My 2007
I began 2007 with a beautiful Neil Gaiman quote sent to me by Bianca: "May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art - write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." And Ma-an said: "...I'd like to wish you the same thing I wished for myself...To surround yourself with people who will NEVER let you lose your sense of awe and wonder, and who will refresh your childlike spirit."
I had a feeling that 2007 was going to be a very sociable year. And it was! Likewise, my year unfolded as dear Mr. Gaiman said it would with art and love and many strange things in between (Gaiman and son were part of my magical, whimsical 2007, too!). So here’s my personal review of the year that was, and I wish you will all look back on 2007 with fond memories and will look forward to 2008 with grace and hope.What is/are the best thing/s you did in 2007?I traveled a lot. And sang like a closet-karaoke princess unleashed. And I started writing (not sure if it’s going to be a short story or a novella). Somewhere in that travelogue/series of tragic love stories is Miggy’s favorite (something that actually happened to a friend of ours at work) which begins with the line “They met on the bus from Kalibo to Caticlan”.
What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?Singsnapped without shame, engaged in intimate conversations with complete strangers speaking in 5 different languages (thank the Lord for the international language of charades), started my Christmas shopping at the end of November (I usually start in September), facilitated a particular Search-in activity alone for the first time without any notes, and took Layla and Max out with Bianca but without a yaya.
What was/were the best place/s you visited in 2007?Everywhere I went was great! Yes, even Singapore, Intramuros and Pasig! I was surprised that India (at least Delhi and Agra) was not bad at all. In fact, I seriously want to go back! Portugal wasn’t part of my and Gars’ original itinerary, but Lisboa in particular turned out to be the highlight of my first trip to Europe. Santiago de Compostella was more emotional than I thought it would be, and to think I didn’t actually walk there like all the other pilgrims.
What was/were the best meal/s you had in 2007?Davao lechon on my birthday. Filet de beuf (?) at Cuillere in Serendra. All the food in India, Singapore (soft shell chili crab noodles!), Spain and Portugal. The herb rice I made for Christmas dinner (if I may say so myself, hehehe).
What was/were the best drink/s you had in 2007?India’s Kingfisher Beer (it saved me from Delhi Belly), Estrella Damm and Damm Limon in Barcelona, and all the wine in Portugal.
What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?More time to write, a better eye and faster trigger finger for photography, and more money and leave days to travel.
What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?27 September 2007. “You really know all the U2 albums!”
What was your biggest achievement of the year?Exploring new places and sharing a bathroom with people I don’t know (you have no idea how out-of-the-box that is for a creature of comfort like me). Not selling Leslie/Anna and Kit/Cay out while hosting their weddings (well, not
completely selling them out, hahaha).
What was your biggest failure?I started smoking again. And something that made one of the senior managers want to tear off my hair.
Did you suffer illness or injury?Something with my knees and more back pain. Ask Katkat's Kuya Bunny. I’m falling apart!
What was/were the best thing/s you bought?A cheap little MP3 player/FM radio, Panasonic Lumix TZ-3, and new travel gear. Red espadrilles for Layla (they’re so cute!), digital photoframe for my Mom, a book with the lyrics of almost all of Bruce Springsteen’s songs for Bianca,
Disney Trivial Pursuit for my family.
Whose behavior merited celebration?Gars’ (map reader extraordinaire) and Vince’s (the man with the plan): because they put up with me while traveling. And Bianca’s: someone had to mind my dog while I was away.
Whose behavior appalled and/or depressed you?Out of the 5 on my list in 2005, one remains. Will people ever change?
Where did most of your money go?To Europe.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?Going to the Taj Mahal…for free! Having Davao lechon on my birthday. Visiting La Sagrada Familia. Attending mass at the Catedral de Santiago de Compostella. Anna I. cooking her kalderetang callos. Meeting Neil Gaiman again and my niece Alyssa Nielsen for the first time. My cousin John coming home after 20+ years.
What song/s will always remind you of 2007?Mr. Brightside by The Killers,
Everlong by The Foo Fighters, ‘Til Tuesday’s
Voices Carry,
With or Without You and
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2,
Umbrella by Rihanna (that stupid song haunted me for months), Mariza’s
Chuva (I think it means “rain” in Portuguese), everything on Chris Daughtry’s album, the songs from
High School Musical (1 *and* 2!), and all the ‘80’s music on my MP3 player/FM radio that seemed to know to what song to play for every situation (eerie).
