My most wanted: STARBUCKS City Mugs (Part 2)

Los Angeles, California
A good friend of mine, Polee sent me this sms one time telling me that he has this surprise -- a Starbucks city mug! My pangungulit finally paid off. He was supposed to go to SanFo and meet up with AD who was on vacation so he could hand over his gift for me. Too bad, I think he got too busy that he was not able to see him. The other plan was just to send it to me via courier but I said it would just be too expensive. A friend from the office flew in to LA for a few days and I graciously asked the favor of getting the mug for me. Unfortunately, Polee was not able to meet her. Finally, his mom paid him a visit and voila, the mug was on its way to the Philippines!

San Francisco, California
Porky had a good laugh when he bought this mug for me. He said why don't I just buy white mugs and have them printed with whatever city or country I want. Hahaha! Anyhow he was able to meet up with AD and handed him my mug as his pasalubong for me.



New York City, New York
Francis (see his blog link on my homepage) initially pledged an NY city mug to me. So I told him specifically what to look for -- the old design. The poor boy circled the entire borough of Manhattan (of course I'm exaggerating!) to look for the classic design but luck was tough. AD only stayed for a couple of days in New York and the mug was still yet to be bought. AD then decided to just buy me the NY mug with the new design.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

AD is one of my "more~than~a~decade" friends who happened to get a US vacation with his folks. His dad had this seminar thing there and of course he had to stay. After all, they checked in at Ritz! The city mug was AD's pasalubong to me. There were a lot of Starbucks stores near the hotel so he didn't have the chance to forget about me.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Dexter, an officemate and a good friend gave me the Toronto city mug. When he learned that one of his co-trainers, Vinnie was going on vacation, he told her to get me the mugs. Thanks to Vinnie, the Vegas mug is just one of the two city mugs she bought for me.

Nagoya, Japan

On his way to the US, AD got stuck in Nagoya airport. Silly him, he texted me and asked if I already have a mug from Japan only to find out that he already bought one for me without even getting my response. This was were he had a photo opp with Che-che Lazaro. hehehe. Connect?

Baguio, Philippines

It was 1999 when I last visited the summer capital of the Philippines. Just recently, we had to go to Baguio for a business trip. On one breezy night, me and my officemates were headed for some coffee. I approached the cashier and saw the mug! And your guess is just right - I immediately grabbed my wallet and paid for it! Another funny thing though, Jean (who gave me the Cebu mug), texted me and asked if I already have the Baguio mug. I read the sms 5 minutes too late boo-hoo. She wanted to give me the mug as a christmas present.

Hawaii, USA

One of my former reps from Cebu, Khaki was scheduled for a short trip to Hawaii for his stateboard exams of sorts. Of course I asked him to get me a mug from Hawaii.

Cancun, Mexico

This was the second mug from Vinnie.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It was another friend of mine (Marlon) who pledged the KL and Jakarta city mugs to me since he always goes there practically every month! It had to be Dexter who bought me the KL mug when he had a vacation there.

My Gondola Ride

Vaguely you whispered the cries of your soul
Echoing conspicuously what your heart longs for
Nothing seems to make sense, even the wisest wouldn’t take chance
It’s the ambiguity that distinct your passions at a glance
Charmed by the thrills of your pursuit in life
Estranged from my world, I’m now wandering in your bliss

As the journey continues, fondness grows as we go
Living each moment holding your hand in my mind
Astonished, in awe, I try to come back to my senses
Gone these hopeful thoughts, I’m forced to let go
Only time can tell if things will remain my wishful thinking but
Now I know for certain, my fascination belongs to you…

Shining Star

by Get Far

The way you look at me
The way you touch me
The fire in your eyes
Makes me sweat
Makes me shiver inside
There's nothing I can do about it
'Cause nothing seems so true
When I'm beside you
Am I dreaming?
Go here and just hold my hand
Naked, perfect, so beautiful
You turn me up and down
I was spinning round and round
You never get enough, baby don't
You're a shining star

The way you look at me
The way you touch me
The fire in your eyes
Makes me sweat
Makes me shiver inside
There's nothing I can do about it
You're my soul mate, my summer and my faith
Come, fill me up with love
Your kisses are better than wine
There's nothing I want more than you girl

Let's hear it!

All this time

by Sylver Logan

I close my eyes
I don't want to see no more
Because your not in my vision, there's no open door
And you won't let me in and can't quite sink in
Because if only you were happy
What was I thinking?
Ooo... Ooo...

**Chorus**
I had so much of you, I couldn't dream last night
I feel the touch of you, even though you're not by my side
Can't get enough of you, because you made the darkness light
And after All this time
You still possess my mind
And fter All this time
I still want you in my life
After All this time, I still want you in..... my life
Mmmm
Gonna break the walls
Gonna make you love me some more
This may be a game to you baby
Mmmm
But I refuse to ignore
The love you had for me
In the past
Thought it would last
But it came to an end
I'm not the same without you lately
Want to share my dreams with you baby
Ooo... Ooo... Ooo... Ooo...

**Chorus**
I had so much of you, I couldn't dream last night
I feel the touch of you, even though you're not by my side
Can't get enough of you, because you made the darkness light
And after all this time
You still possess my mind
And after all this time
I still want you in... my life****
Oooh... Oooh... Ooooooh!
Oooh... Yeah Yeah Ooh!
I had... So Much!
I had... So Much!
I had... So Much!
I had... So Much!
I said I had... So Much!
I Had... So Much!
Oh!
**Chorus**
I had so much of you, I couldn't dream last night
I feel the touch of you, even though you're not by my side
Can't get enough of you, because you made the darkness light
And after all this time
You still possess my mind
And after all this time
You Still feel so right
And after all this time
I still want you in... my life!
Oooh...
O-oh! O-oh!
In my life
Feels so right!
In my life
Oh
In my life
Still want you in... my life.
Oh
Oh
I had so much...
Couldn't dream last night
Wanna feel your touch...
Even thought you're not by my side
I had so much...
Oh
Couldn't dream last night
feel your touch...
Oh
Even thought you're not by my side
Oh yeah.

