Relaxing on a sofa bed...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Video of the week 8...
This week's video is one of my favourite songs by U2.
The Sweetest Thing
My love throws me like a rubber ball
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
She won't catch me or break my fall
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this I'm a rain cloud
You know she likes a dry kind of love
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
I'm losing you
I'm losing you yeah
Ain't love the sweetest thing
I wanted to run but she made me crawl
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Eternal fire, she turned me to straw
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
You know I got black eyes
But they burn so brightly for her
This is a blind kind of love
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
I'm losing you
Oh oh oh, I'm losing you
Ain't love the sweetest thing
Blue-eyed boy meets a brown-eyed girl
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
You can sew it up but you still see the tear
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this I'm a rain cloud
Ours is a stormy kind of love
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
- by U2 from the album The Best of U2 1980 - 1989
The Sweetest Thing
My love throws me like a rubber ball
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
She won't catch me or break my fall
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this I'm a rain cloud
You know she likes a dry kind of love
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
I'm losing you
I'm losing you yeah
Ain't love the sweetest thing
I wanted to run but she made me crawl
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Eternal fire, she turned me to straw
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
You know I got black eyes
But they burn so brightly for her
This is a blind kind of love
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
I'm losing you
Oh oh oh, I'm losing you
Ain't love the sweetest thing
Blue-eyed boy meets a brown-eyed girl
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
You can sew it up but you still see the tear
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this I'm a rain cloud
Ours is a stormy kind of love
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
- by U2 from the album The Best of U2 1980 - 1989
Saturday, August 27, 2005
MLIM Special - Chocolate Indulgence
This is the first installment of the MLIM Special... featuring the best afternoon tea hangouts in Melbourne!
** afternoon tea means merienda**
It was a beautiful Saturday today. It was a mild 21 degrees and people came out from hibernation (because of the freaky cold weather in the past few weeks). Arnie and I went to the city for a few hours to do some stuff, shop around, browse, etc.
After having a light lunch of Kaisen Ramen and Katsudon at Menya Japanese Restaurant and walking around the city, we decided to park ourselves at a place called Koko Black Chocolate.
Koko Black is located in the Royal Arcade at Bourke Street Mall. It's a licensed Belgian Chocolate lounge that serves... you guessed it... wonderful and delicious Belgian chocolate! The place is located in the heart of the city in one of the most beautiful architectural designed buildings that Melbourne seems to have an abundance of. The building itself is a heritage estate and is protected from property sharks (i.e. no enhancement/so-called improvements unless Heritage Victoria gives the go-ahead).
Arnie and I ordered the Belgian Spoil, consisting of 2 praline belgian chocolates, a shortbread, chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, and dark chocolate mousse.
It was a very indulgent treat, which we chose to match with a long black coffee (Arnie) and a small pot of English Breakfast Tea (for me).
I highly recommend Koko Black to chocolate enthusiasts and connoisseurs. It's a place where you can buy pralines for $1.40 a piece or go for truffles that sell for $89 a kilo. Looking at the set up, the quality, and the extra care that the staff of Koko Black goes through to ensure the fine quality and excellent reputation it has as one of the "must-go" sites in the "Chocolate Tours of Melbourne" (yes, there is such a thing! Click here), it's justifiable.
5 out of 5 yums!
** afternoon tea means merienda**
It was a beautiful Saturday today. It was a mild 21 degrees and people came out from hibernation (because of the freaky cold weather in the past few weeks). Arnie and I went to the city for a few hours to do some stuff, shop around, browse, etc.
After having a light lunch of Kaisen Ramen and Katsudon at Menya Japanese Restaurant and walking around the city, we decided to park ourselves at a place called Koko Black Chocolate.
Koko Black is located in the Royal Arcade at Bourke Street Mall. It's a licensed Belgian Chocolate lounge that serves... you guessed it... wonderful and delicious Belgian chocolate! The place is located in the heart of the city in one of the most beautiful architectural designed buildings that Melbourne seems to have an abundance of. The building itself is a heritage estate and is protected from property sharks (i.e. no enhancement/so-called improvements unless Heritage Victoria gives the go-ahead).
Arnie and I ordered the Belgian Spoil, consisting of 2 praline belgian chocolates, a shortbread, chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, and dark chocolate mousse.
It was a very indulgent treat, which we chose to match with a long black coffee (Arnie) and a small pot of English Breakfast Tea (for me).
I highly recommend Koko Black to chocolate enthusiasts and connoisseurs. It's a place where you can buy pralines for $1.40 a piece or go for truffles that sell for $89 a kilo. Looking at the set up, the quality, and the extra care that the staff of Koko Black goes through to ensure the fine quality and excellent reputation it has as one of the "must-go" sites in the "Chocolate Tours of Melbourne" (yes, there is such a thing! Click here), it's justifiable.
5 out of 5 yums!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
I'm It Again!
Vayie tagged me again. These questions are rather fun to answer!
What I was like...
20 Years Ago...
24th of August 1985. I was 7 years old. I was in my second grade in O.B. Montessori Center in Sta. Ana, Manila. I was a lanky, awkward kid - very tomboyish. I would always get scolded by my teachers for being "talkative." I think now they call that ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Hahahaha! Other than that, I can't remember anything else that I have done in school during that time.
It was during this time that the Cure released the album "Head on the Door," the first ever album I purchased myself.
Menudo was big then, and I clearly remember going to their concert at the PICC with my mum and some friends. Lea Salonga was part of the act. Hahahaha! Baduy!
The song "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" was getting heavy airplay. I originally loved Curt more than I did Roland but in time I began to love Roland more. No idea why I made the sudden switch, maybe his rather ooh la la physique in the video of "I Believe"... nah, that's the reason why I love him again :p
I remember my childhood best friend Maricel and I playing EPs of Wham (Wake Me Up...cringe!), Industry (State of the Nation :p), Toni Basil (Hey Mickey), and Madonna (Borderline). We would dance to these songs every single day!
MTV was always on the telly. I clearly remember all those 80s music videos and how I have memorized some of the dance moves. It was a fantastic era for music.
15 Years Ago...
24th of August 1990. I was in first year high school at La Consolacion College in Mendiola, Manila - an all-girl Catholic school. It was my mum's punishment for being a naughty kid all throughout grade school in OBMC. I was in section St. Monica, and there was nothing saintly about our section. Our section was where all of the new students and naughty kids were. I'm both :p
During the first half of the year, I was part of the cool, trouble-making group. We would get into all sorts of shit, bullying the other girls, having "relationships" with others then leave them crying. Hahaha! I was a nutter back then! A few of my friends got caught for shoplifting at the Gift Gate shop along Centro Escolar. The principal knew I was part of that group but because I was excelling in my studies and was getting remarkable grades, she didn't have any ground to be suspicious of me.
The next half I decided to break out of that awful group and just lay low. I actually made the nicest friends during this time. I was still excelling in school. My last "relationship" actually lasted up till the day I had to leave LCC and transfer back to my alma mater, OBMC. My mum thought that LCC was doing me more harm than good :p
I was still living in Sta. Ana during this time. I was still hanging out with my neighbourhood pals.
10 Years Ago...
24th of August 1995. I was already in my first year of undergraduate studies in La Salle. I started out majoring in Philosophy until I got bored with it and decided to shift to Literature and Japanese Studies. I was kind of "seeing" my best friend David then. He actually started of as a boyfriend before we became such great friends!
La Salle was good to me in a sense that my so-called "weirdness" was not considered weird and my individuality was appreciated. I found that there were people much more nuts than I was! Hahaha!
I made great friends whom I still have great friendships with till this day. Ryan, whom was a great friend from high school, became my blockmate in La Salle. This only served to strengthen our friendship that to this day, we never go over a couple of days without chatting over MSN! As much as he should be whom I consider my best friend, he is more of a brother to me than anything ^_^
The professors were really cool. La Salle made me think outside the square and encouraged me to question everything that I ever believed in. Imagine, the teachings imparted by a known Catholic University like La Salle was actually the reason why I'm an non-practicing Catholic :p The irony of it! Hahaha!
It was also during my stint in Uni that I decided to completely ditch David as a pseudo-boyfriend and get a proper boyfriend - big mistake. Thus begins my 3 year saga with the idiot boyfriend :(
5 Years Ago...
24th of August 2000. I have been staying in Australia for 6 months during this time. I was living alone in Melbourne. I have broken off with the idiot boyfriend over the phone. Nothing like living in a foreign country and getting your head bashed against the wall of reality to make you realize that he was not the one for me. Without even thinking twice, I ditched him. It was the cowardly thing to do because I did it over the phone and not to his face when I was still in Manila, but I was so blinded.
It was this time that I started regaining my self-confidence and my sense of self-worth. That previous relationship completely destroyed the person that I was. I was slowly working to getting back everything that I have lost - my sense of self.
I have not met Arnie as of yet. I met him a month later, and we've been together ever since ^_^
3 Years Ago...
24th of August 2002. I just had my car for a month then. I have only been driving for 2 months. It was a rather exciting time for me then. My mum and I were saving up for our holiday in Manila on December of the same year. Have already been going out with Arnie for almost 2 years at this time. My mum and I were still living in a flat in Footscray at the time. We were already shopping around to buy our house.
I was already promoted to Department Manager at this stage, if I remember correctly I've been in position for a year then. I was very excited about the upcoming Manila holiday too.
Last Year...
24th of August 2004. What happened here? Nothing much, just work, seeing Arnie and stuff... Oh, we just got Meeko about 2 months before then! My little baby puggy who became such a dear addition to our lives!
Last Night...
23rd of August 2005. I was in YM with my two aunties in Japan and my mum who was beside me all the time. We chatted until 12:30 am about my wedding plans :)
Mum and I stayed up till 2 am and chatted. We haven't done that for awhile. It was fun.
Today...
Busy at work. Chatting with Arnie and Ryan in MSN while working - breaks the monotony. I have printed heaps of journal articles from the net in preparation for my second assignment.
Next Year...
... plans of buying a house with Arnie. We're also saving up for the wedding ^_^ I'll be graduating from Uni as well, a postgrad degree holder :p I hope that by this time I would have been promoted to a higher paying job with more responsibilities and with more demands (I'm a masochist :p)
Five Years From Now...
I would be 32 then. Hopefully I already have my first kid. I will be in the company for ten years then and will be taking my long service leave (3 months). I might plan to move to another kind of job, hopefully in the arts sector (art galleries, stuff like that). I hope that during this stage Arnie and I will have so much money we don't know what to do with it :p
I also want to have already travelled most of Europe, have gone back to the Philippines a few times, and have around 3 pugs running around our house. I also want my mum to have a comfortable life during this time. She'll be 54 during this time.
Ten Years From Now...
I just want to be a happy, healthy, and content 37-year old. I wish all my loved ones happiness and good health during this time as well. I hope I have my second kid by this time.
Now, I tag Kiko, Jayce, Karen Kristie, and Jaz ^_^
What I was like...
20 Years Ago...
24th of August 1985. I was 7 years old. I was in my second grade in O.B. Montessori Center in Sta. Ana, Manila. I was a lanky, awkward kid - very tomboyish. I would always get scolded by my teachers for being "talkative." I think now they call that ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Hahahaha! Other than that, I can't remember anything else that I have done in school during that time.
It was during this time that the Cure released the album "Head on the Door," the first ever album I purchased myself.
Menudo was big then, and I clearly remember going to their concert at the PICC with my mum and some friends. Lea Salonga was part of the act. Hahahaha! Baduy!
