hour and a half; asked the foods to be packed and met them in another place a half hour later. Yup, they spent more than two hours in traffic. We would have applauded if it was genuine political demonstration, picket lines and that sort of things.
But thousand of people (60,000 - MB estimates) in orange colored shirts just stinks choreographed.
The timing for that ceremony gave a bad rep to the Nacionalista's - which we hope gave their PR men headaches and we don't like the Lakas Party (the party L-Ray bolted) either, but for that night we must have shared the same sentiments for our pizza as GMA has thought of her lost party mates - Sayang!

P.S. The pictures came from BicolMail. We would have shown a picture of the actual oath taking but let's leave the PR machine to the pro's. :-)

As we said, One down!

2009-10-21T17:33:00.000+08:00

what's missing in this picture? yup, signs.
If you still frequent or if you did frequent Centro (remember where that is? all the SM mall rats out there) you'd remember that this is the building KFC used to occupy. What's missing is Col. Sanders face, the KFC logo and the huge FOR RENT sign displayed just last week - plus the Dibidi sellers below (but that's another matter all together)
If there's still doubt SM Naga will have some consequence in Naga's simple economy this is prima facie evidence that is has. What puzzles us, as we bought nuts from the vendor just across the old SM building is that the small vendors doesn't seem to be affected.
It seems that those who are catering to the middle and upper middle class are the only ones affected.
That made our plans of opening Starbucks, BurgerKing or just even Wendy's a very, very hollow dream. I guess it's just back to opening a bar in the metro. (P.S. We like ClubM8 but something just ain't running right in that place) We're thinkin' neon lights, music, booze, ventilated air, and lots of umm free protection and bouncers to screen people based purely on their superficial aspects....hehe
Anyway, did you guys see that empty space between Coby's and Bigg's. What used to be Red Ribbon turned to be the model of every franchise who do not up their game. It might seem that we fuss over very little things - such as shops closing down. But, who doesn't fear the whole centro down sizing or moving to CBD. We're just saying, we see the cracks.

Cold season and comfort foods...

2009-10-14T18:05:00.001+08:00

It's the time of the year when wearing sweaters and scarves (guys muted lang, classic lang dapat!) is appropriate again. When we think of the cold season we think of comfort foods. Foods which gives that warm feeling, minus the excessive energy from caffeine.
We used to frequent Clementine Bakeshop (along Magsaysay) for its amazing cakes, home made unlike the commercial ones, and pastas. But we're finding it harder to find people to bring along, so now we just order take outs. Grissini Ristorante seems to be a worthwhile alternative. The servings are enough to share, plus pizza is amazing; -toss up between Yellow Cab's amazing (tongue twister alert) dough though.
For the local grub, nothing beats bibingka (Kapampangan style is still the best) and hot dark choco. We don't really think of Kinalas because; for us, it only comes to mind during the really rainy days. And it's not so popular with the ladies - well maybe the free-wheelin' kind.
But kidding aside, whether it's pasta, stew, hot pandesal or pizza the more important thing is to find some one to share it with. Humming Christmas songs alone just won't cut it.

P.S. We're serious about the scarves.

Out with the old, in with Ninoy & Cory Street?

2009-10-07T20:50:00.000+08:00

When you're driving around Naga City what famous streets come to mind? Panganiban, Aureus, Magsaysay. How about Ninoy & Cory?
Sure they're known democratic figures but who would have thought we'd be the first city to name streets with these patriotic tandem.
So where is it? Well, here at SM...they've really got it all for us - except relevance. Besides a not so supersized mall what else does this small piece of earth (starting from the street going into CBD and ending well just outside its district) have to offer?
Well sure the transport terminal is there? But what does it have to do with Ninoy or Cory? Do they love to travel? Go to malls? Travel to malls?
It would probably have been better if a library was named after them or a street near schools - whatever we have that's equal to the U-Belt; but with the sudden urge to rebuild street post (old street post pix comes from upibalon.com) seems to come an inherent urge to rename them - sayang nga naman ang paint pag tatapalan nila yung lumang pangalan.
And, we do not concede to the argument that it was done to bring the name to the widest number of people. Bring it to the masa. For what? Are people alien to what Ninoy or Cory did? Besides, SM and CBD overshadows the street. People won't refer to the street by its name but either as SM or CBD. Ninoy and Cory would have been lost in the middle.
Not that Cory or Ninoy doesn't deserve streets named after them, everyone knows they do. But we believe such patriotic names should have gotten equal relevance.