Compared to this time last year, are you:i. happier or more sad? – Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? – So much fatter, it’s ridiculous.
iii. richer or poorer? – Definitely poorer. But richer in spirit (
naks!).
What do you wish you'd done more of?Same list since 2005: attended more Search-In Alabang retreats, some work-related stuff that I can't explain, worked on my photography skills, studied Spanish seriously,...
What was the best book you read?It’s a tie between
The Stone Gods by Jeanette Winterson and
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell.
What was your greatest musical discovery?Fado (traditional Portuguese music).
What did you want and get?Last year, I wrote “I am determined to swim at least 1,000 meters every weekend and to train for an 8-day 120 km. trek from Leon to Santiago de Compostella in September (it will happen! I know it will! I'll make it happen!).” And I did swim that much almost every weekend and I worked out 2 to 3 times a week until September. I didn’t walk to Santiago, but I made it there!
What was/were the best movie/s you saw in 2007?Definitely,
300.
Enchanted was a welcome surprise.
30 Days of Night was pretty good, production-wise, as was
The Golden Compass. I also liked
Stranger Than Fiction.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?Had a little get-together at home. Age? I love Europe – hardly anyone thought I was a day over 25.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?Ah, well, there’s a ridiculously long answer to that one which includes visiting Jaipur and Goa, wiping out a particular store in Delhi, having more shopping money in Spain for Desigual and Stradivarius, having my family spend a week with me in Singapore (thank God for Geia, Justin, Cecile, and Cherry), and some work-related things. Should you decide to engage Andaya and Gars on a drunken (or even sober) conversation on my non-existent lovelife, they will gladly tell you EVERYTHING that could have made my 2007 immensely more satisfying.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?I would like to thank the powers that be at Chevron for allowing me to finally afford one blouse at Zara.
What kept you sane?My dog. My niece. My workmates Lynnette and Ruthie. My travel buddies. My fellow Singsnappers.
Who was/were the best new person/people you met?Everyone I met at the Lisbon Lounge Hostel and the Tuesday Club.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:I can share many!
Walang amoy sa Delhi. I can actually carry a tune to save my life. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known each other; you just never really know anyone half as much as you think you do…which makes sharing a drink or a bathroom such an interesting experience. The Iberian Peninsula has the largest concentration of good looking men. The best way to go “sightseeing” is with a camera that has 10x optical zoom (right, Ate Kat?). Expat guys always get the girls, but not all expat girls get guys. Had you met under different circumstances, some of the people you’re friends with wouldn’t be your friends; yet you band together not because you’re used to each other or been through a lot together, but because you wouldn’t have it any other way. The bread and butter served in Portuguese restaurants don’t come for free. The absolute best chocolate cake, chocolate and butter cupcakes, and food for the gods comes from the kitchen of the Dels. Your family (even your extended family) will always be there no matter what. My Mom and my dog really love me.
What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself:Mabait ka pala (said by someone at work).
The most touching experience you've had this year?The pilgrims’ mass in Santiago de Compostella.
What did you like most about yourself in 2007?I think I grew as person, know what I mean?
What did you hate most about yourself in 2007?I grew sideways, too.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:I am everything you want. I am everything you need. I am everything inside of you that you wish you could be. I say all the right things at exactly the right time, but I mean nothing to you and I don’t know why (Vertical Horizon).
Was 2007 a good year for you?YES! VERY! It was absolutely fantastic!