The song "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" was getting heavy airplay. I originally loved Curt more than I did Roland but in time I began to love Roland more. No idea why I made the sudden switch, maybe his rather ooh la la physique in the video of "I Believe"... nah, that's the reason why I love him again :p
I remember my childhood best friend Maricel and I playing EPs of Wham (Wake Me Up...cringe!), Industry (State of the Nation :p), Toni Basil (Hey Mickey), and Madonna (Borderline). We would dance to these songs every single day!
MTV was always on the telly. I clearly remember all those 80s music videos and how I have memorized some of the dance moves. It was a fantastic era for music.
15 Years Ago...
24th of August 1990. I was in first year high school at La Consolacion College in Mendiola, Manila - an all-girl Catholic school. It was my mum's punishment for being a naughty kid all throughout grade school in OBMC. I was in section St. Monica, and there was nothing saintly about our section. Our section was where all of the new students and naughty kids were. I'm both :p
During the first half of the year, I was part of the cool, trouble-making group. We would get into all sorts of shit, bullying the other girls, having "relationships" with others then leave them crying. Hahaha! I was a nutter back then! A few of my friends got caught for shoplifting at the Gift Gate shop along Centro Escolar. The principal knew I was part of that group but because I was excelling in my studies and was getting remarkable grades, she didn't have any ground to be suspicious of me.
The next half I decided to break out of that awful group and just lay low. I actually made the nicest friends during this time. I was still excelling in school. My last "relationship" actually lasted up till the day I had to leave LCC and transfer back to my alma mater, OBMC. My mum thought that LCC was doing me more harm than good :p
I was still living in Sta. Ana during this time. I was still hanging out with my neighbourhood pals.
10 Years Ago...
24th of August 1995. I was already in my first year of undergraduate studies in La Salle. I started out majoring in Philosophy until I got bored with it and decided to shift to Literature and Japanese Studies. I was kind of "seeing" my best friend David then. He actually started of as a boyfriend before we became such great friends!
La Salle was good to me in a sense that my so-called "weirdness" was not considered weird and my individuality was appreciated. I found that there were people much more nuts than I was! Hahaha!
I made great friends whom I still have great friendships with till this day. Ryan, whom was a great friend from high school, became my blockmate in La Salle. This only served to strengthen our friendship that to this day, we never go over a couple of days without chatting over MSN! As much as he should be whom I consider my best friend, he is more of a brother to me than anything ^_^
The professors were really cool. La Salle made me think outside the square and encouraged me to question everything that I ever believed in. Imagine, the teachings imparted by a known Catholic University like La Salle was actually the reason why I'm an non-practicing Catholic :p The irony of it! Hahaha!
It was also during my stint in Uni that I decided to completely ditch David as a pseudo-boyfriend and get a proper boyfriend - big mistake. Thus begins my 3 year saga with the idiot boyfriend :(
5 Years Ago...
24th of August 2000. I have been staying in Australia for 6 months during this time. I was living alone in Melbourne. I have broken off with the idiot boyfriend over the phone. Nothing like living in a foreign country and getting your head bashed against the wall of reality to make you realize that he was not the one for me. Without even thinking twice, I ditched him. It was the cowardly thing to do because I did it over the phone and not to his face when I was still in Manila, but I was so blinded.
It was this time that I started regaining my self-confidence and my sense of self-worth. That previous relationship completely destroyed the person that I was. I was slowly working to getting back everything that I have lost - my sense of self.
I have not met Arnie as of yet. I met him a month later, and we've been together ever since ^_^
3 Years Ago...
24th of August 2002. I just had my car for a month then. I have only been driving for 2 months. It was a rather exciting time for me then. My mum and I were saving up for our holiday in Manila on December of the same year. Have already been going out with Arnie for almost 2 years at this time. My mum and I were still living in a flat in Footscray at the time. We were already shopping around to buy our house.
I was already promoted to Department Manager at this stage, if I remember correctly I've been in position for a year then. I was very excited about the upcoming Manila holiday too.
Last Year...
24th of August 2004. What happened here? Nothing much, just work, seeing Arnie and stuff... Oh, we just got Meeko about 2 months before then! My little baby puggy who became such a dear addition to our lives!
Last Night...
23rd of August 2005. I was in YM with my two aunties in Japan and my mum who was beside me all the time. We chatted until 12:30 am about my wedding plans :)
Mum and I stayed up till 2 am and chatted. We haven't done that for awhile. It was fun.
Today...
Busy at work. Chatting with Arnie and Ryan in MSN while working - breaks the monotony. I have printed heaps of journal articles from the net in preparation for my second assignment.
Next Year...
... plans of buying a house with Arnie. We're also saving up for the wedding ^_^ I'll be graduating from Uni as well, a postgrad degree holder :p I hope that by this time I would have been promoted to a higher paying job with more responsibilities and with more demands (I'm a masochist :p)
Five Years From Now...
I would be 32 then. Hopefully I already have my first kid. I will be in the company for ten years then and will be taking my long service leave (3 months). I might plan to move to another kind of job, hopefully in the arts sector (art galleries, stuff like that). I hope that during this stage Arnie and I will have so much money we don't know what to do with it :p
I also want to have already travelled most of Europe, have gone back to the Philippines a few times, and have around 3 pugs running around our house. I also want my mum to have a comfortable life during this time. She'll be 54 during this time.
Ten Years From Now...
I just want to be a happy, healthy, and content 37-year old. I wish all my loved ones happiness and good health during this time as well. I hope I have my second kid by this time.
Now, I tag Kiko, Jayce, Karen Kristie, and Jaz ^_^
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
What I have learned from TFC...
Okay, this thing they call "Bora" back in the Philippines just popped up when I was watching TFC (The Filipino Channel, powered by ABS-CBN) at a friend's place last Saturday night. I have not watched any Filipino shows for the past 3 years since I last went back to Manila for holidays. There is an actual TV show called "Bora" that happens to be quite popular.
When I heard "Bora" and that a lot of Filipinos go there, I was like "Sheesh, are Filipinos that rich that they could afford it?" I was so clueless! My filipino friends here gave me an odd look and said, "Bora? You don't know what Bora is?" I was like, "Duh, no!" They gave me an incredulous look and said, "Boracay!"
I was like "WTF?" And here I thought it was this Bora... as in the French Polynesian Island! This is the place where people spend up to $A5000 for just 3 nights! Can you just imagine my disbelief when I thought this was the "Bora" filipinos were referring to and frequent?
Sheesh...
***
Nothing against Boracay, mind you. I was there a while back and have enjoyed my stay. But then, we are going back to a time when it was a small paradise in the middle of all this clear blue water, when the place did not have a lot of tourists, and when the place was not laden with pedophiles. I liked it better back then.
***
It was also during the TFC marathon that I found out there is "Pinoy Big Brother." Hahahahaha! What a riot!
I thought it was actually cool that the Filipinos have finally jumped the bandwagon and decided to let the voyeur in all of us come out and play. Then, I saw the housemates. I couldn't be more fake than that! Are people meant to believe that ordinary Filipinos are like that? Whatever happened to just getting average Jane and Joe participate in a show where they can win money, a house and lot, and a car? Surely these people they chose to be "housemates" don't really need it! The fun of watching Big Brother is that you get to see people from all walks of life battle it out in the biggest psychological experiment ever!
I guess it all has to do with the anti-"jologs" system that filos seem so dead set to follow. Honestly! Tsk tsk tsk...
When I heard "Bora" and that a lot of Filipinos go there, I was like "Sheesh, are Filipinos that rich that they could afford it?" I was so clueless! My filipino friends here gave me an odd look and said, "Bora? You don't know what Bora is?" I was like, "Duh, no!" They gave me an incredulous look and said, "Boracay!"
I was like "WTF?" And here I thought it was this Bora... as in the French Polynesian Island! This is the place where people spend up to $A5000 for just 3 nights! Can you just imagine my disbelief when I thought this was the "Bora" filipinos were referring to and frequent?
Sheesh...
***
Nothing against Boracay, mind you. I was there a while back and have enjoyed my stay. But then, we are going back to a time when it was a small paradise in the middle of all this clear blue water, when the place did not have a lot of tourists, and when the place was not laden with pedophiles. I liked it better back then.
***
It was also during the TFC marathon that I found out there is "Pinoy Big Brother." Hahahahaha! What a riot!
I thought it was actually cool that the Filipinos have finally jumped the bandwagon and decided to let the voyeur in all of us come out and play. Then, I saw the housemates. I couldn't be more fake than that! Are people meant to believe that ordinary Filipinos are like that? Whatever happened to just getting average Jane and Joe participate in a show where they can win money, a house and lot, and a car? Surely these people they chose to be "housemates" don't really need it! The fun of watching Big Brother is that you get to see people from all walks of life battle it out in the biggest psychological experiment ever!
I guess it all has to do with the anti-"jologs" system that filos seem so dead set to follow. Honestly! Tsk tsk tsk...
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Video of the week 7...
It has been awhile since I last posted my video of the week slot! I got a bit obsessive with Interpol for awhile there since that fantastic concert! It'll be etched in my memory for a long time!
Now, I'm feeling quite perky for some reason. Is it because my best mate is coming to visit in 2 weeks time? Is it because my life is where I want it to be? Or is it because I have the most wonderful man beside me these past 1-month-shy-of-5-years?
I guess it's all of the above!
Well, here is my video choice for the week... quite perky... with Robert Smith leading! Yay!
Mint Car
The sun is up
I'm so happy I could scream!
And there's nowhere else in the world I'd rather be
Than here with you
It's perfect
It's all I ever wanted
I almost can't believe that it's for real
I really don't think it gets any better than this
Vanilla smile
And a gorgeous strawberry kiss!
Birds sing we swing
Clouds drift by and everything is like a dream
It's everything I wished
Never guessed it got this good
Wondered if it ever would
Really didn't think it could
Do it again?
I know we should!!!
The sun is up
I'm so fizzy I could burst!
You wet through and me headfirst
Into this is perfect
It's all I ever wanted
Ow! It feels so big it almost hurts!
Never guessed it got this good
Wondered if it ever would
Really didn't think it could
Do it some more?
I know we should!!!
Say it will always be like this
The two of us together
It will always be like this
Forever and ever and ever...
Never guessed it got this good
Wondered if it ever would
Really didn't think it could
Do it all the time?
I know that we should!!!
- by the Cure from the album Wild Mood Swings
Now, I'm feeling quite perky for some reason. Is it because my best mate is coming to visit in 2 weeks time? Is it because my life is where I want it to be? Or is it because I have the most wonderful man beside me these past 1-month-shy-of-5-years?
I guess it's all of the above!
Well, here is my video choice for the week... quite perky... with Robert Smith leading! Yay!
Mint Car
The sun is up
I'm so happy I could scream!
And there's nowhere else in the world I'd rather be
Than here with you
It's perfect
It's all I ever wanted
I almost can't believe that it's for real
I really don't think it gets any better than this
Vanilla smile
And a gorgeous strawberry kiss!
Birds sing we swing
Clouds drift by and everything is like a dream
It's everything I wished
Never guessed it got this good
Wondered if it ever would
Really didn't think it could
Do it again?
I know we should!!!
The sun is up
I'm so fizzy I could burst!
You wet through and me headfirst
Into this is perfect
It's all I ever wanted
Ow! It feels so big it almost hurts!
Never guessed it got this good
Wondered if it ever would
Really didn't think it could
Do it some more?
