Watched THIS IS IT the other day in Eastwood. Had to stop my tear jerking moments of sentimentality to fully appreciate the docufilm. It was simple and nicely made. Kudos to Kenny Ortega for concentrating on Michael Jackson the artist rather than Michael Jackson the sensation. It had me admiring his grace and form at 50. He can still move with the best of them. His dance moves and style are still trademarked his. I was kinda weirded out that he wasn’t singing, but it was established that he was saving his voice. Although there were moments that he couldn’t seem to help himself and belted out some songs. It’s a total shame. He rested his voice only to end up dead. Look at life’s little ironies. I exited the movie house wanting to shoot the doctor who gave him the shot that killed him. It would have been an amazing concert.

I highly recommend everyone to watch this.

THE LAST CURTAIN CALL remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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So, for the past 2 weeks I have been running on prayers and pure adrenaline. My sister Joy finally had her open heart surgery and I am happy to report that it was a resounding success. We owe her life to God and Dr. Rommel Cariño and his team of outstanding surgeons. He really deserves his moniker of Miracle Doctor. He really is. And he is a nice person too. Totally down to earth and personable. The whole family pray that he will continue to be blessed and help more people. The world is a better place with him in it. Thanks Doc!

Here are some pics when we were in PHC.

Me and Sister Joy

Faith and Joy showing off the battle scars

Papa and Mama... very happy it's almost over

Our devoted Mom... the best ever!

On my sister’s day of discharge from Phil Heart Center, Ondoy hit the city with a vengeance. My other sister Faith just moved in to their new house around 3 months ago and guess where it is? Uhuh, Cainta. So that Saturday will forever be etched in our memory. It was the very first time that we experienced that inside the house. Water was up to the shoulders and everything… as in everything was floating and wet. We weren’t able to discharge my sis Joy too. We couldn’t leave the hospital with her. Although my brother-in-law (who I fondly call Papa) and I did go home to Pasig that night to check on the kids. I’ll never forget how The Floodway looked like when I saw it. Videos of white water rapid rafting was running through my head. The current was that strong. The bridge was shaking. Totally awesome and scary at the same time. Thanks goodness it didn’t break. We would have been flooded in Pasig too if that happened. My brother in Paranaque was not spared too. Water was almost to the roof. Although it did subside quicker than in other places. Good thing nobody was hurt. We were all wet, but safe. Thank God for miracles.

With all of these challenges happening in our lives, I just have to say that this is also a time for giving thanks. So allow me this very cheesy but heartfelt entry.

Thank you to the folks who attended the benefit concert for my sister. Thanks to Kuya Mike for helping organize the successful event. Thank you to Kuya Jarius for helping us get aide from senators and congressmen and women. Thank you to my friend Carlos who helped us get the much needed medical aide from PCSO. Thanks to the Lopez Group for giving assistance to my other sister when they needed it during Ondoy. Thanks to our friends who were our sounding board, our drinking buddies and shoulders to cry on during these trying time. And lastly thank you God for giving me the greatest family who all stood by each other, weathered the storms literally and figuratively, and supported each other emotionally and spiritually through all these. I feel so blessed to be counted as one of them.

Now the country is waiting for Pepeng. Last I heard the storm has diverted in it’s path and we’ll not be hit as badly as Ondoy. I hope so. People are still reeling from Ondoy and still trying to make head and tails of all the commotion. The last thing we need is another storm. I think the only good thing I can say about all of these is the amount of uncommon heroes we have been hearing about on the news. Celebrities and common folks have all done their part to contribute to the rescue and relief efforts. It warms the heart to be a Filipino right now. Let’s hope this warm gooey feeling continues.

On a lighter note, I am giving myself some “me” time during this wet and windy Saturday. Went to the new SM Center on our block to check it out and promptly rode another bus to go back to the comforts of SM Southmall. Hahaha! Had to buy a gift for my fave nephew’s birthday. (I can feel Moncy’s glare behind me while writing this. Running through his head: “Why not me?”) Had my first experience with the GCASH thing too. I discovered ebooks through ebay and Via has been helping me in ordering and all. I am now the proud owner of all my guilty pleasures in electronic form. I love technology. Although I miss the smell of books. But I will also soon be a proud owner of the Kindle DX. My sister’s sister-in-law loves me and will buy me one for Christmas. (Channeling Ate Glenda: MUST BUY CHA KINDLE)

Hi Santa... 2 more months to go...