Memories of floods

2009-10-02T12:39:00.000+08:00

"It came in one swoop." Hearing stories about how fast the waters rose in the streets of Manila brings back memories of early December of 2006. Remember? The one where hundreds of people in Albay died from flash floods around the foot of Mt. Mayon.
What made it more harrowing was that we were at ground zero with a couple of friends when that happened.
The night before, like that in Manila, never really hinted much of disaster. Sure there was this warning that a typhoon was coming; but most people shrugged it off - like in Manila. Typhoons come and go; it's perennial after all.
We even went out that fateful night of December 2006. Well okay, maybe that's too much hyperbole; the morning was fine. PAGASA said it would hit landfall midday.
But most people have had their share of experience in dealing with typhoons. It isn't pleasant. But the silver lining is people helping others, being heroes in its truest sense.
Hooray! (does anyone still shouts this) to Naguenos who have helped donate goods/cash to the victims. These are tough times but sharing the little of what we have well that's uniquely Filipino.
We were pleasantly surprised to see goods piled in the Plaza for donation to Manila. At first we thought it was a giant ukay (we were driving around at 2am looking for a midnight snack fix, so the error was understandable) but we're more than happy to be mistaken.
What irks us, are people like Villar and Willie (and because this is his second time to appear in our blog we''ll call him from now on He-who-shall-not-be-named or on second thought just Dirty W) who shamelessly promote themselves at the expense of other people's suffering.
Of course there's the possibility that this is just propaganda. But the smoking gun came from Dirty W himself sputtering "kami nga ni Senator Villar" while distributing goods. Plus the plurk and twitter posts speaks volume - first hand account I dare say.
Oh, and umm...Akala mo trapo yun pala di lang ikaw may akala. Just saying.

Pathetic comment

2009-09-25T20:19:00.000+08:00

While drinking tea at Coffee Beanery we got hold of a back issue of the PDI, we saw they ran stories about the 2009 Peñafrancia in the inside pages of the paper. At first, we thought Yey! the festival got coverage in the paper which quickly turned to bemusement with the picture showing participants (not the picture here of course, this one is the definition of cadence) in the Military Parade wearing what looks like the back of a bishop's hat. :)
What irked us is an alleged (as of writing/blogging we have no tangible proof) comment made by a columnist in Vox Bikol. Mr. Valiente allegedly said "parading with wooden guns is the most pathetic thing in the parade...use of toy guns is carnivalesque"
We don't regularly read Vox Bikol so we have no idea of its sense of balance and its editorial policies but we take great offense with the comment - regardless if it was published.
To be fair, the nearest mention of it in the Vox Bicol is from an article written by Fr. Tria in his column Sato Ini last July.
So we comment based on the assumption that the opinion really came from Mr. Valiente and the article was published.
First, what would he have the participant do? Parade with Kalashnikovs (AK-47's)! Or maybe Airsoft guns.
Then, it is unbecoming if indeed the comment came from Mr. Valiente - who after all is a noted anthropologist. Appreciating the intricacies of every culture or sub-culture is a desirable trait for all but it should be second nature to anthropologist.
Last, we still hold to the belief that students who participated in the Military Parade have gotten something out of it. Primary of which is discipline. And hopefully, fond memories of time practicing with friends forming bonds and taking to heart the lesson that hard work bears fruit whether it be pride in bringing home the bacon or the silent admiration of spectators.
We do understand the opinion of Fr. Tria in his column; that statement is predictable for his part.Just as we know that the Military Parade needs change in some of its umm... aspects.
But to degrade this tradition as "carnivalesque" well that's just pathetic; lowbrow for priest and anthropologist alike.

It's noisy, kinda clunk and it's back

2009-09-18T17:41:00.000+08:00

Most people in Naga would have ridden the PNR trains at one point in their lives. Especially in its glory days, we as with our friends used it as THE main transport going to and from Manila.
Of course, the road for cars back then was not as good - it was narrow, the "bituka-ng-manok" going to Daet was perilous now the road has umm.. potholes, unending repairs (starting from the Quirino Highway to the SLEX!) nonexistent roadside assistance, crazy bus drivers... okay you know what it still is kinda crappy - but we digress.
Now, they are trying to revive the old tracks. It was a pity the reopening wasn't given enough attention; but with the fiesta into full blast - we're not surprised.
Oh another thing, the not so maiden voyage of the train to Naga had one hitch. The train halted for about 30 mins because the engines broke down. They still have a long way to go before they get people back.
Too bad, we really miss the railroad stories.