What was your favorite moment of the year?Ayan ang “too many to mention”! Meeting Neil Gaiman for the second time. Seeing Neil Gaiman’s son! Stalking said son with Bianca. Bianca and I spending an entire morning shopping with Layla. Layla running around Bonifacio High Street. Everything about Lisboa. Everything about my dog, Max. Andaya’s reaction to
300. Andaya calling from someone’s beautiful bathroom. This one night at Capone’s. The Big Fish party with Gabby, Gars and Mike Mendoza. Vince not wanting to swim in Delhi. Vince’s
kwento about his trip to the Delhi Zoo. Shopping with Khun Lek. Gars finding me in the middle of the street in Valdaura (how bizarre). The look on Gars’ face when I said I almost fell out a window at La Sagrada Familia. Gars crossing the bridge in Porto. Gars and I getting
kilig over an email I got from… Barcelona’s
Feste dela Merce. Everyone’s reaction to Kit and Cay’s engagement. Kit pacing before his wedding ceremony began. Leslie singing to Anna. Miggy singing with Rit-rit. Benjor singing
Bad and
The Killing Moon. The day I spent with Gabby like we were still in High School. The Vargas Reunion. Hanging out with my first cousins. Jay Ignacio’s Shakespearean encounter. The look on Tristan’s face when he realised the copy we gave him of
Beowolf was autographed by Neil Gaiman. And the list goes on and on and on….
What was your least favorite moment of the year?Ahhh…let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot here, shall we?
Do you have a new years resolution for 2008?Again, I am determined to swim at least 1,000 meters every weekend and to train for our
300 themed Christmas party.
What was your favorite month of 2007?Mid-September to early October.
What was your favorite record from 2007?Mariza’s
Fado Em Mim.
How many concerts did you see in 2007?I think I saw 3 (Titani, Femme Fatale, Taylor Hicks). Wait, how many times did we sing in Gabby’s house? Is Jay’s Evenstar Project gig in mag:net counted?
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2007 and change something, what would it be?There are so many moments of 2007 that I wish I could change….
What are your plans for 2008?The only things I’m sure of are work-related and some travel plans with family and friends (Singapore F1 in September – if we can find race tickets, Bangkok United reunion in Lumpini Park and Chiang Mai in December, Christmas with my Dad in California).
How are you different now that 2007 has ended?I'm a lot happier now that I was before.
What are your wishes for the new year?An end to global warming [insert award-winning capped-tooth smile here]. Thank you. I love you all! Good night!
Why I Live in the Philippines
Check this out. Got it via email. The ones in red are the ones that really piss me off about this country and the people who do not help make things better. Why do *I* live in the Philippines? Man, despite all the crap, it's just so much more fun here!*****
WHY I LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES
When I travel people often ask me why I live in the Philippines.
Well, here it is, the only place on earth...
...Where every street has a basketball court.
...Where even lawyers and engineers are unemployed....Where doctors study to become nurses for employment abroad....Where students pay more money than they will earn aftewards.
...Where school is considered the second home and the mall the third.
...Where call-center employees earn more than teachers and nurses. (C: !!!!!)...Where mutineers get elected senators....Where luxury cars are being destroyed.
...Where the press people are the most powerful. (C: Check out Sid's blog post about the ones who were arrested at the Pen last month. So true!)...Where the priest knows everything about politics....Where everyone has his personal ghost story and superstition.
...Where mountains like Makiling and Banahaw are considered holy places.
...Where you can buy a school diploma on the street....Where everything can be forged.
...Where Starbucks coffee is more expensive than gas. (C: And mind you, no one complains about price increases at Starbucks!)...Where flyovers bring you from the freeway to the side streets.
...Where people cross the street under the overpass and not using the overpass.
...Where crossing the street involves running for your dear life.
...Where the personal computer is mainly used for games and Friendster.
...Where protesters with anti-American sentiments are wearing a pair of Hanes and Levis.
...Where street protest is 12/7 activities and considered a living.
...Where colonial mentality is dishonesty denied!
...Where 4 a.m. is not even considered bedtime yet.
...Where people can pay to defy the law.
...Where everything and everyone is spoofed.
...Where even the poverth-stricken get to wear Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.
...Where the honking of car horns is a way of life.
...Where floodwaters take up more than 90 percent of the streets during rainy season.
...Where everyone has a relative abroad who keeps them alive.
...Where wearing made in the Philippines clothes makes you baduy.
...Where even the poverty-stricken have the latest cell phones.
...Where insurance and educational plan don't work.
...Where the government makes the people pray for miracles.
...Where fast food is a diet meal.
...Where traffic signs are merely suggestions, not regulations.
...Where the definition of traffic is 'non-movement' of vehicles.
...Where the WWII fighter planes are used for military engagements, and the new fighter planes are displayed in museums.
...Where cigarettes and alcohol are necessity, and where the lottery is a commodity.