Hear it!

Play. Pause. Stop.

Masarap maglaro at makipaglaro
Minsan, kailangan ding magpahinga o kaya’y tumigil nang panandalian
May pagkakataon di naming maski ano pa ang mangyari,
Maski sino pa ang magsabing hindi maaari,
Kailangan ring huminto – dahil lang sa ito ang kagustuhan.

Naalala ko lang… ako nga pala ang tanging may hawak ng sariling manibela ng buhay ko...

The lesser evil

Have you ever feared of committing to someone because you enjoy having a good time errrr fooling around? I'm not sure (smirk) if this brings a different kind of "high" but for sure it brings a little something.

I'd rather have the above instead of fooling around while being committed to someone.

Ergo, I choose the lesser evil haha!

Filler: Four Things About Me

FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE:

1. Telemarketing Officer for Credit Card Acquisitions
2. Customer Service Officer for Credit Card Operations – Billing Disputes and Merchant Sales
3. eRep … supervisor
4. Manager for Service Delivery – Operations (Call center professional! Yes!)

FOUR MOVIES I WOULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:

1. The Little Rascals (1993 version)
2. My Best Friend’s Wedding (walang kokontra!)
3. The Little Rascals (1993 version)
4. The Little Rascals (1993 version)

FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED:

1. Quezon/Batangas
2. Taft Avenue / UN Avenue , Manila
3. Cebu City
4. Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati

FOUR TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH:

1. Grey's Anatomy
2. LOST
3. Heroes
3. The Buzz!

FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION:

1. Vienna , Austria
2. Prague , Czech Republic
3. Munich , Germany
4. Bohol

FOUR PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME:

1. Rona
2. AD
3. Marl
4. People @ work of course!

FOUR OF MY FAVOURITE FOODS:

1. North Park Yang Chow Fried Rice
2. Adobo na luto ko
3. Sinigang na super asim na luto ko or ng kapatid ko
4. Isaw (well-done please) sa kanto

FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:

1. Zurich
2. London
3. New York
4. Amanpulo (hayyyyyyy)

FOUR FRIENDS I THINK WILL RESPOND:

1. Rona (para mag react lang)
2. Paan (pag nag post ako sa blog ko)
3. Lesley
4. Tina (most likely para mag react!)

Two friends... In love... Married!!

My best wishes to very good friends Elaine and Reyan -- you guys rock! I can't believe I've known you guys for over 15 years and for most part, you have been good friends of mine. I really wish you well...

...can't wait to become godfather of your future kids!

The Heroes Personality Test

My Score: Mr. Bennet



I scored 62 Idealism, 41 Nonconformity, 41 Nerdiness

The Heroes Personality Says:

Congratulations, you're Mr. Bennet! You are one mysterious person with mysterious motives. Despite all the mystery, it's clear that you believe what you do is for the greater good, and you are obviously a well-educated person in your field. Your best quality: Dedication to your work/organization/etc. Your worst quality: Keeping too many secrets

Mytunes: Current Playlist and Favorites

Christian Bautista: Just a love song...LIVE!

• Beautiful in my eyes
• Only reminds me of you
• Trying to get that feeling again
• More than you'll ever know
• Blue eyes blue
• If ever you're in my arms again
• You

Erik Santos: Your Love

• Kailanman
• Youre love
• Say you'll never go
• Maging sino ka man

NINA:

• I do
• What if
• I didn't mean to make you mine
• Someday

MYMP: New Horizon

• Nothing's gonna stop us now
• Only reminds me of you
• Back home
• Crazy for you
• Every breath you take
  

What If

by Nina

I often wonder just how can it be
But everytime I think about it
Seems impossible to me
I wanna touch you, call out your name
Would you be my love, would you be my friend
Would you feel the same

What if wishes all came true
And each one had a star
That would keep it shining brightly
However near or far

What if a miracle appeared
And heaven was here for us to see
Oh what if you, were to fall in love with me

I imagine, a picture in my mind
You and me we’ll be together
Together for all time
Like in the fairytales
Where everything comes real
Would you take my hand, would you understand
Just how I feel?

It’s not impossible
It’s not impossible
It happens each day
People find each other
Fall in love with one another
It happens this way
It’s not impossible
It’s not impossible
I don’t believe
If I close my eyes
If I make a wish
You’d be loving me

What if wishes all came true?

2 New things

Gusto ko lang i-share very quickly and very briefly -- a couple of things i just did na hindi ko inakalang magagawa ko...

1) Alam n'yo yung parang "small desk microphone" na ginagamit sa pagtawag ng order from the fastfood's cashier to the kitchen? I'm sure alam n'yo ito! Using my charm (ehem) sa ate sa counter, ako naka-try ako na ako mismo ang tumawag ng order namin sa Chowking! At syempre pa feel na feel ko ang bawat salitang sinabi ko tulad ng:

For dine in: Lumpia Lauriat!

Ang mga kuya sa kitchen napangiti na lang dahil may kasunod pa akong "good morning" na closing spiel! Aliw!!!

2) Sa sobrang antok at pagod ko kahapon, tinakbuhan ko ang isang traffic enforcer (basta naka yellow yung manong) sa may Ayala Avenue -- dun sa kanto ng traffic light bago umakyat ng tulay papuntang Edsa! Hindi ko first time na "mag-beat" ng yellow light -- okay fine, it was already red! Ang first time ko ay ang humarurot nang todo nang senyasan ako ng manong dahil nga hindi nakalampas sa paningin nya ang minor violation ko. Of course di nya na ako hinabol maski nakasakay lang sya sa mobile unit nya. Effort nga naman siguro yon!

Wala lang... share ko lang...