(P.S. We hear the trip this fiesta aboard the train is free. Hope travel insurance is too.)

Halfway through Peñafrancia: Tired and confused

2009-09-16T18:09:00.000+08:00

At the start of the Peñafrancia, we were told to expect changes in this year's festival (We were told literally every week - at the end of every sunday's mass!)
And they were freakin' serious, for this year we were amazed, kinda confused and all together tired - and we're just halfway through the Peñafrancia festival.
Amazed at how fast the Traslacion was. It was barely 4pm last Saturday and the procession cum marathon was finished. Alone, you could walk the entire length of the processional road in 30 minutes - no sweat. But when you're talkin' about moving thousands of people walking sideways and forward in less than 4 hours well that's a mini-miracle in itself (or the man who organized the procession really need to volunteer his services to the National Disaster Coordinating Council; imagine moving thousands of people in break neck speed)
We talked to some of the voyadores (all those we talked to were sober) after the Traslacion and some were quite vocal in expressing their disappointment in not being able to touch the image of Ina...which started our confusion.
How can we profess to uphold the tradition of the past when we alienate the tradition of the very people who celebrate Peñafrancia.
Whoa, we need a breather! That's deep....
We were literally confused with the schedules though. One of our fave blogs about Naga, has four different schedules for the activities. Talk about a full week. Gone are the days when there would be a more unified schedule for the activities.
Which leads to a really tired people. Imagine constantly moving from one activity to the other. Now it could be argued that we could just focus on the religious activities - but that would be improper; as the Peñafrancia is a celebration of the people as much as it is a celebration of the church.
We deplore the division this festivity is sowing. Between making a choice to separate your religious responsibilities from its civic component. There are signs pointing to success in both arguments - it simply is a matter of perspective. Like the brawl in the Traslacion (featured in national news programs) to the purist it shows the tainted aspects of the Peñafrancia to the other side it shows a frustrated people acting out.
But people always change, tradition incorporates to itself the changes of the times.The church is right times indeed have changed.

Besides, if we didn't support the civic aspect of Peñafrancia; kawawa naman si Freddie Aguilar. He's certainly not going to watch himself! And its for a good cause. (P.S. Click the link he really dressed like that the day he arrived in Naga. It was a hot day, but he was in full cowboy outfit - talk about style over comfort)

Pot calling the kettle...

2009-09-13T21:34:00.000+08:00

So we're gonna start a new chapter in this experiment of ours; we'll create entries which we'll file under WTF (Why ka tanong, friend! - hehe). It's for those random irritants which we encounter everyday. All those things that just eats away at you. It's a bittersweet experience something you know you can't stand but can't leave without either.
For our first entry, we'll call this one pot calling the kettle...
In one of our lunches with this guy - we'll call him Mr. T - we talked how his job is - those sort of stuff. He commented that people in the place were insufferable, they talk to each other behind their backs and one is insufferably bossy. We didn't comment because while we recognize a lot of names of the people in the company we don't really know much about them - plus we couldn't care less!
We were bemused with the bossy guy though. We know him to a certain degree and he didn't seem like that at all. Mr. T countered that all the people are saying so and to end the discussion we conceded to his argument.
Here's the kicker, we got a chance to see Mr. T work first hand. And guess what, he's (Mr. T) even more bossy than how he described the other "bossy-guy" is.
Maybe it rubbed off on him. We don't know. But, my God! We couldn't wait to get out of there. Mr. T is fine off-work though. We still hang around with him.
But, that made us think you should really take a good look in a mirror before you judge.

BACS or no BACS, Military Parade is on!

2009-09-07T12:12:00.000+08:00

Yey! You gotta give it to the Naga City government - they've got balls! Where people (in our fair country, at least) cower at the very thought of displeasing the church they chose to stand their ground.
Now a lot - and we mean a lot - has been written about the merits of the holding the civic component of the Peñafrancia during the one-week festival; so we won't bore you with those rehashed arguments!
But, we sure are glad the Military Parade is pushing through and we heard with a lot more participants. It's a pity the Ateneo and the BACS schools won't be able to participate. I'm sure the frustrated students who have toiled for months on end have been consulted before such a decision was followed err...made.
But most of all, it is refreshing to see that this city of ours will not bend over backwards to every whim the church thinks off - that fact alone deserves another (different) parade!