And here’s a visual on my storm companions for the day:

A laptop, one Stephanie Meyer, Lucky Me and yosi. You can’t beat ‘em.

Happy weekend everyone.

Stormy Days Almost Done remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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First off, my sis got hospitalized a few weeks back and was told she has to undergo open heart surgery this year to replace two of her valves with metal tubes and fix another one since it’s leaking. So the family is rallying to make sure it happens.

PLUGGING!
We’re organizing a benefit concert for my sis to raise moolah for her Open Heart surgery. It’s on May 22, 2009 at 70’s Bistro in Anonas QC. 7pm. Show Title is “A JOYful Celebration of LIFE”.

If anybody knows peeps\bands\talents who would love give their precious time to perform for a good cause, please text, email or just holler. We’ll be forever grateful.

Note: Gonna start peddling tickets soon friends. Thanks in advance. =)

On a serious side note, my sis was about ready to discharge herself when we were in the ER of Heart Center. We spent 2 days there and she was ready to give up at that point due to all the stress you’ll see in the ER of PHC. Overnight, we saw four patients die. It’ll really mess you up. And the stories you hear and observe. Gawd. Parang Pinoy telenovela na live. Don’t ask to be given a bed in PHC’s ER, ‘coz that means you’re really in bad shape. The ones who can still breathe on their own are just asked to be seated. Yes, even if you’re staying there over-night and there’ an IV stuck in your arm. That’s how depressing it is. I never wanna be sick again.

On a lighter note, my obsession with American Idol continues. Grabe, nasa ER kami ng Heart Center ng 2 days waiting for a room to be available for my sis. (Uber ang pila dun ha) Eh Wednesday na yung second day… ayun, nang-harass kami ng brother-in-law ko and other sis ko para mabigyan lang ng room. Kasi sakto pag-admit naming sa room, 6PM na… AI na. Good thing my sis’ doctor has clout. Hahaha!

The Rat Pack

I am sooo in love with Adam Lambert. I still heart Gokey. But the fag hag in me is calling for Adam to win the whole thing. I bet top 3 will be Adam, Gokey and Kris. Go Adam!

Anyhoo, that’s basically it. Spent the holy week with family and friends in Nueva Ecija. Tong-its, Videoke and booze present. We all needed to de-stress after all that tension. And we needed to be surrounded by peeps who love and support us no matter what. I love my family.

Thanks all!

Now I’m just waiting for Bookie’s TOP TEN.

Take note of the date when he posted this.

Ang tagal ha…

A JOYful Celebration of LIFE remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Matt Giraud - The Duelling Pianist

Alexis Grace - The Cute Mom

Adam Lambert - The Broadway Hottie

And who can forget sweetie Danny Gokey.

Lordie... addiction season.

I'm back.

Early (Almost) Fearless Forecast remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Marl was making snide… ehem… side comments about Over-Acting 101 and Leandro kept on shaking his head muttering: “I don’t get it. I don’t get it.” (This due to girls squealing whenever Robert Pattinson’s face was projected on the big screen)

It was all a bit too cheesy so I really couldn’t believe that it can be that much of a hit book-wise. So I grabbed Kolai’s copy of Twilight when I went to Cebu. Figured I’ll do some light reading to help me sleep.

I read it twice.

Well, when I got back Aubrey was reading New Moon. As soon as she finished, she handed it over. Same for Eclipse. And then finally, Breaking Dawn.

I WAS HOOKED.

I cannot believe I got snagged by these books. I have never fallen this hard since the Lord of the Rings series… and the Harry Potter series. And then there was Artemis Fowl. Ohhh… and Chronicles of Narnia! So, I guess I do have a pattern. Hahaha! But I also went through a Robert Ludlum Bourne phase and The Godfather. So I guess I’m not a lost cause. I just love sagas.

I cannot wait for the next movie. Let us hope that Bella finally learns how to act. Edward finally knows how to control his “smoldering” gaze. And let’s hope the special effects are finally polished. A small tip: Glittering like diamonds is not shimmering like you got a summer spray tan.

Oh, and gurls, we can all look forward to Jacob Black’s six pack! Get a preview here:

Interview here.