Shutter

It always feels good to finally get to that conviction that you have moved on and now trying to live a better life if not happier. When you don’t see the things and people that remind you of the past, it seems that things are a lot breezier! Before I get too carried away, I gotta admit that yeah, this is just a wishful thinking. The fact of the matter is, some twisted ghosts of your past would always have their wicked ways of sneaking up from behind.

I was looking for some archived emails when I came across a couple of conversation exchanges I had with some friends. It had some excerpts of my (used to be dearest) friend’s thoughts on my supposed cold shoulder treatment to him. For a few seconds I felt like there was a speeding bullet that just came through my chest. After all this time I really never thought that it would still have that effect on me. And yeah I admit, it was a bit excruciating and I hated it! I’ve been telling myself and the whole world that I’m so through with all that yet it felt weird somehow.

I may still be right though. It’s just probably natural reaction on my part. Oh please, cut me some slack will yah! Can I get at least some credit for trying?! But seriously, I think what will make everything all okay is if and only if I can totally shut off some people in my life including everything that happened. Imagine if could see a doctor who’d do an “Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind” treatment to me. That I’d love to see! Heaven knows I’d do anything to have that one.

I wonder if it’s just useless going overboard or sounding like a broken record on this. Oh well my thoughts on these/them have never been under wraps anyway so why bother? I may never be too certain of what the future holds for me after all these but one thing is for sure, I can’t simply forget everything until hell freezes over.

Pa 'experience' naman!

1) tv reporter na nakikipag-unahang makasagap ng scoop at headlines. yung tipong sa gitna ng war o kaya may background na helicopter na may search and rescue operation sa isang super typhoon.

2) chef sa isang restaurant ng 5-star hotel. gusto kong magluto na may time pressure tapos yung magagarang mga kagamitan sa kusina. tapos gusto ko rin yung mag garnish ng kung anu-ano sa plato. ako rin ang magse-serve sa guest para may personal touch.

3) empleyado (na authorized to make big decisions) sa BIR, Customs, LTO, LTFRB. maski 1 week lang!

4) chief of staff ng isang senador

5) masahista

6) lagarista

7) barista sa Starbucks with rotating assignments/deployments sa iba't ibang bansa. maski walang sweldo okay lang!!!

8) personal alalay ni Keannu Reeves

9) intelligence officer ng gobyeryo. or asset ng FBI

10) kabet!

Pakialamero Mode

Can I just pay my share of Php 44,000 to the Philippines ’ foreign debt? I wonder if this is somehow gonna give me my financial freedom, wahahaha! Too bad all 88 million Filipinos owe this much. Terrible, even the infants are counted (I think!). President GMA has acquired more debts than all of her predecessors combined, yikes!

*****

Mr. Palengke himself, Mar Roxas has been doing his homework recently. Somebody from his recent Baguio visit boldly ‘announced’ the arrival of THE NEXT Philippine President! How’s that for super early electioneering! Now I see the reason why he is not yet married to Korina Sanchez. I mean come on, both of them would have their own gains for waiting. Let’s see in 2010.

*****

What’s the buzz between CFC-Gawad Kalinga’s Tony Meloto and Frank Padilla? I just read on the papers that there are some splinter groups that have been formed. For the longest existence of CFC this is the first time I’ve heard of some form of intrigue amongst the key people (at least). I hope this gets settled coz GK is one of the best achievements of CFC I must say. I had some first-hand GK experience too a long time ago.

Maligayang Kaarawan, Rona!!!

Ang space na ito ay inilalaan ko sa iyong kaarawan...

Wala na akong nais sabihin o di kaya'y isulat pa

Alam kong nauunawaan na ng puso mo ang mga pangarap namin para sayo

Sa halos labindalawang taon ng ating pagkakaibigan

Eh wala ka nang maitatago pa, hehehe!

Maligayang kaarawan! Mahal ka namin!

My most wanted: STARBUCKS City Mugs

VIENNA, Austria
When I went to Austria during the winter of 2002, Starbucks was just put up then. Austrians were of course not as fond as Americans (and Pinoys at that) on the foreign brand. Of course it’s still different when you sip your coffee in your favorite coffee shops in Vienna or perhaps even in Paris !

I found myself in the counter getting myself a cup of coffee, a blueberry muffin and a city mug! That’s when I started collecting these giant coffee mugs!
BANGKOK, Thailand
Later that year, I told a friend of mine that I wanted to start collecting these mugs. And guess what, she said she will bring me one from BKK. Rei went there for a short vacation.
MANILA, Philippines
I think I bought one for myself during the Christmas season of 2002. I got it from Starbucks 6750 (which happens to be the first-ever branch in the Philippines ). I remember spending a quiet “ME Time” there reading a good book (Sighs).

ERRATUM: The Manila mug was actually a birthday gift from a good friend, Mean Jean! It totally slipped my mind, sorry... :( No wonder I used the statement "I think" above, hehehe.

When my mom kept the mugs in the kitchen cupboard the idea of collecting totally slipped my mind for such a long time. And I really mean it! You’ll see later.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
My brother has been working in Dubai (Hilton Hotel) for over 2 years now. It was during his first month-long vacation when he brought me the city mug (May 2007). He said all the other items I was asking him to “buy” for me are too expensive. Not to mention he probably sensed that I somehow had this wicked plan of not paying him. Hehehe!