I know we should!!!
Say it will always be like this
The two of us together
It will always be like this
Forever and ever and ever...
Never guessed it got this good
Wondered if it ever would
Really didn't think it could
Do it all the time?
I know that we should!!!
- by the Cure from the album Wild Mood Swings
Friday, August 19, 2005
The official announcement of the MLIM special...
The title of my blog is "My Life in Melbourne". There is a reason for that. This blog is meant to chronicle my life in this beautiful city and along the way, educate my readers on what Melbourne is all about.
I have decided to put up an on-going MLIM (My Life In Melbourne) special regarding different topics... like, the best pub in Melbourne, or the best coffee in Melbourne, stuff like that. Of course, I know that my findings would be rather subjective (for example, I would never say Starbucks serves the best coffee because I don't like Starbucks...). I just hope that this would serve as an informative tool for people who wish to come to this city and get a head start as to what are the best, hippest, and coolest places to go and see.
So, WATCH THIS SPACE! I hope you'll enjoy this added part to my blog, as much as I'll enjoy testing out heaps of yummy goodies!
I have decided to put up an on-going MLIM (My Life In Melbourne) special regarding different topics... like, the best pub in Melbourne, or the best coffee in Melbourne, stuff like that. Of course, I know that my findings would be rather subjective (for example, I would never say Starbucks serves the best coffee because I don't like Starbucks...). I just hope that this would serve as an informative tool for people who wish to come to this city and get a head start as to what are the best, hippest, and coolest places to go and see.
So, WATCH THIS SPACE! I hope you'll enjoy this added part to my blog, as much as I'll enjoy testing out heaps of yummy goodies!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Best friend update!
Got a text message from best friend Dave. He's arriving in Melbourne on the 30th of August and leaving for Sydney on the morning of the 3rd of September.
It's such a short time! Damn!
Oh well, no matter. At least I'll be seeing him again after all these years...
Here are the text messages exchanged between us yesterday:
Dave: (to Mig and I) hey guys, were arrvng n melb0urne n tuesday aug 30 ar0und 1-2 pm then leavng satrdy m0rning 4 sydney. We'll b stayng at the darling towers in collins st.
Me: Hey dave. U want me to pick u guys up?
Dave: Hmm lets see, il ask my aunt muna if she made arrangements. txt u back by tmrw btw, 1st m0onthsary namin tmrw (referring to gf)
Me: Congrats :p mig and i are so excited to see you na!
Dave: Yeah, 4 the first tme in years c0mplete tay0ng 3 wish nga na i c0uld stay with u guys l0nger bt il try my best n0t to sleep sa 4 days na y0n haha
Me: We won't make u sleep! So much to do in so little time!
Dave: Haha yeah, we'll sit n a circle and slap each0thr awake wen we see one ab0ut to d0ze off m exctd na!
Me: Oh btw, if it's not much of a hassle can you buy a couple of vcds 4 me? Bagets1 and 2. I'll pay you when u get here
Dave: Hahaha jennie u read my mind! Was jst abt to txt u na if u wanted anythng frm manila pls txt miguel too 4 wat he wants pls? I have a few hrs today nd n sunday to shop 4 stuff esp winter gear. Hve thick jacket and gloves na. B0nnet nalang and probably thermal underware haha that enuf to keep me warm kaya?
Me: Wow! You'll be all ready! Haha! Let's hope that the weather gets warmer by d time u get here. Thx bud! U think u find the vcds? Baduy ko no? Haha!
Dave: Haha no c0ment il try my best to find th0se old vcds wish me luck...
... and there...
This shows who is more text proficient between us, huh? Hahaha!
I can't contain my excitement! I get to take a few days off work as well! Yay! I love my boss!
It's such a short time! Damn!
Oh well, no matter. At least I'll be seeing him again after all these years...
Here are the text messages exchanged between us yesterday:
Dave: (to Mig and I) hey guys, were arrvng n melb0urne n tuesday aug 30 ar0und 1-2 pm then leavng satrdy m0rning 4 sydney. We'll b stayng at the darling towers in collins st.
Me: Hey dave. U want me to pick u guys up?
Dave: Hmm lets see, il ask my aunt muna if she made arrangements. txt u back by tmrw btw, 1st m0onthsary namin tmrw (referring to gf)
Me: Congrats :p mig and i are so excited to see you na!
Dave: Yeah, 4 the first tme in years c0mplete tay0ng 3 wish nga na i c0uld stay with u guys l0nger bt il try my best n0t to sleep sa 4 days na y0n haha
Me: We won't make u sleep! So much to do in so little time!
Dave: Haha yeah, we'll sit n a circle and slap each0thr awake wen we see one ab0ut to d0ze off m exctd na!
Me: Oh btw, if it's not much of a hassle can you buy a couple of vcds 4 me? Bagets1 and 2. I'll pay you when u get here
Dave: Hahaha jennie u read my mind! Was jst abt to txt u na if u wanted anythng frm manila pls txt miguel too 4 wat he wants pls? I have a few hrs today nd n sunday to shop 4 stuff esp winter gear. Hve thick jacket and gloves na. B0nnet nalang and probably thermal underware haha that enuf to keep me warm kaya?
Me: Wow! You'll be all ready! Haha! Let's hope that the weather gets warmer by d time u get here. Thx bud! U think u find the vcds? Baduy ko no? Haha!
Dave: Haha no c0ment il try my best to find th0se old vcds wish me luck...
... and there...
This shows who is more text proficient between us, huh? Hahaha!
I can't contain my excitement! I get to take a few days off work as well! Yay! I love my boss!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Stuff Happens...
I love theatre. It has been awhile since I last saw a play or a musical, but if there is one play I wouldn't want to miss it'll be this:
In the words of Donald Rumsfeld, American Secretary fo Defence, when asked about the looting in Baghdad after the invasion of Iraq...
Stuff Happens.
Yep, the play is called that. It is written by British playwright David Hare and showcases the events before 7/11 up until the invasion of Iraq.
Click here to read the full review of the play.
If you ever get the chance to watch this play in your cities, do so. I think this is a must see play, especially for people who believe that the war of Iraq is a complete waste of time, energy, resources, and lives. It is an excellent opportunity to watch the events unfold before your eyes in a linear fashion.
I can't wait!
In the words of Donald Rumsfeld, American Secretary fo Defence, when asked about the looting in Baghdad after the invasion of Iraq...
Stuff Happens.
Yep, the play is called that. It is written by British playwright David Hare and showcases the events before 7/11 up until the invasion of Iraq.
Click here to read the full review of the play.
If you ever get the chance to watch this play in your cities, do so. I think this is a must see play, especially for people who believe that the war of Iraq is a complete waste of time, energy, resources, and lives. It is an excellent opportunity to watch the events unfold before your eyes in a linear fashion.
I can't wait!
Monday, August 15, 2005
Who turned down the bleedin' thermostat?!?
Let me just rant about this freakish weather we've been having here in Melbourne.
As much as I love this city, there are times when I think this place is no better than bleedin' London... gloomy, wet, and cold...
This past week, Melbournites have been treated to the worst weather that winter has to offer. Just last week, towns around the coastline got so much snow! It was unbelievable that the flatlands had almost as much snow as up in the mountains!
Last night, Arnie and I went to the city. I had a sudden craving for Okonomiyaki, which unfortunately cannot be served because the restaurant closing in a few minutes... grrrr... So instead we shared a Tonkatsu Miso Ramen. Walking in the city was like going through a wind tunnel. Not only that, the wind was fekkin' freezing! Our chill was temporarily subdued by the hot drinks we purchased at a cafe in Lygon Street, Carlton afterwards.
Today, looking out the office window, I see that it is still gloomy, wet, and cold... and I have to go out there because I have class in a couple of hours! Grrrrrr.....
As much as I love this city, there are times when I think this place is no better than bleedin' London... gloomy, wet, and cold...
This past week, Melbournites have been treated to the worst weather that winter has to offer. Just last week, towns around the coastline got so much snow! It was unbelievable that the flatlands had almost as much snow as up in the mountains!
Last night, Arnie and I went to the city. I had a sudden craving for Okonomiyaki, which unfortunately cannot be served because the restaurant closing in a few minutes... grrrr... So instead we shared a Tonkatsu Miso Ramen. Walking in the city was like going through a wind tunnel. Not only that, the wind was fekkin' freezing! Our chill was temporarily subdued by the hot drinks we purchased at a cafe in Lygon Street, Carlton afterwards.
Today, looking out the office window, I see that it is still gloomy, wet, and cold... and I have to go out there because I have class in a couple of hours! Grrrrrr.....
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Got tagged by Karen kristie...
... this whole tagging business is rather fun I must say, and because I'm not KJ I'll do it...
1. What are the things you enjoy doing even when there's no one around you?
Playing PS2 games and PC games, reading, listening to music (usually singing along or dancing to it), driving around, having a nice cup of coffee or tea in a nice cafe, cooking, taking photos of nice scenery, watching DVDs, internet browsing, visiting art exhibitions, going to Sunday markets and hunt down cool jewellery/clothes/books/anything really! Hunting down bargains.
2. What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level?
Shopping of course! Listening to music, reading, spa, massage, consuming great tasting food and drink, being surrounded by friends and loved ones, a good laugh.
3. Tag five friends and ask them to post this
eLf
Vayie
Kat
Kiko
Jayce
1. What are the things you enjoy doing even when there's no one around you?
Playing PS2 games and PC games, reading, listening to music (usually singing along or dancing to it), driving around, having a nice cup of coffee or tea in a nice cafe, cooking, taking photos of nice scenery, watching DVDs, internet browsing, visiting art exhibitions, going to Sunday markets and hunt down cool jewellery/clothes/books/anything really! Hunting down bargains.
2. What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level?
Shopping of course! Listening to music, reading, spa, massage, consuming great tasting food and drink, being surrounded by friends and loved ones, a good laugh.
3. Tag five friends and ask them to post this
eLf
Vayie
Kat
Kiko
Jayce
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Got tagged by Vayie...
...to do these little questionnaire brought to you by the number Se7en!
Seven things that scare me...
1. Flying cockroaches
2. Moths
3. Crows
4. Snakes
5. Huge poisonous spiders
6. Meeko falling ill
7. My loved one falling ill/dying
Seven things I like most...
1. Blogging
2. Dancing in the Darkroom
3. Shopping!
4. Shoes
5. Books
6. Music!
7. Clothes
Seven important things in my room...
1. Alarm clock (I wouldn't wake up otherwise)
2. Books/magazines (handy when I have an insomnia attack)
3. any drink
4. Tigger (my plush doll given by my mum)
5. Picture of Arnie
6. Hairbrush
7. Think wooly socks (in case my feet get cold)
Seven random facts about me...
1. I have more male friends than females
2. In spite of my worldly views, I have only been with two men (you know what I mean :p)
3. I do meowing sounds towards Arnie (hahahaha!)
4. I carry Meeko around like a baby (because she IS my baby!)
5. At last count, I have around 45 pairs of shoes
6. At last count, I have around 300 cds
7. At last count, I have around 100 dvds
Seven things I plan to do before I die...
1. Travel around the world
2. Beat Imelda Marcos's record! Hahaha!
3. Own at least 5 properties across Australia
4. See The Cure live
5. Complete my novel
6. Get my PhD
7. Do something to improve quality of life in the Philippines
Seven things that I CAN do...