Note: Picture used is from MJ TATEL; you gotta give it to man. amazing photo.

One down!

2009-09-04T21:20:00.000+08:00

We knew it would happen - sooner or later. Well, later in this case!
KFC (in Centro) officially closes - because of SM Naga. They said so themselves - "KFC now open at SM."
Hell, you were open here in centro. They should have said "KFC still open at SM - but we're closing this one so move your ass to our branch there!"
We sure are gonna miss it. Remember the times when you were clamoring for KFC's gravy, the golden arches' fries and Jollibee's chicken (mix & match as you like!) and you can literally walk to these stores in all about ten minutes - wait for the clincher -after you went to church!
Damn, that's fast convenient food.
Of course KFC in centro is an old run-down branch. It has old-uneven chairs and tables an awkwardly placed stairs, slippery tiles - my god, that place is a dump...but kidding aside that place is nostalgic with a kick ass view. After class, we would spend an hour or so munching chicken, soda while waiting for there "world-famous" albeit a bit salty gravy while watching (beautiful and not so physically gifted) people walk by.
Oh well goodbye, KFC Naga - Centro!

What to expect...

2009-09-03T14:20:00.000+08:00

So it seems that the Diocese of Caceres had its way. The "civic-components" of the fiesta were moved so it wouldn't coincide with the one-week Peñafrancia Festival. But, it really feels different without the Ateneo marching in the Military Parade or the Civic Parade without its pomp.
But maybe it's just labor pains...
Practically speaking, this will be one of the more simple fiesta Naga would see. Gone (for the foreseeable future) are the times when, friends would go home to Naga to unwind and fulfill their devotion.Today, they have to choose - one or the other.
We hold to the belief that the Peñafrancia has both its civic and cultural components - interdependent and absolutely intertwined. While, we do understand why the diocese wants a "non-tainted" observance of the Peñafrancia, we cannot put our mind why it won't even listen to the Naga City's compromise.
But, let us give the diocese the benefit of the doubt. We'll see how successful this year's celebration is (both in religious and civic baromenters).

LOST

2009-08-17T21:18:00.000+08:00

First the good news, In today's public market if you're in a hurry you need not alight in whatever vehicle you're on. You can literally scoop from your car window (or jeep grills/window/space to let air in) what you need (albeit you can't really choose).
The bad news, the public market is scattered. We were in Tabuco bridge, and we saw vendors plying in fish on the right side of the road, herbs on the left and fruits a little ahead.
What we taught:

First, Crap, what should we have for dinner?
Second, are we in Thailand? Where floating markets make whatever you're searching for come to you!
Last, everything is everywhere - exposed!

Note to market constructors: Work your butts off cause fiesta is coming! It's kinda hard to explain to tourist why a "progressive city" doesn't have a regulated system for delivering food to its people.

Goodbye Cory, we're stuck with Willie

2009-08-08T16:18:00.000+08:00

Cory's - a larger than life icon of Philippine democracy - gone. But that's not news, what really irks us is Willie's comment in his (outrageous and abrasive show - Wowowee (why it has a following anywhere beats the hell out of us!)
He had the nerve to refuse cutting a small part of his lousy ("pro-poor") show to give way to the coverage of Cory's funeral. The nerve! Cory has more sensibilities to the poor (the issue at Hacienda Luisita notwithstanding) in a strand of her hair than Willie has in his entire body.
And then he tried to defend his action by saying he did that out of love to Cory. What the hell is that?
But I digress, as I'm sure the whole nation feels sullen. Goodbye Cory, thanks for reminding us about democracy. We'll take it over from here.