Oh by the way, I remember I was staring at the Starbucks store in Dubai Airport (which is really huge! And I mean huge big time!) but for some reason I didn’t buy it. Perhaps it was because I was too excited for my connecting flight to Munich then. Oh well bottom line is, I was still able to get one after a few years.
SINGAPORE
About a couple of weeks when my brother gave me the Dubai city mug when my former boss and good friend Lesley asked what I wanted for ‘pasalubong’ for his Manila vacation. He’s based in HCMC, Vietnam but has been touring around Southeast Asia for some work stuff. I remember he said I gave him a good idea that he’s just going to make the city mug a generic pasalubong to his other friends. Of course he ended up just getting one! I think he didn’t want to have too many items on his hand-carry. But hey thanks again Les!
CEBU, Philippines
I stayed in Cebu from October 2005 to April 2007 and during this time my initial reflex when I stepped into the first (then) two Starbucks shops was to get myself my favorite! But I said, hey I’m staying here for good anyway so I can buy anytime. Funny thing was I already relocated back to Manila (sometime holy week of this year) and yes, the Cebu mug wasn’t in my possession yet until Jai gave me city mug as an early birthday gift!

PARIS, France
Wlad is one of the few non-Pinoy people that I get to hang out with here in Manila . He’s a French businessman introduced by a good friend – Tina. I remember telling him stuff in Tagalog all the time and it’s amazing that he usually understands most of what I say or pretends he gets it then asks somebody later what the heck was it really. I think it was about a couple of months ago when he went to his home country for a visit to his family. And of course, he was kind enough to give me the city mug upon returning home. (Ayos ka talaga Wlad! Videoke na ulet tayo dali!).
HONGKONG
Tina and Wlad planned their HongKong trip a few months ago until finally they pushed through. Tina already promised that she will buy me my mug once she gets there. And she did. She actually texted me when she finally got me the HK city mug. On her last day (I think), I didn’t know that she was supposed to go to Macau as well. Guess what, when she got back she said, “Jeff, I was holding a Macau city mug and I texted you if you wanted me to buy it too but you didn’t reply…” And that was the same day my damn phone got busted! Aaaaarrrgggghhhh!
MADRID, Spain
It was Miguel’s first birthday party (July 2007) when I saw some of Lulay’s relatives from Spain . I think they were here on vacation or something. At that time I didn’t have the thick face to tell her to ask her cuzins to get me a mug. And besides, they just got to the country and even if they go back, it’ll probably take sometime before they go to the Philippines again.

I remember it was only after a few weeks when I finally get to talk to her again. She mentioned she wanted some ‘real-deal’ Spanish sardines from Madrid because they’re so delicious she said. I blurted “why don’t you ask your cuzin to get me a city mug for my collection? J ” We parted ways with a big smile on my face because another cuzin of hers was just going to Manila in 2 or 3 days time. The following week she gave me the mug as a gift! (Thanks again Lulu and cuz!)

COLORADO, USA
This has quite a funny story. Augee (officemate and Rascal Alumna) was scheduled for a client-sponsored visit to their Colorado office. Before she left I was so excited to make my ‘bilin’ about the mug of course. She ym’d me one time to confirm that she already got me my Starbucks but it was a tumbler that she got me… Hehehe. Too bad she was already in San Francisco when I got the message. But it’s okay, for this one it’s the thought that counts! J

The USA is yet a huge continent for me and my city mugs to conquer! Got two other officemates who went to the US (both for client-sponsored visits) and tried searching for my most wanted but funny thing was, there were no stocks at the stores they visited. And I think the client offices were kinda far from the Starbucks stores.
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands
A co-TM (in our office’s other building) heard about my fascination to the city mugs. I was paying her work area a visit one time when she told me if I want to get one from The Netherlands coz her husband was flying back to Manila the following week. Of course I said yes right away to Claire!

We talked about the other cities to get the mugs from since her husband is back to Europe again! Yahoo!
TORONTO, Canada
Dexter was supposed to leave for Canada (client visit) with a co-manager at the office. When the other manager had everything delayed I thought, hey what about my Starbucks? I realized later on that Dexter was already in Toronto . So I emailed and ym’d him a million times (not really, about a couple I guess) and he was like not replying! Until finally he told me on his last day in Toronto that he is getting me my mug! Yey!
LEBANON
A former officemate, Lovely now works as an FA for Qatar Airways. We used to be assigned in the Cebu office about a year ago. I courageously emailed her and asked her how she'd been and of course asked a little favor if she could get me some mugs. Obviously, she travels all over because of her line of work. She was excited to hear about my collection and she said she will squeeze in getting me my Starbucks mugs during her travel. She sent (through another FA friend of hers) the city mug from Lebanon! Thanks Lovely, aside from giving this as a gift! The next ones are of course on me.

I’ll surely have more to say about my future Starbucks city mugs since most of my friends and relatives are now so involved in my collection! How I wish each mug is equivalent to each country I visit. Well who knows maybe soon, my travel plans will be based on the mugs I have from countries and cities I haven’t visited.

Bumblebee daw ako!

I AM
86%
BUMBLEBEETake the Transformers Quiz

Bumblebee
As an Autobot spy, Bumblebee is the ultimate robot in disguise. What he lacks in size and strength, he makes up for with courage. He enjoys the company of humans and would do anything for his Earthly friends.

Like Bumblebee, you are good by nature. But beware because mischievous thoughts sometimes tempt you. You want to be a leader and show some promise, but you have much to learn. In addition, you stick to the basics and don't need all the encumberances of modern technology.

Some interesting Pinoy facts and trivia

PB Com Tower, Makati
- 93rd tallest building in the world
- A 55-storey building constructed year 2000, with 88 feet in height
- Prior to its construction, Philam Life Tower in Paseo held the Philippine record. When I started working for PS as an agent, our office was at the 12th and 14th floor!

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
- Ranked 45th in Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in the world

Davao City
- The residents of Davao City claim they live in the world ' s largest city. They are talking about the land size of the city that covers 2,212 square kilometers. Most of these areas, however, are distributed as forests, coconut groves and rice fields. In comparison, New York , the largest city in the United States , has an area of only 787 square kilometers while the whole of Metro Manila covers only 636 square kilometers.

Asian Institute of Management
- The Makati-based Asian Institute of Management (AIM) is richly considered as one of the top business schools in Asia . In the year 2001, it received the Beyond Grey Pinstripes Award for having MBA programs that integrate social, environmental and sustainability topics into business training. The award is a joint project of The Aspen Institute Initiative for Social Innovation through Business (Aspen ISIB) and World Resources Institute.