1. I can dance (Darkroom quality anyway :p)
2. Speed read
3. Multitask BIGTIME! (Blog, do my homework, watch tv, eat...)
4. Lie and mean every little thing I say (one of the traits my friends reckon that'll make me an excellent barrister :p)
5. Do minimal work but end up having fantastic results (yabang!)
6. Climb 1254 steps in 25 minutes!
7. Love fully
Seven things that I CAN'T do...
1. I can't swim
2. I can't be too girly
3. I can't back down especially when I know I'm right
4. I can't be ordinary
5. I can't be a conformist
6. I can NEVER like Britney Spears!
7. I can't stand male chauvinists pigs!
Seven things that attract me to the opposite sex...
1. Intelligence
2. Strong arms
3. Sense of humour
4. Ability to laugh at oneself
5. Positive thinker
6. Musical capability (able to sing, play the guitar, etc.)
7. Null body odour
Seven things that I say the most...
1. Fuck!
2. Bloody
3. Ooopsie
4. Shit
5. Idiot
6. Hai
7. Yo
Seven celebrity crushes...
1. Roland Orzabal
2. Robert Smith
3. Daniel Radcliffe
4. Colin Firth
5. Orlando Bloom
6. Kimura Takuya
7. Julian McMahon
Seven people I want to tag...
1. Kiko
2. Jaz
3. DJ
4. Yvette
5. Karen kristie
6. Wanggo
7. Jayce
Seven things that scare me...
1. Flying cockroaches
2. Moths
3. Crows
4. Snakes
5. Huge poisonous spiders
6. Meeko falling ill
7. My loved one falling ill/dying
Seven things I like most...
1. Blogging
2. Dancing in the Darkroom
3. Shopping!
4. Shoes
5. Books
6. Music!
7. Clothes
Seven important things in my room...
1. Alarm clock (I wouldn't wake up otherwise)
2. Books/magazines (handy when I have an insomnia attack)
3. any drink
4. Tigger (my plush doll given by my mum)
5. Picture of Arnie
6. Hairbrush
7. Think wooly socks (in case my feet get cold)
Seven random facts about me...
1. I have more male friends than females
2. In spite of my worldly views, I have only been with two men (you know what I mean :p)
3. I do meowing sounds towards Arnie (hahahaha!)
4. I carry Meeko around like a baby (because she IS my baby!)
5. At last count, I have around 45 pairs of shoes
6. At last count, I have around 300 cds
7. At last count, I have around 100 dvds
Seven things I plan to do before I die...
1. Travel around the world
2. Beat Imelda Marcos's record! Hahaha!
3. Own at least 5 properties across Australia
4. See The Cure live
5. Complete my novel
6. Get my PhD
7. Do something to improve quality of life in the Philippines
Seven things that I CAN do...
1. I can dance (Darkroom quality anyway :p)
2. Speed read
3. Multitask BIGTIME! (Blog, do my homework, watch tv, eat...)
4. Lie and mean every little thing I say (one of the traits my friends reckon that'll make me an excellent barrister :p)
5. Do minimal work but end up having fantastic results (yabang!)
6. Climb 1254 steps in 25 minutes!
7. Love fully
Seven things that I CAN'T do...
1. I can't swim
2. I can't be too girly
3. I can't back down especially when I know I'm right
4. I can't be ordinary
5. I can't be a conformist
6. I can NEVER like Britney Spears!
7. I can't stand male chauvinists pigs!
Seven things that attract me to the opposite sex...
1. Intelligence
2. Strong arms
3. Sense of humour
4. Ability to laugh at oneself
5. Positive thinker
6. Musical capability (able to sing, play the guitar, etc.)
7. Null body odour
Seven things that I say the most...
1. Fuck!
2. Bloody
3. Ooopsie
4. Shit
5. Idiot
6. Hai
7. Yo
Seven celebrity crushes...
1. Roland Orzabal
2. Robert Smith
3. Daniel Radcliffe
4. Colin Firth
5. Orlando Bloom
6. Kimura Takuya
7. Julian McMahon
Seven people I want to tag...
1. Kiko
2. Jaz
3. DJ
4. Yvette
5. Karen kristie
6. Wanggo
7. Jayce
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Tricky so-called "relationships"
Picture this:
Boy meets girl. Girl likes boy. Boy also likes girl but not enough to commit to a steady relationship. Girl agrees with boy that they can be "friends with benefits." Boy and girl sleep together, do everything together like normal couples do. Boy falls in love with another girl. Girl gets desperate and tries to keep boy from leaving her. Boy leaves anyway and has a relationship with the other girl. Girl is now angry at boy because she believes he cheated on her.
Now, does she have any ground to get angry at the guy?
The reason why I posted this is because I know a "couple" who went through this. The girl genuinely liked the guy, possibly even loved him to an extent. The boy really cared for her, just not in the way the girl wanted to. People say it's a rather complicated situation wherein of course, they would pinpoint the guy and say that he is at fault, he's a no-good womanizer, he's a user, etc, etc...
Personally, this is my take on this:
Yes, the guy is a user. He did use the girl for sex, as a stand-by girlfriend until someone better comes along. At the same time, the girl was at fault as well. It's not like the guy twisted her arm into getting into this so-called "relationship." She probably thought that by sleeping with the guy and being all intimate with him, he will learn to love her later on.
Now, here is the biggest mistake that every woman makes time and time again. Let me reiterate it: For men, love and sex are two completely different things! It's not hard to understand! There are women who think the same way but generally women, being the emotional and heartfelt creatures that we are, believe love and sex are part of a formula - without the other, it just won't work.
I'll be the first to admit that there are men out there who believe in love and sex going hand in hand, but it does not make them immune to the call of the flesh if needed. In the situation I have written above, this was surely the case.
I believe that there are people "built" for this kind of "relationship." Some aren't. I know I'm not, but I don't look at people any less if they are comfortable with it. I guess caution is the way to go with this because no matter how clear a person is with their intentions, we are only human and we are susceptible to succumbing to our feelings. After all, what human being does not want to love and be loved in return?
Boy meets girl. Girl likes boy. Boy also likes girl but not enough to commit to a steady relationship. Girl agrees with boy that they can be "friends with benefits." Boy and girl sleep together, do everything together like normal couples do. Boy falls in love with another girl. Girl gets desperate and tries to keep boy from leaving her. Boy leaves anyway and has a relationship with the other girl. Girl is now angry at boy because she believes he cheated on her.
Now, does she have any ground to get angry at the guy?
The reason why I posted this is because I know a "couple" who went through this. The girl genuinely liked the guy, possibly even loved him to an extent. The boy really cared for her, just not in the way the girl wanted to. People say it's a rather complicated situation wherein of course, they would pinpoint the guy and say that he is at fault, he's a no-good womanizer, he's a user, etc, etc...
Personally, this is my take on this:
Yes, the guy is a user. He did use the girl for sex, as a stand-by girlfriend until someone better comes along. At the same time, the girl was at fault as well. It's not like the guy twisted her arm into getting into this so-called "relationship." She probably thought that by sleeping with the guy and being all intimate with him, he will learn to love her later on.
Now, here is the biggest mistake that every woman makes time and time again. Let me reiterate it: For men, love and sex are two completely different things! It's not hard to understand! There are women who think the same way but generally women, being the emotional and heartfelt creatures that we are, believe love and sex are part of a formula - without the other, it just won't work.
I'll be the first to admit that there are men out there who believe in love and sex going hand in hand, but it does not make them immune to the call of the flesh if needed. In the situation I have written above, this was surely the case.
I believe that there are people "built" for this kind of "relationship." Some aren't. I know I'm not, but I don't look at people any less if they are comfortable with it. I guess caution is the way to go with this because no matter how clear a person is with their intentions, we are only human and we are susceptible to succumbing to our feelings. After all, what human being does not want to love and be loved in return?
Monday, August 08, 2005
Jennie the gamer...
My friends way back in high school would know that my hands have always had callouses... from writing too much and from playing too much SNES games (this just shows how old I really am!).
Yesterday, Arnie and I visited a gaming retail shop called EB Games at The Glen in Glen Waverley (21 kms from the CBD). The shop had an abundance of games for PS2, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo systems. While browsing through shelves of different games, I chanced upon a game called Dragonball Z Budokai. It has been out for sometime now. The shop was selling it 50% off the marked price! OMG!!!
Needless to say, I bought the little sucker and as soon as Arnie and I got home, I started playing. This game brought so many memories back - I have been an avid player of DBZ since high school, frequenting the gaming centres in Virra Mall, Greenhills and spending up to 50 pesos a pop (a lot of money back in 1994) to play the same game every single day. I was such a gaming addict!
... and I still am!
I now have a list of games I want to purchase next:
1. Mortal Kombat Deception
2. Project Zero 1 and 2 (scary shit!)
3. Battle for Middle Earth (as soon as I have my PC's video card changed!)
4. The Sims 2 University
5. Dragonball Z Budokai 2 and 3
... and I'm sure this list will just keep on getting longer...
Yesterday, Arnie and I visited a gaming retail shop called EB Games at The Glen in Glen Waverley (21 kms from the CBD). The shop had an abundance of games for PS2, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo systems. While browsing through shelves of different games, I chanced upon a game called Dragonball Z Budokai. It has been out for sometime now. The shop was selling it 50% off the marked price! OMG!!!
Needless to say, I bought the little sucker and as soon as Arnie and I got home, I started playing. This game brought so many memories back - I have been an avid player of DBZ since high school, frequenting the gaming centres in Virra Mall, Greenhills and spending up to 50 pesos a pop (a lot of money back in 1994) to play the same game every single day. I was such a gaming addict!
... and I still am!
I now have a list of games I want to purchase next:
1. Mortal Kombat Deception
2. Project Zero 1 and 2 (scary shit!)
3. Battle for Middle Earth (as soon as I have my PC's video card changed!)
4. The Sims 2 University
5. Dragonball Z Budokai 2 and 3
... and I'm sure this list will just keep on getting longer...
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Guess who's coming to visit?
Got the best text message today. My bestest bud, David, texted to say that he is visiting for one whole week! His auntie is treating him to a holiday in Australia and he asked if he could stay here in Melbourne for one week with myself and Miguel.
Yay!
Dave and I haven't seen each other for 3 years now. It's been sooooo long! He'll be here on the 2nd week of September. I'll be sure to take a week off from work so that I can show him around. We'll have so much to talk about. I can't wait!
Yay!
Dave and I haven't seen each other for 3 years now. It's been sooooo long! He'll be here on the 2nd week of September. I'll be sure to take a week off from work so that I can show him around. We'll have so much to talk about. I can't wait!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Am I Rebecca Bloomwood?
For those of you who have been living under a rock ^_^, there is a popular series classified under the "Chick Lit" category alongside Bridget Jones's Diary called "The Shopaholic Series." I have read about it and heard about it and yet I have not read the series myself. I have heaps of friends telling me I should read it because the lead character, Rebecca Bloomwood, reminds them so much of myself. I didn't give it that much attention until one of my blog punters, now blog mate Ali, placed a comment on one of my blog entries saying:
reading this entry...i cant help but think of rebecca bloomwood (from the shopaholic series book) seems like you have the same personality when it comes to shopping! have you read it?! i love her!
Now, this just interests me. A complete stranger was able to spot the similarities from just reading something I wrote... of course, the entry was about shopping and money matters. Click here to read the said entry.
I have read the first two books of the series, The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic aka Confessions of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Abroad aka Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. The former is the British title and the latter is the American title. I'll be buying the third book called Shopaholic Ties The Knot on the weekend.