Got the dogtags...finally

2009-07-28T09:53:00.000+08:00

Yup, I got the tags and they are great. About 400 bucks - but it's for charity, so money well spent, right.
I remember the little booths in Manila for WorldVision they were seriously looking out for donors. It's "workable" just around 300 per month, but I opted to support them in another less "workable" manner.
The proceeds suppose to go to charity GK, World Vision to name a few. You know what just go their site for the details.
For the dogtags, the "premium" edition has a better build and feel than the regular one - but it doesn't matter, it's all for a good cause. Dogtags are dogtags - right.
Got ours at Cafe Mary Grace in Manila cause the Mail & More distributor in Naga sucks (I've been there a couple of times and all they said each time was the shipment hasn't arrived - weird cause one of their staff is wearing one)
Oh well time to work my magic and make the dogtag the item to be seen.

P.S. Already got inquiries the first hour we wore it, so we're off to a freakin good start. Next step, bargain with the organizers for own billboard! Call us Angel!

Ako mismo

2009-07-20T21:51:00.000+08:00

Ako mismo...naghanap ng dogtag na ito sa Trinoma.
I even asked the concierge where could I get one - she said nowhere in the mall (which isn't true as a coffee shop sells it - or is an official distributor, I found this out way to late)
I've actually been to several shops that sells but didn't notice it. Like in Team Manila's shop - why, oh why didn't I see it.
It looks cool, but what it stands for is even more amazing. Plus just buying the dogtag means you're doing something (read post below -hehe)
Kidding aside, the proceeds go to charity!
Now, why I am exasperated? Cause after going to all that trouble in Trinoma, I learned that the Ako Mismo organizers went to Naga City. Good for the cause and all - but I really wanted to be the first to wear the tag and spread the message in Naga. Just like the time I single handedly pushed the mono-colored plain T-shirt back into the mainstream (well, ok with a little help from F&H)
At least it's here (the dogtag), I hope people see past its "pogi-points" and see what it stands for.
But my guts says that this movement might be fleeting, but at least people can't say we didn't try.

Road Trip Mid-Year 2009

2009-07-14T19:51:00.000+08:00

Since the recession is in full effect, I thought we should do something about it. As we are Keynesians, the best thing to do is to stir up the economy. Now where did I hide our multi-billion account to help with the stimulus package!?
So kidding aside, our next best last minute decision is (yup)... road trip. Have a little fun, new things to see, to do, to taste...to fuck up. hehe
Now we could just set up an SME but we like it spontaneous and come on, SME does not mean Spontaneous Mega Exercise.
So we digress, The trip (July 11-14) was great Gumaca still serves the best fish (fresh - which is really a no-brainer since they are situated a few feet from the shore) and SM-MOA has great bayside view , climate is windy, food is delicious (though a bit expensive) sunset is to die for.., plus they have the little pay-per-use binoculars which magnifies everthing.., hell, we can even see the details of boats on the other pier.
Krispy Kreme still serves awesome donuts, I hope I could bring some home but I doubted if it would last the trip (the bread becomes off and we couldn't resist for 8 hours with that thing by our side)
SM North Edsa is a bit disappointing though, it is supposed to be the biggest mall in the Philippines (kiss that title goodbye MOA) but the main hall is the same for god's sake, the annexes are new but the Imax is yet to be opened (as of writing err.. blogging) but the "skywalk" is a great idea - except when it rains! I do hope they have more of a scene to look at, you see the view's either a 3 to 4 star hotel/motel or trinoma (parking side). uggh, but the choice of restaurants more than make up for it.
Aside from malls, we did go to Cavite and Bulacan (busy road trip, eh) we got lost a couple of times, had ask for directions, fought with end-of-the season sale shoppers (and won!)
It was quick, fun and spontaneous just like sex when you're in your 20's (so we hear?!)
But we are back in Naga - predictable, quiet, balanced...home!

It's hot, It's raining

2009-07-04T17:38:00.000+08:00

Today's really weird, it's raining one time and hot as hell the next second. Weather's unpredictable, that's a given but come on..,
Note to self: bring jacket, shades and a whole lot of reasons why I have both at the same time

Simeon nagsabi

2009-06-21T14:29:00.001+08:00

Watched "Ded na si Lolo" last night. It was great - witty without the slapstick cliche. We wished it played for a bigger audience though - the writing is new and the cast delivered.
Hmm, our guts says time for a rerun; though better bring ammonia this time

Get your freakin' groove (album) on!