Pinoy Planetoid
- The minor planet Biyo, which has a diameter of four to nine kilometers and was formerly called planet 13241, was named after Dr. Josette Biyo, a teacher at the Philippine Science High School in Iloilo City who won the International Excellence in Teaching Award during the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) held in Louisville , Kentucky in 2002. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory in the United States game the name.

Henry Sy and Jaime Zobel de Ayala
- Tied at the 349th spot of world’s billionaires according to Forbes.com
Both with $2.6 billion net worth
- Isn’t it obvious that the biggest and most ‘extravagant’ malls in the country are owned by either of them?!

PLDT
- Ranked at the 1,321 spot of the world’s largest public companies
- Sales ($2.37B); Profits ($0.64B); Assets ($4.46B); Market Value ($9.01B)

Josie Natorie
- A Filipino-American fashion designer has been making waves in the New York fashion industry. Josie Natorie, who was born in Manila in 1947, owns and manages Natorie Lingerie. In 2001, she was one of the Asian-American awardees of the nonprofit Asians United to Raise Awareness (AURA) Fund.
- Natorie was already a successful stockbroker and investment banker even before she established her lingerie business. She had served as the head of the Manila branch of Bache Securities and as an executive of the investment banking division of Merrill Lynch.
- I remember when she introduced her perfume line before. I think it didn’t quite make it.

Cebu City
- Oldest Philippine city (earliest European settlement established by Spanish conqueror Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565)
- Calle de Colon (which is also in Cebu ) happens to be the oldest street in the country
It’s like Quiapo and Divisoria! That’s where the good bargains are!
- The oldest fort in the country is Fort San Pedro – construction began in 1565.
I wonder where my pictures of the fort are…
- The University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City is considered as the oldest school in the country and in Asia . Formerly known as the Colegio de San Ildefonso, it was founded by the Spanish Jesuits on August 1, 1595. This makes the Cebu-based university older than the University of Santo Tomas (1611) in Manila and Harvard University (1636) in the United States .

Prospero Pichay
- AC Nielsen says Pichay spent a total of P202.746 million in radio and television spots, making him the top ad spender among the senatorial candidates. But experts say his ad campaign was among the worst of the lot, and not only because it failed to land him in the top 12.

Miguel Zubiri
- Of the neophyte senators of 2007, Migz Zubiri, with net worth of Php 43.3M is the wealthiest amongst the newly-elected young senators.
Thanks to wife Audrey Tan who also comes from a rich clan

Antonio Trillanes IV
- The Oakwood mutiny leader – now senator has been considered the poorest among the newcomers in the Senate with P2.2M net worth
- Oh, he happens to have a P60,000 liability – government salary loan before the Oakwood mutiny. I bet the funds went to financing it!

DLSU Tuition Fees
- I remember not so long ago when I had a full load of 21 units in a term in the College of Engineering , my tuition fee was about P 18,000 – P 21,000 per trimester. I just learned that now, it’s just about half of the fees EXCLUDING laboratory, miscellaneous, etc.
I haven’t seen a 2007 EAF but I could imagine one term would cost about 50 grand! Jeez!

*excerpts from Forbes.com, txtmania.com, infoplease.com, gmanews.tv, pinoyvote.info.

Sa Kaarawan ni Psycholoves para sa kras nya

Bading ka raw, ‘yan ang sabi ng marami
Ewan ko kung maniniwala ako sa mga sabi-sabi
Nagba-basketball ka at borta pa… kaya parang ‘di naman
Chicks kaliwa’t kanan, may crush sayo ‘di mo ba alam?
Hindi ko nga maintindihan bakit sayo’y nahuhumaling
Ikaw ang laging hanap sa kaibigang Bumbayin
Noon okay na sakin na makita ka
Gets ko naman… ‘di ako umaasa
Carry lang naman sa’kin na maging kabit
Okay lang, basta sa bandang ilalim ako sasabit

*eto ang aking pa-bertday kay psycholoves para ialay nya sa kras nya...

A glimpse of a god’s face

Traces of your smile that besieged the entire place
Raging from all directions, blatant looks dawned upon you
Intrigued, why a delightful visage graced the floor
Summer is yet to come but radiance beamed through
Tender and sweet, you always seem to be
Angel in disguise, others may see
Nothing but a timeless beauty, you are to me

Gorgeously you danced the night away
As light as a feather your body did sway
Yearning for some lovin’, your soul has whispered
Not in a million years I’ll have that delivered
Only when everyone else has stopped, I’ll seize the moment
Rest in my arms, I’ll hold you and say goodbye to the glimpse of a god’s face

each beginning could only speak of anyone but you…
...

Just can't help it

It was during our earlier days in my first account in PS when Chona Mae's blog was born and it was a sure hit! She's still a character up to now. It was just earlier today when I got the chance to go over her blog again and read the entries from the beginning. I so want to laugh real hard but I haven't gotten the chance to read her blog from the house -- see right now I'm at the gym (while waiting for a friend of mine to finish his work out) and it's obviously quite public.

And because I so love Chona Mae's character so much, she just got a spot on my favorite links. I wouldn't be surprised if one day her character (along with the others on her blog) will be part of a sitcom or something hehehe.

La Salle Cheers

I'm sure you guys missed these!!!

La Salle Spelling

La Salle Spelling, Set! 1-2-3!

La Salle Spelling!

La Salle Spelling

Ready!

*Ready!

1-2-3!

*L-A-S-A-L-L-E

* La Salle , Rah!!!

Who's To Win This Game

Who's To Win This Game, Set! 1-2-3!

Who's To Win This Game? * Green!

Who's To Win This Game? *White!

Green! *Green!

White! *White!

Fight! *Fight!

*Green, White, Fight!

*Green, White, White, White!