Reading the first two books, I immensely enjoyed myself. I laughed with and at Rebecca for her crazy antics (all of those lame arse excuses she comes up with for not paying her bills were hilarious!), felt absolutely embarassed for her in certain situations (fluent speaker of Finnish? Hah!), and rejoiced with her for getting her life back on track. Of course, it helps that there is a hunky, filthy rich and gorgeous British man after her. Yummy!
Having read this book, a part of me cringed that my friends are right - Rebecca and I have SOME (and I stress some!) similarities. Here is the list:
- atrocious number of shoes. I too have a penchant for just opening my closet and looking at them for no particular reason.
- I have shoes and clothes that I have worn only once.
- I have the same size feet as her!
- Whenever my mum asks how much a particular item I bought costs, I lower the price by at least 40%.
- I have clothes that still have the tags attached to them - completely unworn.
- I also daydream about winning the lottery. (who doesn't?)
- I love dining out.
- I love my wine and I think it's essential.
- I buy on impulse quite a lot!
- I have in the past maxed out my cards but have paid them off since.
Now, here is a list of things wherein Rebecca and I are completely different:
- I have assets.
- I don't have an overdraft. (a 5000 pound overdraft? My God!)
- I live within my means - although I have had my weak moments.
- I pay my bills off first before I indulge myself.
- I constantly think about whether I REALLY need an item I want to buy or not
Hmmm... come to think of it, my list of similarities is longer. Argh!
Am I Rebecca Bloomwood? What do you think?
reading this entry...i cant help but think of rebecca bloomwood (from the shopaholic series book) seems like you have the same personality when it comes to shopping! have you read it?! i love her!
Now, this just interests me. A complete stranger was able to spot the similarities from just reading something I wrote... of course, the entry was about shopping and money matters. Click here to read the said entry.
I have read the first two books of the series, The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic aka Confessions of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Abroad aka Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. The former is the British title and the latter is the American title. I'll be buying the third book called Shopaholic Ties The Knot on the weekend.
Reading the first two books, I immensely enjoyed myself. I laughed with and at Rebecca for her crazy antics (all of those lame arse excuses she comes up with for not paying her bills were hilarious!), felt absolutely embarassed for her in certain situations (fluent speaker of Finnish? Hah!), and rejoiced with her for getting her life back on track. Of course, it helps that there is a hunky, filthy rich and gorgeous British man after her. Yummy!
Having read this book, a part of me cringed that my friends are right - Rebecca and I have SOME (and I stress some!) similarities. Here is the list:
- atrocious number of shoes. I too have a penchant for just opening my closet and looking at them for no particular reason.
- I have shoes and clothes that I have worn only once.
- I have the same size feet as her!
- Whenever my mum asks how much a particular item I bought costs, I lower the price by at least 40%.
- I have clothes that still have the tags attached to them - completely unworn.
- I also daydream about winning the lottery. (who doesn't?)
- I love dining out.
- I love my wine and I think it's essential.
- I buy on impulse quite a lot!
- I have in the past maxed out my cards but have paid them off since.
Now, here is a list of things wherein Rebecca and I are completely different:
- I have assets.
- I don't have an overdraft. (a 5000 pound overdraft? My God!)
- I live within my means - although I have had my weak moments.
- I pay my bills off first before I indulge myself.
- I constantly think about whether I REALLY need an item I want to buy or not
Hmmm... come to think of it, my list of similarities is longer. Argh!
Am I Rebecca Bloomwood? What do you think?
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Tea Too, the place to be...
... for all your tea needs! (I sound like a bad ad campaign!)
photo from shoppingsecret
Tea Too (aka T2) is one of those shops that just grows on you whether or not you're a big tea drinker. I love my tea and this happens to be one of my favourite shops. They have everything tea related - from tea cups, pots, strainers, perculators, and of course, over 200 different varieties of tea! They even have a few pots of different kinds of tea available for the consumer who wants to have a little taste before they decide to buy anything.
photo from shoppingsecret
Being the Chai addict that I am, I went and got myself a 500 gram pack of chai loose leaf tea. I actually had a taste of T2 chai in a restaurant that my friend and I went to in Acland Street, St. Kilda on the night of the Billy Corgan gig. It is by far the best Chai Tea Latte I have ever tasted! Move over Starbucks... I have no use for you anymore! ^_^
I've been happily drinking my chai religiously every night, brewing it in a teapot, pouring it into a huge mug with steamed milk, honey, and cinnamon powder on top. Yum!!!
I also got:
- a 250 gram pack of the Turkish Apple Tisane. It's made up of ground apple and sugar. It's an excellent drink hot or cold.
- a 250 gram pack of English Breakfast black tea. It's the perfect pick-me-up in the morning!
- a 250 gram pack of Sencha Imperial green tea. I am a big fan of green tea in general, but this is the best I have tasted by far.
I am actually running out of chai so I would have to make a mad dash and get a bigger pack this time.
photo from shoppingsecret
Tea Too (aka T2) is one of those shops that just grows on you whether or not you're a big tea drinker. I love my tea and this happens to be one of my favourite shops. They have everything tea related - from tea cups, pots, strainers, perculators, and of course, over 200 different varieties of tea! They even have a few pots of different kinds of tea available for the consumer who wants to have a little taste before they decide to buy anything.
photo from shoppingsecret
Being the Chai addict that I am, I went and got myself a 500 gram pack of chai loose leaf tea. I actually had a taste of T2 chai in a restaurant that my friend and I went to in Acland Street, St. Kilda on the night of the Billy Corgan gig. It is by far the best Chai Tea Latte I have ever tasted! Move over Starbucks... I have no use for you anymore! ^_^
I've been happily drinking my chai religiously every night, brewing it in a teapot, pouring it into a huge mug with steamed milk, honey, and cinnamon powder on top. Yum!!!
I also got:
- a 250 gram pack of the Turkish Apple Tisane. It's made up of ground apple and sugar. It's an excellent drink hot or cold.
- a 250 gram pack of English Breakfast black tea. It's the perfect pick-me-up in the morning!
- a 250 gram pack of Sencha Imperial green tea. I am a big fan of green tea in general, but this is the best I have tasted by far.
I am actually running out of chai so I would have to make a mad dash and get a bigger pack this time.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
From Tagboard to Shoutbox
Tagboard has been fucking around for the past few weeks. I decided it's time for a change and use shout box. A lot of my friends have been using this service and have been raving about it.
Make sure you guys shout out, ayt?
Cheers!
Make sure you guys shout out, ayt?
Cheers!
Monday, August 01, 2005
Interpol - The Australian Tour
The day after the Billy Corgan gig that my friend Mig and I saw, my partner Arnie and I went to the Metro Nightclub to catch the Interpol gig. As much as I enjoyed the Billy gig the previous night, the Interpol gig by far was the best live show I have ever seen in the past few years.
For one, the venue was so much more relaxed. Smoking and drinking is allowed. People could move around more, get closer to the band to watch if they wanted. Arnie and I opted to take the unobstructed balcony view. It was perfect, only that we didn't get to see Sam Fogarino (the drummer) that well. We had an excellent view of Paul, Daniel, and Arnie's fave, Carlos D.
As soon as Paul walked out and the lights went on, I saw how blue his eyes are and I was mesmerized. Then, the first few notes of "Next Exit" played and the whole place just roared. Interpol fans are so fun to watch, everybody was so involved, singing and dancing along.
This is the complete set list of that night:
Next Exit
Say Hello To The Angels
NARC
Length Of Love
C'mere
Not Even Jail
Hands Away
Slow Hands
Public Pervert
Take You On A Cruise
Evil
PDA
Encore:
Untitled (NYC crossed out originally)
Obstacle 1
Roland
The most memorable moment for me was when they played "PDA". I actually teared up, probably partly because of the smoky venue, but it was best feeling I've ever felt. When Paul was just playing the last few rifts of the song, he lit a cigarette, took in the audience and the venue, clearly enjoying himself.
Paul summarized the whole atmosphere of the show by saying, "You guys are fucking awesome, thank you."
No, thank you Paul. I hope you and the boys come back very soon.
Here are some pictures I took that night. Enjoy!
For one, the venue was so much more relaxed. Smoking and drinking is allowed. People could move around more, get closer to the band to watch if they wanted. Arnie and I opted to take the unobstructed balcony view. It was perfect, only that we didn't get to see Sam Fogarino (the drummer) that well. We had an excellent view of Paul, Daniel, and Arnie's fave, Carlos D.
As soon as Paul walked out and the lights went on, I saw how blue his eyes are and I was mesmerized. Then, the first few notes of "Next Exit" played and the whole place just roared. Interpol fans are so fun to watch, everybody was so involved, singing and dancing along.
This is the complete set list of that night:
Next Exit
Say Hello To The Angels
NARC
Length Of Love
C'mere
Not Even Jail
Hands Away
Slow Hands
Public Pervert
Take You On A Cruise
Evil
PDA
Encore:
Untitled (NYC crossed out originally)
Obstacle 1
Roland
The most memorable moment for me was when they played "PDA". I actually teared up, probably partly because of the smoky venue, but it was best feeling I've ever felt. When Paul was just playing the last few rifts of the song, he lit a cigarette, took in the audience and the venue, clearly enjoying himself.
Paul summarized the whole atmosphere of the show by saying, "You guys are fucking awesome, thank you."
No, thank you Paul. I hope you and the boys come back very soon.
Here are some pictures I took that night. Enjoy!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Billy Corgan - The Future Embrace Tour
Last Tuesday, July 26, my good friend Mig and I went to Billy Corgan's first ever solo tour in Australia - The Future Embrace Tour. The venue was at the Palais Theatre, located at the heart of St. Kilda, one of the hippest suburbs by the beach in Melbourne.
Needless to say, the show was awesome. I only know three of Billy's solo songs but the show was still quite enjoyable. The first few songs was a bit awkward since the Palais is a sitted venue and no one is willing to get up and get rowdy. Finally, after 5 songs the audience decided to get up and get loud. I was very happy about this.
Billy's band was awesome. They are called "The Fellowship of Broken Toys, comprising of Billy (obviously!), Matt Walker, Brian Liesegang, and Linda Strawberry (such a cool chick).
Their sound has a strong electronica influence, infused with that Pumpkins sound. It was a fantastic set, all songs coming from Billy's album. They did not play any Pumpkins songs much to the disappointment of a lot of people. I personally did not mind it so much. It was still Billy anyway.
The show ended in a rather awkward note when some idiotic mole asked Billy at the end of the show when he decided to talk to the audience if the Pumpkins are getting back together. I thought that was an inappropriate and stupid question. Billy left, waving to the audience, and turned his back.
Wow, that moment was so awkward for everyone!
Mig and I went to the side entrance to meet Billy, possibly even get to touch him/talk to him. Being the short arse that I am, I wasn't so lucky. Mig, the lucky bastard, was able to touch Billy's hand! Argh!!!!
Oh well, good for him!
Here are some photos I would like to share with you guys of that wonderful night. Enjoy!
If you want to listen to Billy's songs, check out his blog (yes, he has his own blog folks!)
Needless to say, the show was awesome. I only know three of Billy's solo songs but the show was still quite enjoyable. The first few songs was a bit awkward since the Palais is a sitted venue and no one is willing to get up and get rowdy. Finally, after 5 songs the audience decided to get up and get loud. I was very happy about this.
Billy's band was awesome. They are called "The Fellowship of Broken Toys, comprising of Billy (obviously!), Matt Walker, Brian Liesegang, and Linda Strawberry (such a cool chick).