2009-05-25T21:40:00.000+08:00

Well yeah, it's Kaogma but in a more pleasant side note, we're weirdly happy that we got a copy of B. Crawford's latest album. All of the songs are covers but you take what you get right!?
Plus, we're happy that an international-Filipino artist who made it big (in Europe - yay?) chose to set up shop here - give fresh blood to the music scene, eh!
Now the remixes are good (not that great though - but the songs are classics so there's really not much room for improvement) and his voice is controlled (unlike the shriek seeking Mariah-wannabee that pervades the market).
And the album is cheap and satisfies the our need for the pop-rush, just in time for the end of summer music trips. We have the acoustic version of Human Nature on loop; reminds us of Boyce Avenue - just more soulful.
What would be good though are original songs, or maybe do covers of old OPM songs with his R&B twist - that would be interesting
So for the Groove album 1) Good voice 2) Safe songs (AI commentary) 3) Affordable
Grab your copy.,

Fallout

2009-05-18T14:55:00.000+08:00

There seems to be a lot less people in restaurants/shops these days, well at least those in the old business-district. Which reminds us of a documentary about Wal-Mart.
It seems that mom and pop shops suffer the most when big shops enter the local scene. Not that this is always a bad thing - it forces shops to innovate, adapt or die (which oddly reminds us to check why this mantra doesn't work for lackluster schools).
But small shops will always retain their charm - homey ambiance, distinct personal feeling and the feeling of sheer comfort.
We do hope they whether the storm (economic downturn or new competition)
It's getting to be real awkward having the lone occupied table in the restaurant. Some people just can't appreciate good food - eh!

OMG! We're wrong...in part... a really small part

2009-05-08T19:42:00.000+08:00

Opps., okay so we've done it. yup, we've trekked to SM and we ain't proud of what we saw.
There's an F&H store, no Wendy's, no Solo not even a freakin' Girbaud but hey what do you expect...,
Hmn., what we didn't expect was to see same old shops in a different location, really how many shops selling sweetened coffee do you need. Pizza Hut is here (again) same uneven tables though - what's with that,huh (tip: fire the engineer, buy a level-ruler)
and there's a National bookstore, we'd still go for an antique book shop - you never know what you'll find; but National Bookstore is a staple of every bookworm.
So far, we're didn't piss in our pants when we saw SM., but hold on to those liners ladies, cause Yellow Cab is in town (not in SM,thank God!)

SM Naga

2009-04-24T14:43:00.000+08:00

It's here; and it's turning out to be one big freakin' flop... well at least that's what we predict.
I mean nothing's really much new.., no F&H, Solo, National Bookstore... not even Wendy's. Not that Legazpi's Pacific Mall offers anything new.., but come on people, we've been looking forward to this since we heard the jingle on the radio.
One good thing - cinemas. Goodbye to neck breaking, ear busting old cinema's and hello to - more conservative masa-pleasing movies delivered in - crisp sound and clear images. Hmmn... crappy movies or crappy sound system?
So question, when is Robinson's going to put up theirs.., Cause we're not holding our breath for May 1 (SM's opening).

Galileoscope

2009-04-01T13:03:00.000+08:00

i spy with my little., what the.., no more little eye, this is one freakin' big eye..
summer trips err.. swimming have been starting later and later.. so we see the advent of night swimming. but what can you do at night, light bonfires, cook mallows and stargaze! yup, and it's cheaper now - for under 1k, this is a pretty decent telescope...
stargazing or for the voyeurs out there..,
here's the site..,

Bamboo's coming to town

2009-03-22T17:23:00.000+08:00

hell yeah.,
unlike santa claus (who never went to town last christmas-if he did, he forgot 6 freaking good girls and boys)... Bamboo's comin'
Yup, while walking yesterday, we saw a tarp saying Bamboo's singing - yay!(we're silently hoping for magic tricks, but what are you gonna do) in USI - yeah...what the?!?.
Yup,guys it's USI and ticket's almost free; so see you- but more importantly, we're hoping to see Bamboo. Hope their music rocks, cause we're clueless about the rest of the show....

(P.S. What is their lead singer doing? your guess as good as ours - but from the looks of the rest of the band they don't know either)

Summer's Here

2009-03-01T16:21:00.000+08:00

James Taylor is right - It's hot. It's barely raining..it must be summer. What to do, what to do?
First, hunt the finest (and most accessible) beach in this side of town. Lather up the sunscreen (tan is better than pale, right?)... and swim like there's no freakin' tomorrow.
Yup guys, it's that time of the year, to show off our bellies and cellulite.