*Go, Fight, Fight, Fight!

*Green, White, Go, Fight!

*Green, White, Fight!

*Green, White, White, White!

*Go, Fight, Fight, Fight!

*De La Salle! De La Salle!

*Fight, Team, Fight!

Zama Zipa Zam!

Zama Zipa Zam, Set! 1-2-3!

Zama Zipa Zam!

* Zama Zipa Zam!

Ready!

*Ready!

1-2-3

* Zama Zipa Zam! (1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2, 1-2-3)

*Fight!

(Repeat 3x)

Win, Team, Win!!

Rektikano

Rektikano, Set! 1-2-3

Rektikano!

*Rektikano!

Ready!

*Ready!1-2-3

Rektikano, Keene-keena (2x)

Rektikano, Rektikano,

Rektikano! Rah! (2x)

Seez-boom-bah! (2x)

Boom-rah-boom-rah

Boom-rah-boom-rah (2x)

Sis-boom-bah

Sis-boom-bah

La Salle , Rah!

Haydee Three Times

Haydee Three Times, Set! 1-2-3!

Haydee Three Times!

*Haydee Three TimesReady!

*Ready!1-2-3

*Haydee, Kaydee

Kala Wala Waydee

Kala Wala Wingo Dingo Daydee

Hush, Kush

Kala Wala Wush Wush

Kala Wala Wingo Dingo Dash

(Repeat 3x)

*1-2-3

*Animoooooooooo La Salle!

Boom-ma-kaya

Boom-ma-kaya, Set! 1-2-3!

Boom-ma-kaya!

*Boom-ma-kaya!Ready!

*Ready!

1-2-3

*Boom-ma-kaya! I-ma-ka-diwa (2x)

*Boom-ma-kaya, Imakadiwa! (3x)

*Fight, Team, Fight!

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake, Set! 1-2-3

Strawberry Shortcake!

*Strawberry Shortcake!

Ready!

*Strawberry Shortcake!

1-2-3!

Strawberry Shortcake

Blueberry Pie

V-i-c-t-o-r-y

Victory, Victory

Is Our Cry

De La Salle, De La Salle

Heidi High

Derecho La Salle

1-2, 1-2, 3-4 )

1-2, 1-2, 3-4 )

1-2, 1-2, 3-4 )

1-2, 1-2, 3-4 )
D 1-2, 1-2, 3-4 )

L 1-2, 1-2, 3-4 )

S 1-2, 1-2, 3-4 )

U 1-2, 1-2, 3-4 )
D-L-S-U!DLSU, Derecho La Salle!!!

http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/athletics/cheers.asp

I bet you were trying to do or at least remember the actions to go with the cheers! hehehe!

A Stormy Weekend... Not!

My friends and I tried to spend our weekend "as usual" despite the storm which as of Saturday early morning has destroyed some 70,000 homes in Taiwan. Ergo, the rain was not as bad as the earlier part of the week.

***********

It was the week of the 2007 Moonrise Film Festival at the Robinson's Galeria Cinema. Rona's boyfriend was the editor in one of the docu-entries for the fest. It was a no-Oscars or FAMAS kinda thing though. I guess maybe because the theme was about the environment. It just feels awful to see lack of support from our people and the government likewise for activities with such cause.

***********

Finally I had the chance to see one of the most talked-about Pinoy movies of the year -- A Love Story. Generally the plot is nothing new but I think the writers did a good job on the screenplay. For those who've seen the movie can definitely relate, I bet! With quite a heavy heart Aya and I left the theater talking about how 'affected' we were. Hahaha! But seriously, I think nobody would want to be in either Joanna's or Carrine's place.

***********

We saw this nice little resto at the 2nd floor of Gale. Oooopppsss, I take it back! I meant cute! Yeah, for real! This cute restaurant called Chaikofi has this New York diner type of interior and lay-out. I think it's just about 100 sqm in size yet they were able to maximize the space even the edges that hold some "table-for-two" spots. Your usual pasta and chicken dishes were there -- the ones quick and easy to prepare. Their selection of green and black tea is definitely a must try! I had the Ripe Mango Green Tea and Aya had the Four Seasons Black Tea. Both were superb! We'd love to go back there. I learned that they have stores in Rob Place Manila, Mall of Asia and SM North.

http://www.chaikofi.com/

***********

It was about past midnight when I went for a night-out with a good friend of mine. We met a few interesting people through a new friend we met a couple of weeks ago. I only had 3 glasses of vodka tonic/seven since I thought I might end up being the driver again because of 'you-know-what' events and surprises. And guess what, I did another self-fulfilling prophecy yet again. I just decided to have a good meal at North Park together with Roly, Engel and George. We had a nice time talking about your usual stuff on love and relationship, while having this Chinese Food Feast! Went home a little past 5 in the AM.

***********

I felt so tired I fell asleep on the sofa with my jeans on! It felt silly that I got up after about 5 hours of sleep and not able to snooze again, darn! That Sunday became a TV day for me instead. I decided to just have lunch and told myself will get a good dinner later on. I fell asleep too early -- 6PM and woke up after 13 hours! Hahaha!

***********

Didn't get the chance to get back my car today since it's a non-working holiday for most people. Too bad I can't get it tomorrow since my plate is on color coding! I promise to really take good care of Oscar... :-)

***********

My Friendster horoscope for today reads:

Your best friend might be the most wonderful person on earth, but they aren't the person you should always be counting on in your life. They are there for moral support, but they can't fix everything that you think is broken right now. The stars say that you should spend time today building up your relationship with yourself -- because in the end, you always have to be able to rely on yourself. The great news is that self-nurturing is a very fun thing to do!

I say:

You should not always count on your best friend even if they always count on you. I mean after all, they counting on you clearly indicates some form of independence from your end. So what are the chances that you can't handle your own mess?
And yes, they can't fix everything that you think is broken... so much so if the brokenness is because of that person.