Their sound has a strong electronica influence, infused with that Pumpkins sound. It was a fantastic set, all songs coming from Billy's album. They did not play any Pumpkins songs much to the disappointment of a lot of people. I personally did not mind it so much. It was still Billy anyway.
The show ended in a rather awkward note when some idiotic mole asked Billy at the end of the show when he decided to talk to the audience if the Pumpkins are getting back together. I thought that was an inappropriate and stupid question. Billy left, waving to the audience, and turned his back.
Wow, that moment was so awkward for everyone!
Mig and I went to the side entrance to meet Billy, possibly even get to touch him/talk to him. Being the short arse that I am, I wasn't so lucky. Mig, the lucky bastard, was able to touch Billy's hand! Argh!!!!
Oh well, good for him!
Here are some photos I would like to share with you guys of that wonderful night. Enjoy!
If you want to listen to Billy's songs, check out his blog (yes, he has his own blog folks!)
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Video of the week 7...
Last night was the best night ever! I was at the Metro with Arnie where we watched Interpol. It was the best gig I've been to for the past few years! Wow! I'll share photos and stuff on a later post, including some photos of the Billy Corgan gig I went to last Tuesday.
I thought I'd share this particular video with you guys since this happens to be one of my most favourite songs from their album "Turn on the Bright Lights".
PDA
yours is the only version of my desertion that I could ever subscribe to
that is all that I can do
you are a past dinner the last winner I'm raking all around me
until the last drop is behind you
you're so cute when you're frustrated, dear
you're so cute when you're sedated, dear
i'm resting
sleep tight, dream right, we have two hundred couches
where you can sleep tight, dream right, we have two hundred couches
where you can sleep tight, dream right, we have two hundred couches
where you can sleep tonight, sleep tonight, sleep tonight, sleep tonight
- From the album Turn on the Bright Lights
I thought I'd share this particular video with you guys since this happens to be one of my most favourite songs from their album "Turn on the Bright Lights".
PDA
yours is the only version of my desertion that I could ever subscribe to
that is all that I can do
you are a past dinner the last winner I'm raking all around me
until the last drop is behind you
you're so cute when you're frustrated, dear
you're so cute when you're sedated, dear
i'm resting
sleep tight, dream right, we have two hundred couches
where you can sleep tight, dream right, we have two hundred couches
where you can sleep tight, dream right, we have two hundred couches
where you can sleep tonight, sleep tonight, sleep tonight, sleep tonight
- From the album Turn on the Bright Lights
Monday, July 25, 2005
Piracy of HBP
It's barely a couple of weeks since the release of HBP that I came across this link I found in Tobie's blog.
Piracy has reached a new level! My God!
I wonder if JKR has already caught wind of this? It's really worrying!
Piracy has reached a new level! My God!
I wonder if JKR has already caught wind of this? It's really worrying!
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Money issues...
I just came home from:
a. an appointment with my accountant. I got my tax return done and I have received a surprisingly hefty amount of money for my claim! Yay!
b. spending money by shopping, shopping, shopping! Well, not a lot anyway. I got myself a nice pink knit jumper, an iPod mini armband (to make listening to music while working out easy), food items from the Filipino grocery at the market, hair products, and medicine (for migraine and female problems :p).
I love payday. On top of that, I also received the company's reimbursement for my university fees. I paid the bills, car registration, insurance...
Tomorrow, I want to go to the city to decide if I'm going to get that cute pair of shoes from Steve Madden or that pair from Nine West...
Ah, decisions, decisions...
*****
It's funny how old I feel now. Rewind back a few years, I would have spent the extra money on things I don't really need and I wouldn't have given the bills that needed paying a second thought. Now, I actually paid all my bills FIRST before I bought stuff for myself. Probably the only thing amongst the stuff I bought that could be a luxury item is the pink jumper. Everything else I really needed. Well, I guess if I decide to buy the shoes tomorrow that would be the other.
I have been planning since last month to buy a Burberry bag and wallet. Now that I have the money to pay for it, I couldn't be bothered. In the back of my head, I know that I don't really need it at the moment. Probably later on when I don't have any bills to pay (which is impossible - there is ALWAYS bills to pay).
Money is such an excellent thing when you're younger. When you're older, it sucks big time. So many issues... was it Notorious BIG that said "Mo' money, mo' problems?" Well, he's right.
a. an appointment with my accountant. I got my tax return done and I have received a surprisingly hefty amount of money for my claim! Yay!
b. spending money by shopping, shopping, shopping! Well, not a lot anyway. I got myself a nice pink knit jumper, an iPod mini armband (to make listening to music while working out easy), food items from the Filipino grocery at the market, hair products, and medicine (for migraine and female problems :p).
I love payday. On top of that, I also received the company's reimbursement for my university fees. I paid the bills, car registration, insurance...
Tomorrow, I want to go to the city to decide if I'm going to get that cute pair of shoes from Steve Madden or that pair from Nine West...
Ah, decisions, decisions...
*****
It's funny how old I feel now. Rewind back a few years, I would have spent the extra money on things I don't really need and I wouldn't have given the bills that needed paying a second thought. Now, I actually paid all my bills FIRST before I bought stuff for myself. Probably the only thing amongst the stuff I bought that could be a luxury item is the pink jumper. Everything else I really needed. Well, I guess if I decide to buy the shoes tomorrow that would be the other.
I have been planning since last month to buy a Burberry bag and wallet. Now that I have the money to pay for it, I couldn't be bothered. In the back of my head, I know that I don't really need it at the moment. Probably later on when I don't have any bills to pay (which is impossible - there is ALWAYS bills to pay).
Money is such an excellent thing when you're younger. When you're older, it sucks big time. So many issues... was it Notorious BIG that said "Mo' money, mo' problems?" Well, he's right.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Conquered the Rialto!
Wow, I can't believe that my team actually finished! We finished in 25 minutes! It was very hard work, the higher we got, the harder it was to breathe. I honestly thought it was impossible for a person to sweat in the middle of winter, but there we were drenched and dripping in sweat. Eeeeewwww!
I am fitter than I thought I was. I thought that after I climbed the last step in the 55th floor and crossed the finish line, I wouldn't be able to walk. But here I am, in front of my computer at school, putting in this entry (the lecturer is just blabbing in the background :p). I feel fine, really good as a matter of fact.
I believe I deserve to have a nice big meal for dinner and a long hot bath when I get home.
Thanks to Gary, Rebecca, and Geoff for joining me in this seemingly "idiotic" challenge. I think we did our company proud (my boss was quite happy to sponsor us for this event).
I am very happy that I have done something as physically challenging as this. Next stop: the Women's fun run on December...
Might as well start training again ^_^
I am fitter than I thought I was. I thought that after I climbed the last step in the 55th floor and crossed the finish line, I wouldn't be able to walk. But here I am, in front of my computer at school, putting in this entry (the lecturer is just blabbing in the background :p). I feel fine, really good as a matter of fact.
I believe I deserve to have a nice big meal for dinner and a long hot bath when I get home.
Thanks to Gary, Rebecca, and Geoff for joining me in this seemingly "idiotic" challenge. I think we did our company proud (my boss was quite happy to sponsor us for this event).
I am very happy that I have done something as physically challenging as this. Next stop: the Women's fun run on December...
Might as well start training again ^_^
Thursday, July 21, 2005
The Rialto Run-Up
Tomorrow will be the test of my physical fitness and endurance. Four of us from my company have signed up for the annual Rialto Run-Up. This event takes place at the Rialto Tower, the tallest building in Melbourne. The Run-up is basically a competition of who makes it first to the top floor, on foot, all 1254 steps of it!
I know, I'm insane!
I guess I just want to gauge how fit I have become these past two years of religiously working out.
Wish me luck!
I know, I'm insane!
I guess I just want to gauge how fit I have become these past two years of religiously working out.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Kick off the winter chill
It's the middle of July, the middle of winter, and it's just getting colder everyday. Melbournians have different ways of trying to keep warm, some more enjoyable than others.
One of the best ways to keep warm would be the intake of nice hot drinks. Melbourne has a huge selection of cafes, restaurants, and night spots where people can go.
I have a few favourite places that I go to where I grab a nice hot drink to beat the winter chill:
Starbucks - how can you miss this place, honestly? If the saying, "there are more lawyers than rats" is anything to go by, well... I think this also applies to Starbucks. In the city of Melbourne alone, there may be close to 10 shops. It is very hard-pressed not to find one. My favourite drink is the Chai Tea Latte. I am not a big fan of Starbucks coffee because I have tasted better coffee than theirs. I think that their Chai Tea Latte, however, has redeemed them in my eyes.
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - there are only a few CBTL's in Melbourne for some reason, but I find their Arabica coffee beans the best! I especially love their Caramel Latte and Ice Blended Coffees! I always ask for a double shot in my lattes since I love the taste of Arabica coffee.
Max Brenner - for all chocoholics, this place is for you! Chocolate drinks, desserts, pastries, everything! Just coming to this place makes me break out because of chocolate overload. That said, my most favourite is the Mexican Chocolate drink... hot milk chocolate with chilli - such a yummy treat especially on a cold night!
Pellegrino's - this place has been in Bourke Street, Melbourne for almost 50 years. You walk into this place and the place looks like a cafe from a 50's - high stools, huge coffee bar, an Italian- speaking barista, photos of old Italy, Italian pastries - it's a fantastic place! It's cheap, the coffee is fabulous, and they also serve homemade Italian dishes. Their pasta pomodoro is way yummy!
Il Primo - one of the Italian Restaurants situated in Little Italy - Lygon Street, Carlton. A jazz band plays here on the weekends, creating a relaxing atmosphere for patrons. My favourite is their Mochacchino in a very tall glass. Yum!
Stokers - this place, you got to know where you're going or you'll get lost! It's in a suburb called Heidelberg. The place may be out of people's way, but this doesn't stop them from driving down! This is the best place to hang out in winter, I reckon. As soon as you go in, you are greeted by friendly staff. At the center is a huge fireplace. The atmosphere is reminiscent of those old jazz coffee clubs, and sure enough the music that they play is, of course, jazz! Stoker's speciality is their pancakes - savoury and sweet. I personally love their strawberry pancakes with ice cream, bolognese pancake with a side of asparagus soup if available, and their yummy marshmallow chocolate!
Well, these are my favourites. The dilemma of living in a city like Melbourne is that you are spoilt for choice. In every corner, there is a coffee shop and 80% of the time, it's pretty descent coffee! This is really bad for coffee and tea addicts like myself...
One of the best ways to keep warm would be the intake of nice hot drinks. Melbourne has a huge selection of cafes, restaurants, and night spots where people can go.
I have a few favourite places that I go to where I grab a nice hot drink to beat the winter chill:
Starbucks - how can you miss this place, honestly? If the saying, "there are more lawyers than rats" is anything to go by, well... I think this also applies to Starbucks. In the city of Melbourne alone, there may be close to 10 shops. It is very hard-pressed not to find one. My favourite drink is the Chai Tea Latte. I am not a big fan of Starbucks coffee because I have tasted better coffee than theirs. I think that their Chai Tea Latte, however, has redeemed them in my eyes.
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - there are only a few CBTL's in Melbourne for some reason, but I find their Arabica coffee beans the best! I especially love their Caramel Latte and Ice Blended Coffees! I always ask for a double shot in my lattes since I love the taste of Arabica coffee.