Out of Touch

2009-01-28T09:52:00.001+08:00

The BicolMail, a weekly paper, seems to be flouting the seemingly innocuous clash between the state and the church. Making it a centerpoint in its effort in showing how inutile the current executive office is.
To put you up to speed, the argument centers on the Peñafrancia Festival 2009 (I think it will be on its 300th this year).
The debate centers on the archbishop's contention that the spiritual component of the Peñafrancia is lost; the city counters that Peñafrancia has its civic components. - amen!
What is misplaced is that a newspaper is making a not so subtle judgment call (a principle no reputable media organization would even ponder)- and flouting it again and again. It "warns" of the church's capacity to make kings and more importantly remove those it deems unfit.
The last I checked it's 2008, not the Middle Ages. What happened to the separation of church and state?!?
Now to be fair,at present the clergy is using the pulpit to deliver "generalized" messages - so nothing wrong with that- right.
But the BicolMail is insisting that the Bishop's Palace exercise omnipotence; true, it appointed err blessed an uncontested priest into the Electric Coop Board (now in conflict) and it controls two universities in the city.., hmmn
But its influence stops at the steps of City hall...
The separation of the church and the state is enshrined in our constitution - the same constitution which protects the freedom of the press.
Everyone understands the importance of this principle, as this benefits not only the state but also protects the church.
So maybe BicolMail is just giving friendly "reminders," but at this point it's just nagging. A weekly paper out of place insisting on fanning a fire, unable to distinguish the forest from the trees.

(P.S. ironic picture-isn't it)

2009-01-20T22:35:00.000+08:00

High Hopes

It's a momentous time for the US - and the world (proof that America still holds some influence internationally) - Obama is swearing in as the 44th American President.
But the celebration will be short-lived; tomorrow, the world will wake up, forced to face its problems again. Initial estimates put the well-wishers at the US National Mall (no boutiques, and not that kind of mall!) at 2 million. That's huge, considering the temperature is suppose to be freezing.
The bad news is that's also a lot of disappointed people if Obama fails to deliver; but I'm betting he'll do fine.
In any case, this day is a victory for the civil rights movement.
And we'll worry about problems - economic collapse, wars, resurgence of cold-war and all tomorrow.
For now, pass on the drinks, spread the cheer. It's time to celebrate hope.

P.S. It's actually a quiet celebration, here in the Philippines and Naga; only Jessica Soho seems to be celebrating at the moment. But our hearts are with them (cliche - but, hey what are you gonna do)

2008-12-16T22:13:00.000+08:00

Happy Christmas!

This is Christmas - Filipino style.
It's the time of the year again, the air is cold, people are rummaging for gifts and once again, we see, lots of people sleeping at mass (a.k.a simbang gabi)
Still some people don't believe in Christmas - either sticking to the most probable time of birth of Christ (around summer, c'mon grass don't grow that much in winter - remember the bible says that shepherds were taking care of their animals (flock of sheep)., blah blah plus the Gregorian Calendar was used way, way after that)
But it really don't matter, it's the essence right. So bring on the presents (no consigned things, please!), the early-morning mass and the lights.
This is Christmas, folks. A time for family, foods, gifts and of course - that special baby from the manger.

Colorblind

2008-11-28T17:43:00.000+08:00

Shoo! That's the message these lights are giving to colorblind people from Naga City.., Any other message is lost. It's like a color-testing chart every 10-meters.
They're hideous - well, at the very least out-of-place. But what the hell, we'll get used to them, and in a year people will applaud them. And in a decade, people will worship them - after they enslave us with their blinding epilepsy-inducing nights.
But for now, unless they rocket-off every night (battling criminals and damsels in distress) or produce holographic images (when no one's looking) - they're just puzzling night lights; I mean you'd never see this in Paris (the self proclaimed City of Lights?!?). But then again, we've never seen Paris

(Opps: Copyright Issues..,Picture came from BicolMail shot by R. Villaflor., they own the image)

Dear me., welcome

2008-11-28T17:27:00.000+08:00

Well in a list of things that we should do before we reach 30 (though silently hoping we never age!) blogging is between learning a new and exciting sport (a.k.a Sungka) and finding a cure for cancer. Well, two down..,now for the cure for cancer (hmmn...we're betting Iced salabat )