***********

'Pag minalas ka nga naman

'pag minalas ka nga naman
parang sunod-sunod 'di mo mapigilan
Linggong masakit ang ulo dahil puyat kagabi
pag gising ang maling akala'y may pagkaing nakahain

'di makalakwatsa kasi walang pera
'di rin makapag road trip, ang kotse nasa kasa
makapag-gym na lang nga, ay katamad mag biyahe
dvd marathon na sana pero pulpol rin pala

ilang hithit sa sigarilyo kahit hagupit ang init
tambak na labada wala ring magawa
bitbit ang bag na singbigat ng isang bata papunta sa mega
sa hapunang maalinsangan butas pa ang bulsa

late ng tatlong minuto, timesheet ngayo'y buhol-buhol
sa report na isa-submit, mas gusto ko pang magpunit
suporta mula sa 'taas', umasa pang pagbibigyan
larong sinimulan, bahagyang tagumpay natikman

pakisuyo ng kaibigan, hindi ko napagbigyan
libreng lunch buffet sa hotel... sayang
mahimbing na tulog pero pero limang oras lamang
suot pa'y pinagpawisan kaninang umaga

late na sa opisina at wala pang hapunan
kaliwa't kanang isyu sa inbox, kumusta naman
di man sinasadya, inosenteng nilalang ang napagbuntunan
kawawa naman maski walang kasalanan

magsalita o manahimik, tiyak may masasabi
ano pa nga ba, mga mensahe ako'y pinutakti
bumagyo pa kung kailan may naka-plano na
ayon argumento sa kausap, daig pa ang summer

uuwi ka na lang, mga nakasimangot at nakakunot
eto ako basang sisiw dahil sa malakas na ulan
goodluck naman, kapag nabinat pa
tambak na labada... tambak pa rin

'pag minalas ka nga naman
ano bang mayroon sa linggong ito
at ano pang mayroon sa araw na ito
malas....

ang nakakainis na malas. tsk tsk tsk.

I've got Series! What about you?

I've been hooked to quite a few tv series for quite sometime now. Aside from the fact that most of these tv shows have good reviews, I just get to watch them whenever convenient -- DVD copies you bet! I don't really care if I'm behind a few episodes from what are being showed on cable tv or in the US but as long as I am able to watch say a complete season, I'm good.


Not only do these shows have interesting plots and storylines, they have admirable characters that I'm sure everyone can relate to! Oh yes... you know that sigh or nod that you unconsciously do whenever a character says or does something that somehow "you"? That's what I'm talkin' about.




LOST: Dr. Jack Shepard

The character of Matthew Fox is fascinating yet peculiar. He has been the sort of 'leader' of the survivors of Oceanic flight 815 on the island. I guess because he's the doctor and on most part, injuries are just always there and a doc comes in very handy. Initially (or even on some parts) he didn't want to take the lead even on non-doctor concerns but I guess it just comes out naturally! I mean come on, people already have this high regard of him and they'd usually come to Jack and ask what does he think about this and that. He's got this charm that can simply get everyone's attention each time he says something -- and people listen mind you.


One other nice thing I like about Jack is his convictions. Once he says something that he'd do, he really does it no matter what. If it's time to give up or compromise though, he's not too egoistic. In the love department, I think it's a totally different story though! I think he's got too much pride on that at some point haha!


Dr. Shepard projects himself too well that it takes some time or quite an intrusive person to get to know the other side of him that has some issues. Overall he's a classic example of how one should manage perception.

CSI: Gil Grissom
One of William Petersen's dialogues that really caught my attention was when he said "because you don't see it, it doesn't mean it's not there." This man would always leave the viewers in deep deep thinking -- can be irritating but gets your neurons working which is I guess nice.


The teamwork among his subordinates is exemplary. He's got this indirect yet motivating, challenging and encouraging ways of empowering his peers. He doesn't just spoon-feed them with the what's and the how's of their work. Of course forensics experts have to be scientific and all but Grissom's logic (even on things outside the crime scene and lab) is just way beyond what is required of his job. I just love the guy!


HEROES: Nathan Petrelli

The Congressman from New York played by Adrian Pasdar. First off, I like his superpower -- he can fly! Yey! This gets me thinking really, this is the NOW-FUTURE Peter Pan haha! Believe it or not, up to now I still feel that I have this certain capability that I can somehow fly! Absurd or funny huh?! But yeah, I don't know but I guess this is just the child part of me that I can't simply let go.


This elder brother of Peter (Petrelli) is such a proud and secretive person but what I like about him is his genuine love for his younger brother. He'd do anything for Peter's sake.

Nathan knows what he wants and he does what ever it takes to get it. He can be too driven by his aspirations and priorities that at some point he has to sacrifice some things and even some people he loves. Oh well, some harsh part of reality that we have to accept I guess. There you go, the "no pain, no gain" theory.

Nip/Tuck: Sean McNamarra
One of Miami's top cosmetic surgeons -- along with his bestfriend and business partner Dr. Christian Troy. Dylan Walsh's character may seem to be too silent and reserved but wait until best bud Christian pokes him! Between the two of them, Sean is on the conventional side of things. He sticks to the protocols (of the business and life in general) as much as possible. He has been regarded as the better doctor but he doesn't make Christian feel that way. In fact his humility extends by always telling his best bud that he couldn't make it to the cosmetic surgery business without him.

I so love their partnership and friendship. When they argue, they really argue but it's just so nice to see how they make it up with each other. I just can't get the part when they found out that Sean's eldest son is actually his bestfriend's! Christian had a thing with Sean's wife. But guess what, at the end of the day, even when Sean and Julia got separated, it was Christian who stayed. This is really difficult and I'm saying this because got a similar thing that happened to me. I tried it but it just didn't work. Oh well..