And critics all around are asking why not cast Steven Strait as the bigger and older Jacob?

Why not indeed?

Scratch Me, Bite Me, Suck Me remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I finally figured out why people love to stay in Sophia Suites when traveling on business to Cebu. I had unit 703 all to myself. Three big bedrooms I can loll around in, a full working kitchen, a dining room and a huge living room. Had dinner/bonding moment with the Trainers. And JV of course.

Went to the Sinulog Festival for the fist time. And to think half of me came from Cebu. Shame on you Cha! Oh well… had fun with my Jet of course.

Valentine ’s Day is fast approaching. Good thing it’s preceded by Friday the 13th, so I can be a (B)witch all I want and it can be excused. I think this celebration is so focused on consumerism heightened by the multinational capitalist that pepper our society. They want couples to part with their hard earned moolah for a day of smooching and sweet nothings. What we do for love… Bah-humbug!

Don’t mind me. If I can abhor a month it’s definitely gonna be February. (Is there such a thing?) It’s too short and it’s too sweet. Ugh!

Can't wait for March. Summer is always a very legitimate excuse to hit the beach. I'll convince Leandro to abandon basking in the afterglow of love with his new lass for a while and come on a jaunt again. Wachatink?

Too Sweet remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Thanks Adam!!! See you in a few weeks!

I WANT THESE!!! remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Got one item in my wish list a couple of weeks ago. I had my first tattoo. It was a radical experience. Didn’t really think I had the guts to go through with it. But when it came down to it, I was more determined than scared. Although it did hurt like hell. Leandro had a fun time snickering in the background. I’ll be sure to reciprocate the sentiment when his time comes to go under. Hah! If he ever develops the stomach to really go through with it.

Chicken moment

No turning back. Ouch!

Totally worth it!

Gonna get the bigger one early next year. Hopefully I’ll get the design I want. If not, I’ll stick with the one Chocha suggested a couple of years ago. It would be at least 5 times bigger than the one I have right now. Oh well, I’ll ask for general anesthesia next time.

Wish List Check remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Ako gusto ko dun...

Chillin' in the rain, literally

Wish everyday's this lazy...

Weather cooperated too. Sunshine in the morning and afternoon, rain at night. Nothing like waking up to recently washed clouds and shore. And not worrying or even remotely thinking of something I needed to accomplish. Or a deadline that was given today, for today. I realized that I hate the acronyms EOD, EOBD, EOW, and EOM. I hate it when my outlook pops-up meeting and appointment reminders through-out the day. I escaped from all that for seven days. I didn’t realize how badly I needed it. Not that I escaped work 100%. I had moments. But the best thing is that I could hide out in our room and be incommunicado. True to its name, SUN cell didn’t have signal inside the room. No sun. Go figure. But as soon as I exited the room, there goes all the messages that the network stored up just for that eventuality. So, I had to check in from time to time. But the greatest part about the folks I left: they are sooooo self sufficient, I didn’t need to worry about a thing. Thanks all!

Anyhoo, I'm off to Puerto today. Another long weekend. And I can’t wait for the looooong Christmas vacay too.

Cheerio!

Death By Katamaran remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I cannot figure out why guys love playing mind games. Life is complicated enough without these sh*t. And it sucks big time when you don’t even wanna play. They just don’t get it. Or they don’t want to. Confidence is a trait I admire in a man. But too much of it’s just plain wrong. Get this: You are not a Jedi Master, and I am not your Padawan. You geek.

Go figure.

But I do love the song. Its so apropos. Seriously. So here you go for those of you who forgot who the heck Lisa Loeb is.

"I Do"

When I'm done with thinking, then I'm done with you.
When I'm done with crying, then I'm done with you.
When I feel so tired, then I'm done with you.
Everybody feels this way sometimes, everybody feels this way

And I do
You can't hear it, but I do.
You can't hear it, but I do.

You're trying to convince me that what I've done's not right.
I get so frustrated, I stay up every night.
You ask me for an answer, and I'm so tired and I'm up in the air.
Everybody feels this Way sometimes, everybody feels this way

And I do.
You can't hear it, but I do.
You can't hear It, but I'm feeling this Way
Just because you say…

I will be ignored.
I will be denied.
I could be erased.
I could be brushed aside.
I will get scared, and I will get shoved down,
but I feel like I do because you push me around.