...Where soap operas tell the realities of life and where the news provides the drama.
...Where actors make the rules and where politicians provide entertainment.
...Where people can get away with stealing billions of pesos, but not a thousand....Where being an hour late is still considered punctual.
...Where late departure (ferry or plane) is considered normal.
...Where the squatters have more to complain (even if they do not pay their tax) than those employed and have their tax automatically deducted from their salaries....and where everyone wants to leave the country!
According to Manila businessman, there is so much wit in the Philippines because '...we are a country where a good sense of humor is needed to survive. This is the reason why amazingly Filipinos are one of the happiest people in the world.
We have a 24-hour comedy show here called the government and a huge reserve of comedians made up mostly of politicians and bad actors.
Now I ask you where else in the world would one want to live?
Why So Serious?
Found this on Quint's post over at Ain't It Cool News. Creepy...!
Holy $#!%, Batman!
What a poster! I love it! Can't wait to see the movie!
Depreciating Assets
One of my old classmates sent this via email. Hilarious!She deserves the answer. Happy reading.
===========================
Subject: Fw: Craigslist Posting. This is Hilarious You'll love it!
Worth taking a few min off to read it:)
POSTING: What am I doing wrong?
Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate and classy. I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes atleast half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think I'm overreaching at all.
Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around 200 - 250. But that's where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won't get me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she's not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?
Here are my questions specifically:
- Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics - bars,restaurants, gyms
- What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won't hurt my feelings
- Is there an age range I should be targeting (I'm 25)?
- Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper eastside so plain? I've seen really 'plain jane' boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I've seen drop dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What's the story there?
- Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
- How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY
Please hold your insults - I'm putting myself out there in an honestway. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I'm being up front about it. I wouldn't be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn't able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth.
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services orother commercial interests
PostingID: 432279810
THE ANSWER
Dear Pers-431649184:
I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament. Firstly, I'm not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here's how I see it.
Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a cr@ppy business deal. Here's why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here's the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity...in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't be getting any more beautiful!
So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!
So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold...hence the rub...marriage. It doesn't make good business sense to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease. In case you think I'm being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It's as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.
Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So, I wonder why a girl as "articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful"as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K hasn't found you, if not only for a tryout.
By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then we wouldn't need to have this difficult conversation.
With all that said, I must say you're going about it the right way. Classic "pump and dump."
I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of lease, let me know.
'The Golden Compass' is No 'Lord of the Rings'...or 'Da Vinci Code'
I missed the first 15 or 20 minutes of
The Golden Compass. Me? Late for a movie? And not just me. Bianca?! Late? She's almost never late for anything, especially movies. Yes, what is the world coming to. In any case, I think Chris Weis' version of
The Golden Compass, which we saw last Saturday, deserved 3 and a half stars if only for being such a fantastic production and having a near perfect cast (I still think Jason Isaacs should have played Lord Asriel). Again, it's a book I've read and a series that I love, which means there were endless comparisons to the original text. I wasn't sorely disappointed (I liked it), but I was actually worried about members of the audience who had not read the book, and took a while to understand what all those animals were doing onscreen and why Lyra's kept changing (how do you explain what a demon is without ruining the whole movie experience, right?).
I was surprised by how true the set (just the set) was to the book. It was much better than I imagined! And some (only some) of the changes from the book were handled quite well. But that "What man on this ship was once my lover?" crap...what the hell was that? That entire scene could have been handled so much better. Serafina Pekkala is such a great character, but the film kind of kept her in the background. I hope they do more with her in the second and third parts of the series.
And all the hullaballoo about this movie being anti-Christian? Please! As Bianca said, everybody saw
The Da Vinci Code anyway and it was crap. Absolute rubbish Such a horrible film translation of an exciting book. There was nothing anti-Christian about the film version of
The Golden Compass. In fact, a lot of the "free-thinking" and anti-establishment sentiments of the book were watered down. I can't remember who said it, but perhaps parents who decide to take their kids to see
The Golden Compass should spend some time to discuss the movie with their children and use that as a springboard for exploring and strengthening their Faith, etc., etc. Seeing the film or reading the book will not destroy a weak person's Faith. If anything, such a person may need guidance, but that's it. It's nowhere as direct an attack on the Church as
The Da Vinci Code and is a far superior film.