Max Brenner - for all chocoholics, this place is for you! Chocolate drinks, desserts, pastries, everything! Just coming to this place makes me break out because of chocolate overload. That said, my most favourite is the Mexican Chocolate drink... hot milk chocolate with chilli - such a yummy treat especially on a cold night!
Pellegrino's - this place has been in Bourke Street, Melbourne for almost 50 years. You walk into this place and the place looks like a cafe from a 50's - high stools, huge coffee bar, an Italian- speaking barista, photos of old Italy, Italian pastries - it's a fantastic place! It's cheap, the coffee is fabulous, and they also serve homemade Italian dishes. Their pasta pomodoro is way yummy!
Il Primo - one of the Italian Restaurants situated in Little Italy - Lygon Street, Carlton. A jazz band plays here on the weekends, creating a relaxing atmosphere for patrons. My favourite is their Mochacchino in a very tall glass. Yum!
Stokers - this place, you got to know where you're going or you'll get lost! It's in a suburb called Heidelberg. The place may be out of people's way, but this doesn't stop them from driving down! This is the best place to hang out in winter, I reckon. As soon as you go in, you are greeted by friendly staff. At the center is a huge fireplace. The atmosphere is reminiscent of those old jazz coffee clubs, and sure enough the music that they play is, of course, jazz! Stoker's speciality is their pancakes - savoury and sweet. I personally love their strawberry pancakes with ice cream, bolognese pancake with a side of asparagus soup if available, and their yummy marshmallow chocolate!
Well, these are my favourites. The dilemma of living in a city like Melbourne is that you are spoilt for choice. In every corner, there is a coffee shop and 80% of the time, it's pretty descent coffee! This is really bad for coffee and tea addicts like myself...
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Harry Potter fever!
I bought it, read it, and enjoyed it!
Please read my full review of the Half-Blood Prince here.
Major spoilers in that review! You have been warned!
Please read my full review of the Half-Blood Prince here.
Major spoilers in that review! You have been warned!
Video of the week 6...
This week's video is by Interpol, a New York band whose music and style is reminiscent of Joy Division.
I have the priviledge of seeing them live on the 27th of July!!!
Enjoy!!!
Obstacle 1
i wish i could eat the salt off of your lost faded lips
we can cap the old times make playing only logical harm
we cap the old lines make playing that nothing else will change
well she can read, she can read, she can read, she can read, shes bad
she can read, she can read, she can read, she bad, oh shes bad
but its different now that im poor and im aging
ill never see this place again
youll go stabing yourself in the neck
and we can find new ways of living make playing only logical harm
and we can top the old times clay making that nothing else will change
but she can read, she can read, she can read, she can read, shes bad
she can read, she can read, she can read, shes bad, oh shes bad
but its different now that im poor and im aging
ill never seen this place again
youll go stabing yourself in the neck
but its different now that im poor and im aging
ill never seen this place again
youll go stabing yourself in the neck
its in the way that she poses
its in the things that she puts in my heart
her stories are boring and stuff
shes always calling my bluff
she puts the, she puts the weights in to my little heart and she gets in my room and she takes apart
she puts the weights into my little heart
i said she puts the weights into my little heart
she packs it away, she packs it away, she packs it away, she packs it away,
she packs it away, she packs it away, she packs it away
its in the way that she walks, everythings different now
she puts the weights in my heart
she puts the, she puts the weights into my little heart
- From the album Turn on the Bright Lights August 2002
I have the priviledge of seeing them live on the 27th of July!!!
Enjoy!!!
Obstacle 1
i wish i could eat the salt off of your lost faded lips
we can cap the old times make playing only logical harm
we cap the old lines make playing that nothing else will change
well she can read, she can read, she can read, she can read, shes bad
she can read, she can read, she can read, she bad, oh shes bad
but its different now that im poor and im aging
ill never see this place again
youll go stabing yourself in the neck
and we can find new ways of living make playing only logical harm
and we can top the old times clay making that nothing else will change
but she can read, she can read, she can read, she can read, shes bad
she can read, she can read, she can read, shes bad, oh shes bad
but its different now that im poor and im aging
ill never seen this place again
youll go stabing yourself in the neck
but its different now that im poor and im aging
ill never seen this place again
youll go stabing yourself in the neck
its in the way that she poses
its in the things that she puts in my heart
her stories are boring and stuff
shes always calling my bluff
she puts the, she puts the weights in to my little heart and she gets in my room and she takes apart
she puts the weights into my little heart
i said she puts the weights into my little heart
she packs it away, she packs it away, she packs it away, she packs it away,
she packs it away, she packs it away, she packs it away
its in the way that she walks, everythings different now
she puts the weights in my heart
she puts the, she puts the weights into my little heart
- From the album Turn on the Bright Lights August 2002
Friday, July 15, 2005
Harry Potter/Continuum
So many things happening this weekend. Today marks the start of Continuum, "an annual Melbourne speculative fiction and pop culture convention celebrating creativity across genre and media". This is its third year and promises to be bigger and better. For one thing, Neil Gaiman, the most celebrated and award-winning creator of the Sandman series and most recently, the upcoming film Mirrormask, will be one of the guests of honour.
I failed to purchase my convention tickets on time. Damn! Not only that, it clashes with my schedule because I have classes later in the afternoon. Grrrr! I won't be able to go to tomorrow's thing as well since it also happens to be the long-awaited release of the sixth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! I pre-purchased my copy about a month ago and I'll be damned if I don't get it first thing tomorrow morning!
So, that leaves tomorrow evening. What activities are there left for me to do? Well, the Maskobalo happens to be on from 9:00 pm onwards. It's a Masquerade Ball and costuming should be tied in with Continuum 3's theme: creatures natural and unnatural. So, think gothic, fantastic, science fiction, medieval... this just happens to be right up my alley! Entrance is only $10 a person! How cheap is that!
You think that it's easy for me to say, "Yeah, I'll definitely go?" Nah! Not until I saw on the Continuum website that Doctor Who is touring Australia for the first time! The sixth and the seventh doctor will be onstage discussing with the audience what its like to be a timelord, view classic footage, and discuss several plots used in the show. Of course, this thing starts at 8 pm in a venue nowhere near where the Maskobalo is being held!
Arrrrggghhhh! Can you hear my frustration???
Probably the only event I'll be able to attend throughout this whole sci-fi convention thingy will be Neil Gaiman's book signing at the State Library on Monday. I'll just have to dig up all my Sandman comic books...
*****
My friend Bec mentioned to me just this morning that a good friend of hers has a tattoo on her lower back. She wasn't able to describe the tattoo design to me in full detail, just that it came from a Neil Gaiman comic book - most likely Sandman. She said that when Neil Gaiman came to Melbourne a few years back, she got him to sign her lower back next to the tattoo. She got his signature tattooed on her the very same day! How cool is that? Needless to say, they became pretty good friends after that.
Neil contacted Bec's friend yesterday. They went for lunch together and Neil asked her to accompany him while he shopped for clothes. Since he just came from Manila where the weather was quite hot, he wasn't ready for Melbourne crisp and cold weather. Apparently, he looked a bit "grungy" so when he presented his AMEX platinum card, some of the shopkeepers looked at him funny. Then younger shopkeepers would recognize him and say "It's okay. He's Neil Gaiman, don't you know?"
That would have been a really neat thing to witness, I reckon.
I failed to purchase my convention tickets on time. Damn! Not only that, it clashes with my schedule because I have classes later in the afternoon. Grrrr! I won't be able to go to tomorrow's thing as well since it also happens to be the long-awaited release of the sixth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! I pre-purchased my copy about a month ago and I'll be damned if I don't get it first thing tomorrow morning!
So, that leaves tomorrow evening. What activities are there left for me to do? Well, the Maskobalo happens to be on from 9:00 pm onwards. It's a Masquerade Ball and costuming should be tied in with Continuum 3's theme: creatures natural and unnatural. So, think gothic, fantastic, science fiction, medieval... this just happens to be right up my alley! Entrance is only $10 a person! How cheap is that!
You think that it's easy for me to say, "Yeah, I'll definitely go?" Nah! Not until I saw on the Continuum website that Doctor Who is touring Australia for the first time! The sixth and the seventh doctor will be onstage discussing with the audience what its like to be a timelord, view classic footage, and discuss several plots used in the show. Of course, this thing starts at 8 pm in a venue nowhere near where the Maskobalo is being held!
Arrrrggghhhh! Can you hear my frustration???
Probably the only event I'll be able to attend throughout this whole sci-fi convention thingy will be Neil Gaiman's book signing at the State Library on Monday. I'll just have to dig up all my Sandman comic books...
*****
My friend Bec mentioned to me just this morning that a good friend of hers has a tattoo on her lower back. She wasn't able to describe the tattoo design to me in full detail, just that it came from a Neil Gaiman comic book - most likely Sandman. She said that when Neil Gaiman came to Melbourne a few years back, she got him to sign her lower back next to the tattoo. She got his signature tattooed on her the very same day! How cool is that? Needless to say, they became pretty good friends after that.
Neil contacted Bec's friend yesterday. They went for lunch together and Neil asked her to accompany him while he shopped for clothes. Since he just came from Manila where the weather was quite hot, he wasn't ready for Melbourne crisp and cold weather. Apparently, he looked a bit "grungy" so when he presented his AMEX platinum card, some of the shopkeepers looked at him funny. Then younger shopkeepers would recognize him and say "It's okay. He's Neil Gaiman, don't you know?"
That would have been a really neat thing to witness, I reckon.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Political travesty and other musings...
After a month long hiatus from reading Philippine news, I decided to bring up the Philippine Star webpage. Being an alumnus of O.B. Montessori, it has become a habit of mine to read this particular newspaper since I was in high school. It was required of us to buy the paper everyday (because the school president is married to the paper's editor-in-chief :p). I thought it was a total bore and a complete waste of time and money. Now that I'm older, I appreciate that the Philippine Star has a bevy of intelligent and reputable journalists that I enjoy reading. I especially enjoy reading the opinion columns because it's thought provoking and entertaining at the same time.
As I was going through the opinion columns, one thing struck me. Teodoro Benigno's column "Here's the Score" is not there. It completely slipped my mind that he passed away not so long ago. His column happens to be the one that I enjoy most. Mr. Benigno has a flare for language that one cannot easily find anymore. He came from a generation wherein patriots are people who really love their country and would do things for the greater good, not for their own personal gain. He came from a generation of gentlemen who are well-read, well-spoken, and well-educated. He came from a generation of free-thinkers and hardworkers. He came from a generation who, unfortunately, are down to their last numbers.
I respect the man. He was a journalist through and through. He epitomised the very essence of what a journalist should be: brave, in constant search for the truth, cannot be bought, and most especially, a defender of freedom.
I miss his wit, his candor, his humour. Max Soliven could never replace him, for there can never be another Teddy Benigno.
*****
So, GMA is being called to resign from office. Does this mean that there will be another insurgency calling people out into the streets to force her out of office like what they did to Estrada? Does this mean that the constitutional process will be shoved away in a bin again?
How convenient.
The Philippines often prides itself of being a democratic country. Where is the democracy in this hoopla? Kick a president out if you're sick of them? In GMA's case, she has been accused of cheating during the previous elections. Fair enough, there is a reason as to why the people are angry. But, can't the Philippines for once try to solve this in the most democratic and legal way possible? Aren't the people in the government concerned as to how foolish the country looks like to the rest of the world?
Confused, apathetic, ang jaded.