Grey's Anatomy: Meredith Grey
I actually have quite a few favorites in the people of the Seattle Grace Hospital but this online diagnosis said that I'm a Meredith! The online diagnosis (http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/quiz/greysdiagnosis/index) says:

"You don't always make the right choices, but you get points for trying, bouncing right back, and starting over. For being so "dark and twisty," you have a surprisingly sunny outlook on life. You're quick to jump into new relationships but just as quick to jump out. After the example your parents set, learning to trust someone else takes just about everything you've got."

I quite agree on most part except I guess about the relationships part which really comes as a scarcity to me. This is what I get for being too cautious, worried and careful. I don't want to put in my character analysis of Mer since there's gotta be a over a million of these already on the net since everybody knows her! I gotta say this though, I find wisdom in her narrations on each episode.

Blog Day (Interrupted)

I was looking forward to writing my new entry today but two of my good friends came over at nakipag chikahan while watching THE BUZZ!

Oh by the way, on last night's night-out with friends, i just realized my role after a series of Saturday gimmicks with them: I have to stay sober coz i end up driving for them! Good thing I usually don't bring my car on weekends when I'm with them. Oh well, as long as they are happy and enjoying, I'm cool with that. They have low threshold in alcohol tolerance that is...

KKK

(Kikoy Kit Ko)

This is one of the most private blog entries I have. Yes, you got the title right, Kikoy Kit. I’ll share with you what’s inside my precious kit that I bring everyday. Come on, take a look!



Kenneth Cole Reaction (for men) EDT
The first time I smelled this, I fell in love with the scent right away! Of course I’m exaggerating – I was torn between this one and Burberry Summer but I ended up getting Kenneth Cole. Oh by the way, I got a good deal with this too! It came with a 100-ml aftershave – cologne too. It smells sweet and “citrus-sy” which is the way I like my perfume!

I usually keep two types of scents with me. One stays at home and one I always bring around. For some reason I feel like there’s some sort of emptiness when I don’t have my perfume on. I have Guess (Man) as my second perfume. I’ve consumed about 2/3 of the 100-ml bottle already before I bought the Kenneth Cole.

My ever favorite is Clinique Happy for Men. They say that perfume has a way of blending with someone’s skin (or even sweat, seriously!) and I guess this is true. I’d usually spray like a dozen times (no kidding!) at the start of the day and by the time I put my clothes to the hamper, it still smells nice. I’ve had about close to a dozen bottles of Clinique already for the past seven years! Love it!

Bench Fix Styling Stick
Behold this hair wonder! Actually Bench has a promising set of hairstyle products especially for men. The hair clay is also a good one. The stick is just terrific! It gives the hair the wanted ‘hold’ that’s not too shiny. And guess what I like about this the most, say after washing it off on your hair with just water – ah, you can get that ‘out-of-bed’ stylish look after fan-dry.

Cream Silk Leave-On
If I simply want those frizzy hairs to tame down a bit, the leave-on will do the trick! And it smells good by the way.

Bath & Body Works® Body Cream (Pink Grapefruit)
A cousin of mine from New York sent this to my mom recently. I went ahead and tried it – ummm it smelled really nice. Target areas: elbows, knees and ankles! One time when I walked into our room I thought “hey, do we have an air freshener with that pink grapefruit scent?” -- Oooppsss, I figured, it was just my brother who tried it on. The smell totally occupied the entire room.

Pond’s Facial Wash / Kojic Soap
I have such an oily face so I really have to take time to freshen up and water would not just simply do it. I always need soap or facial wash. From my dermatologist, kojic soap usually gives that rosy cheeks effect. It can be quite stingy if you leave it on your face a little longer than the usual.

Pond’s Facial Toner
Twice a day or whenever washing the face with soap and water is impossible and I feel icky already – the toner saves the day. It cleans the face at the same time which is really what I’m after.

Olay Total Effects

Before I took my dermatologist’s prescription, Olay Total Effects already gave such nice reviews from friends after about 2 weeks of usage. It really lightens up the face, helps removes dark spots and those scary dark areas – eye bags! Oh by the way, Olay also has 15 SPF sunblock!

Sunblock
I’ve never been too particular about sunblock before but since it’s now prescribed then I don’t have any choice. But seriously, I only apply this Sunblock (chemical-free SPF 30) whenever I’m gonna be out in the sun in the morning or afternoon. Usually I’m home already before 10AM. In other words, this is just on a need-be basis.

St. Ives Eye and Face Stress Gel
Talk about daily stress! Literally, I think everybody needs something to cool us down. This gel has this soothing cool effect when applied to one’s face. Put the gel on the area below the eyes and the rest will follow. If applied to the entire face, I think this also serves as a moisturizer at the same time!

Colgate, Toothbrush & OraCare Mouthwash
It has been Colgate for me eversince – yeah since childhood! Yeah, yeah, I know, I also had a taste of that super mint strong toothpaste – MAXXAM! Aarrrggghhh! At home I prefer to use just the plain white Colgate. I carry the Colgate Fresh Confidence (green or blue) brand elsewhere. Having a toothpaste and toothbrush all the time is always a life-saver especially in last-minute sleep-overs. OraCare mouthwash adds on to that fresh breath feeling!

GreenCross Isopropyl Alcohol (with moisturizer)
Usually after smoking or before eating, it’s always nice to disinfect right?! And what better way to do it than with a brand that has moisturizer!

Deodorant
A must-have especially if there’s a gimmick or somewhere else to go to after gym. I switch brands each time I finish one.

Johnson’s Baby powder
If I feel like I’m gonna sweat a lot like a 10-year old, I’d shower myself (especially my back) with baby powder. Remember how our moms used to put towels on our backs whenever we play like horses? Hehehe.

Ascorbic Acid
One way to fight stress – take vitamins! Once a day is good enough for me.

Shampoo & Conditioner
Do you always like the shampoo and conditioner at your gym? Or maybe, at a friend’s house where you slept over at? It wouldn’t hurt if you carry a sachet or two.