So because I missed the beginning and want to enjoy a worry-free movie experience, I want to see it again. I so want to like this movie the way I care about
300,
Star Wars and
The Lord of the Rings, but I can't. My cousins hated it. I thought a lot could have been done better. Well, it's better than
The Chronicles of Narnia and
Stardust, that much I can say. I didn't have to suffer through two hours of Claire Danes.
Over at Ain't It Cool News, someone commented that Peter Jackson would have done a phenomenal job with
The Golden Compass. I think Peter Jackson would have done an outstanding job with
Stardust, too (as Jay I. pointed out, I'm sure he would have been smart enough to consult Charles Vess). Alas, there can only be one
The Lord of the Rings and it's still the ultimate fantasy book-to-film translation to beat.
US Travel Advisory
This email has been making the rounds. Better to be safe than sorry.U.S. Immigration , U.S. Department of Homeland Security Travel AdvisoryThis information is very alarming and I think it's worth sharing to save you from trouble and embarrassment.
A Filipino friend shared this email. His friend who works for Homeland Security as Immigration Inspector at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) called him yesterday to share the information that happened last weekend.
A FIL-AM citizen who was flying to the Philippines for vacation was apprehended by an Airport Immigration agent while she was checking in her baggage and going through the X-ray machine. For some reason, she was randomly checked and was told to open all the envelopes inside her carry-on Coach bag.
They found 10 envelops addressed to different people in the Philippines. When all the envelops were opened, a total of $11,000 cash was discovered. They asked the traveller if she knew the contents of the envelope. She said no, because all the envelopes are just "padala" and the senders didn't tell her whether or not there was money inside.
Immigration agents showed her a Policy and guidance stating that it is illegal to import and export over $10,000 in any Asian countries to prevent the possibility of supporting terrorism.
She was fined $500, her name was "red labeled" by Immigration (means every time she enters and exits the airport, she will be searched 100%), and she also missed her scheduled flight to the Philippines for being held almost 5 hours. Hard to believe that departing passengers from the U.S. are also subject to the policy, but looks like it is being strictly enforced now.
The lessons learned is before you accept any "padala", make sure the envelopes are open and you physically see the contents of it or just plainly say "sorry but I can't accept any padala" for your own safety.
Wed Nov 14, 2007 9:38 pm (PST) This email came from a former U.S. Embassy employee and this could be useful to all balikbayans
Subject: TRAVEL ADVISORY FROM AMERICAN EMBASSY MANILA
Please share this with your friends and relatives.
Please be informed of the recent travel advisory to the United States.
However, not only pirated VCDs/DVDs are on the hot list. Customs officials are also looking into fake bags like Louis Vuitton, Coach, etc. Please be informed that the American Association of Publishers (AAP) has also alerted the American customs officers to check out for pirated books. This information was given to me by Patricia Judd of the AAP.
Please warn all nursing graduates who plan to take the NCLEX and CGF exams in the States not to bring in these pirated books because there will be a penalty of automatic deportation as violation of intellectual property rights. If you know anyone going from the Philippines and coming back to the USA , with "pasalubongs" and "padalas," please read this important enclosed advisory from the American Embassy in Manila.
Please share with your friends.
Just a friendly reminder: if you have plans of going to the U.S., please take precautionary measures on all "padalas," especially those containing fake/pirated compact discs/DVDs. US Embassy employees have been given an advisory that as US Gov't employees, we should abide by the U.S.laws, including Intellectual Property Rights (anti-piracy) laws.
As an additional incentive, the Consular Section recently received a report that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) searched the bag of a Filipino entering the U.S. on NW 72 in Detroit.
During the search, 70-80 compact discs, 30-40 empty DVD jackets and 10-20 DVDs were found. Since the travellers were not American citizens, their visas were cancelled and they returned to the Philippines .
If they had been Americans, they could have been subject to arrest and criminal prosecution in addition to civil fines and penalties.
Please remember even ONE pirated item can jeopardize your trip. Also, the fingerprinting system has successfully been instituted in all port of entries. I suggest you bring extra identification cards in addition to your passport to facilitate your entry in the US Immigration. I hope this is helpful to you.