With the way things are going back home, I cannot really blame the educated people trying desperately to leave the country. It just seems so hopeless.
*****
Speaking of jaded, a huge percentile of the educated class in the Philippines are in a state of apathy. This is a huge concern. In my opinion, it's this group that make a huge difference in how the country is governed. If you have the intelligent people just living their own lives and just don't give a crap, then it's the uneducated masa that is going to take control. Gasp!
I don't mean to sound elitist or anything. From the way I see it, the masa are as jaded and apathetic as the educated class. In their point of view, whomever offers the most money to buy their vote will get the vote. Because of poverty, unemployment, and massive reproduction especially by the poor, the people in government feel that they could make a mockery out of the system that the country's forefathers has fought so hard for.
It is definitely a sick, sad world.
As I was going through the opinion columns, one thing struck me. Teodoro Benigno's column "Here's the Score" is not there. It completely slipped my mind that he passed away not so long ago. His column happens to be the one that I enjoy most. Mr. Benigno has a flare for language that one cannot easily find anymore. He came from a generation wherein patriots are people who really love their country and would do things for the greater good, not for their own personal gain. He came from a generation of gentlemen who are well-read, well-spoken, and well-educated. He came from a generation of free-thinkers and hardworkers. He came from a generation who, unfortunately, are down to their last numbers.
I respect the man. He was a journalist through and through. He epitomised the very essence of what a journalist should be: brave, in constant search for the truth, cannot be bought, and most especially, a defender of freedom.
I miss his wit, his candor, his humour. Max Soliven could never replace him, for there can never be another Teddy Benigno.
*****
So, GMA is being called to resign from office. Does this mean that there will be another insurgency calling people out into the streets to force her out of office like what they did to Estrada? Does this mean that the constitutional process will be shoved away in a bin again?
How convenient.
The Philippines often prides itself of being a democratic country. Where is the democracy in this hoopla? Kick a president out if you're sick of them? In GMA's case, she has been accused of cheating during the previous elections. Fair enough, there is a reason as to why the people are angry. But, can't the Philippines for once try to solve this in the most democratic and legal way possible? Aren't the people in the government concerned as to how foolish the country looks like to the rest of the world?
Confused, apathetic, ang jaded.
With the way things are going back home, I cannot really blame the educated people trying desperately to leave the country. It just seems so hopeless.
*****
Speaking of jaded, a huge percentile of the educated class in the Philippines are in a state of apathy. This is a huge concern. In my opinion, it's this group that make a huge difference in how the country is governed. If you have the intelligent people just living their own lives and just don't give a crap, then it's the uneducated masa that is going to take control. Gasp!
I don't mean to sound elitist or anything. From the way I see it, the masa are as jaded and apathetic as the educated class. In their point of view, whomever offers the most money to buy their vote will get the vote. Because of poverty, unemployment, and massive reproduction especially by the poor, the people in government feel that they could make a mockery out of the system that the country's forefathers has fought so hard for.
It is definitely a sick, sad world.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Manic Monday...
These are the days when you wish your bed is already made...
- The Bangles
On a Monday night, I find myself in front of the computer doing some light research (while I'm writing this :p). It's the first day of second semester, and our kindly lecturer has given us our first assignment. What a way to welcome us back from a month long break!
I found myself this morning leading a short-staffed team. There were only three of us doing the work of five people! Oh well, it'll be good since everybody will be really busy. No time for bludging.
The results of the first semester came out today. I got a Credit on both subjects - not very happy about it. My boss was happy though, so I shouldn't complain too much. To the people who may not know the circumstances behind my decision to study again, my company sent me to do a post graduate degree. This means that as long as I pass my subjects, they will gladly pay for my tuition and other miscellaneous fees. This also means that the company is looking at promoting me later on, thus giving me more money! And what fool says no to money, 'ey?
Last night, I found myself in the company of Arnie and friends at the ever popular Crown Casino, not for the gambling but for the delicious buffet dinner that the Conservatory is known for - a full seafood, asian, western, and dessert buffet for A$58.50. It was a bit steep, but it was worth it.
The weekend has been busy, full of fun activities. Today has also been busy, full of not-so fun activities. Between school and work on a Monday and Friday, sigh... only I would have classes in the beginning of the week and the start of the weekend. 4:30 - 7:30 pm on both classes. Sigh...
It's just the start of the week and I'm already dead tired. I wonder how the rest of the week would fare?
- The Bangles
On a Monday night, I find myself in front of the computer doing some light research (while I'm writing this :p). It's the first day of second semester, and our kindly lecturer has given us our first assignment. What a way to welcome us back from a month long break!
I found myself this morning leading a short-staffed team. There were only three of us doing the work of five people! Oh well, it'll be good since everybody will be really busy. No time for bludging.
The results of the first semester came out today. I got a Credit on both subjects - not very happy about it. My boss was happy though, so I shouldn't complain too much. To the people who may not know the circumstances behind my decision to study again, my company sent me to do a post graduate degree. This means that as long as I pass my subjects, they will gladly pay for my tuition and other miscellaneous fees. This also means that the company is looking at promoting me later on, thus giving me more money! And what fool says no to money, 'ey?
Last night, I found myself in the company of Arnie and friends at the ever popular Crown Casino, not for the gambling but for the delicious buffet dinner that the Conservatory is known for - a full seafood, asian, western, and dessert buffet for A$58.50. It was a bit steep, but it was worth it.
The weekend has been busy, full of fun activities. Today has also been busy, full of not-so fun activities. Between school and work on a Monday and Friday, sigh... only I would have classes in the beginning of the week and the start of the weekend. 4:30 - 7:30 pm on both classes. Sigh...
It's just the start of the week and I'm already dead tired. I wonder how the rest of the week would fare?
Friday, July 08, 2005
Friday night musings...
Very irregular of me to spend a Friday night at home when I could be in the darkroom at Club Retro dancing the night away. Arnie is away sick, the poor thing. He caught the flu and needed rest. I slept over his place last night, braving it regardless of the fact that I could very well catch whatever bug he has. I already had the flu a month ago and I think it is highly unlikely of me to catch it again.
Anyway, the nights have become colder. It has become quite unbearable to walk down the city and enjoy the sights. Now, it has become a matter of rushing off to the nearest shop to thaw out or into a coffee shop to warm up. Being a creature of habit, I went to the city anyway after work. I needed to relax. I had quite a taxing day at work. I mentioned a few posts back that one of my staff tendered her resignation. The reasons behind it weren't pleasant. She was sick and was going to undergo a major operation. She felt that she can no longer be a full time employee because of this, that she had to concentrate on getting better. Fair enough, her health is more important over anything else. It was her last day today and my team were sad to see her go. We started in the company at the same time and she just seemed to be one of those type of employees who would stay in the place forever. Well, just shows how wrong I was to make that assumption.
So, I went to the city after work. Arnie met me regardless of his condition. We had dinner, each of us having a heaping serve of Chinese noodle soup. We did some window shopping. I finally checked out the prices of a Burberry bag and wallet that I have had my eye on for yonks! Hopefully in a couple of weeks, I'll have it in my pretty little hands! I got a grande Chai Tea Latte and Arnie got a Caramel Mocha from Starbucks. It just made walking down the city streets so much more bearable. I bought him the DVD of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, the only one in the series he doesn't have - aside from Sith, of course. The price dropped from A$41 to A$15!
We were heading to the car to get home (this was around 8:00pm) when a woman who was well-dressed and rather well-spoken asked us for money because her car ran out of petrol. She proceeded to tell us a rather elaborate story of how she was driving from work to get home then her car just conked out, how she went to a petrol station to fill up the car when she saw that her wallet was also stolen along the way (and she has no idea how this happened), and how she went to the police for help and that they actually offered to drive her home, only that she could not leave her car where she parked it (it was a hospital zone) because it will get towed and she will end up having a $400 bill for it. Whew!
We didn't give her any money.
Why? Well, it's not that she didn't look unreliable or anything like that. It's just that nowadays, you never know what these people will use the money for. She may not look like a druggie, but there has been recent rather disturbing reports that most women professionals who are addicted to crack/cocaine do not look like your everyday druggie. Scary!
Besides, any responsible car owner won't be stupid enough to let their fuel gauge run that low.
*****
For the past three years, I have endeavoured to make myself lead a healthy lifestyle. After my staff member's health problems and my other staff member's cancer scare, it made me look at how well I take care of myself.
As much as I am a regular gym goer and the fact that I have not smoked a cigarette for a good three years, I am ashamed to say that I have not gone to a doctor to get checked up on ANYTHING for the past 6 years! Well, that is excluding dental work. Those I really have to get done!
The last medical checkup I had was when I applied for my migration visa all those years ago.
Pitiful, absolutely pitiful.
Note to self: arrange doctor's appointment IMMEDIATELY!
Anyway, the nights have become colder. It has become quite unbearable to walk down the city and enjoy the sights. Now, it has become a matter of rushing off to the nearest shop to thaw out or into a coffee shop to warm up. Being a creature of habit, I went to the city anyway after work. I needed to relax. I had quite a taxing day at work. I mentioned a few posts back that one of my staff tendered her resignation. The reasons behind it weren't pleasant. She was sick and was going to undergo a major operation. She felt that she can no longer be a full time employee because of this, that she had to concentrate on getting better. Fair enough, her health is more important over anything else. It was her last day today and my team were sad to see her go. We started in the company at the same time and she just seemed to be one of those type of employees who would stay in the place forever. Well, just shows how wrong I was to make that assumption.
So, I went to the city after work. Arnie met me regardless of his condition. We had dinner, each of us having a heaping serve of Chinese noodle soup. We did some window shopping. I finally checked out the prices of a Burberry bag and wallet that I have had my eye on for yonks! Hopefully in a couple of weeks, I'll have it in my pretty little hands! I got a grande Chai Tea Latte and Arnie got a Caramel Mocha from Starbucks. It just made walking down the city streets so much more bearable. I bought him the DVD of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, the only one in the series he doesn't have - aside from Sith, of course. The price dropped from A$41 to A$15!
We were heading to the car to get home (this was around 8:00pm) when a woman who was well-dressed and rather well-spoken asked us for money because her car ran out of petrol. She proceeded to tell us a rather elaborate story of how she was driving from work to get home then her car just conked out, how she went to a petrol station to fill up the car when she saw that her wallet was also stolen along the way (and she has no idea how this happened), and how she went to the police for help and that they actually offered to drive her home, only that she could not leave her car where she parked it (it was a hospital zone) because it will get towed and she will end up having a $400 bill for it. Whew!
We didn't give her any money.
Why? Well, it's not that she didn't look unreliable or anything like that. It's just that nowadays, you never know what these people will use the money for. She may not look like a druggie, but there has been recent rather disturbing reports that most women professionals who are addicted to crack/cocaine do not look like your everyday druggie. Scary!
Besides, any responsible car owner won't be stupid enough to let their fuel gauge run that low.
*****
For the past three years, I have endeavoured to make myself lead a healthy lifestyle. After my staff member's health problems and my other staff member's cancer scare, it made me look at how well I take care of myself.
As much as I am a regular gym goer and the fact that I have not smoked a cigarette for a good three years, I am ashamed to say that I have not gone to a doctor to get checked up on ANYTHING for the past 6 years! Well, that is excluding dental work. Those I really have to get done!
The last medical checkup I had was when I applied for my migration visa all those years ago.
Pitiful, absolutely pitiful.
Note to self: arrange doctor's appointment IMMEDIATELY!
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