I'm starting to ignore you, I've doubted you so long.
I'm tired of over-thinking, I know you don't belong.
Now I'm asking questions - no one pushes me around.
Everybody feels this way sometimes, everybody feels this way

And I do.
You can't hear it, but I do.
You don't seem angry, but I do.

I do.

Mind Reader Anyone? remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I like the wit, the innuendoes, the grating charm. Even the poo! (Sometimes)

Meet Mike Rowe.

I first glimpsed this hunk of a guy in Discovery Channel about a year or so ago. Now I cannot get enough of him. I youtube-d him for cripe’s sake! I only youtube David Cook.

I just never, ever, wanna smell this guy.

Oh, to be in-FAT, It’s F-A-B.

Dirty Confession remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Ultimately we are destined to create our own path. If I can be totally honest I can say that am liking mine at least 90% of the time lately. I finally reached a plateau work wise. All my Lead functions I can now do even with my eyes closed. My friends are all that, the best bunch of people around. I don’t drink like a lush anymore. Even if I do, I tend to enjoy it more. And my personal life is reaching a deeper understanding with my psyche. I am at peace with the world. Now, if I can only stop smoking, I’ll be perfect.

I am looking forward to my big island hopping in a couple more weeks. Gonna get me some rays, some waves and whiffsssss of fresh air. Looking forward to get out of the metro and finally hit the beach. As Noel said, it only takes the beach to melt away the tiredness and apathy one is experiencing in life. I am, at the moment, more excited than anything else. I cannot wait to lie back and drink daiquiris and frozen margaritas. This will be one relaxed vacay.

On the work front I have never been busier. But now there’s a certain fulfillment every time the deed is done. I still have lots of deadlines that I can’t hit. (Sorry Bren) but mostly I just glare, stare and rant and I get my way. (At least 80% of the time). I have learned to prioritize and let go of the things I cannot do due to lack of time and resources. Some folks would just need to wait. And I am a-okay with that.

Had a great time last Saturday. Ate at Ameci’s. First time. Via has been hounding me to go there for the longest time but it took Ron to convince me. The gelatos are to die for! Try Sans Rival and Pistachio flavors. I swear the taste explodes like a riot on your tongue. I will deffo go back and sample all the pizzas. After Ameci’s we went to Makati Cinema Square to do DVD shopping.

When I got home I staged my own gay festival. First I watched Dorian Blues. Lea Coco was great in this. I liked the line “There’s more to crying than being gay!” Haha! Here’s another from the narration: “The fairy tale had finally happened. Lonely Prince Dorian finally met his other prince, and the love Prince Dorian felt for Prince Ben cast out all Dorian's spells of depression and gave him the strength of ten gay men - or seven straight.” It was hilarious.

Latter Days was a surprise. I was just curious because Steve Sandvoss was in it and I keep seeing him in TV shows. The acting’s a little bit so-so. And the gay clothes were too gay for me. But the storyline and the dialogues are nice. They actually got Jacqueline Bisset in it so I guess the productions alright. Just wished they beefed up the acting more. They should have sent the actors to workshop or something. Oh well.

I wanted to watch Holding Trevor but I had to go to a party so, I left that until next weekend. We’ll see who’s right in the review section. J-Da or Ron.

The whole time I was praying that the guy that started it all for me would recover from the motorcycle accident he got into this week.

Get well soon Gale!

Anyhoo, to end on a happier note, here are some pics of us during Sabre graduation day. We went green!

'Till the next template!

Cheerio!

C-NGIT: Did a variation of my questions since I don't get to update on a weekly basis anymore.

QUESTION FOR THIS WEEK:

Is there a straight guy rule book somewhere that says they have to smell like a badly laundered, did-not-see-the-sun, pair of sneakers? And at the start of the day too.

Template Surf remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I llooovvveeee Cebu Pacific. They are number one in my list. Especially since they sold zero fare all-in flights for 2 days! Now I have 3 trips coming up. All free! Happy birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Cha! I am going to have a blast. Going from Boracay to Antique, to Iloilo, to Guimaras, to Cebu, to Bohol… gosh… I am experiencing wanderlust. And I still have that Mindoro road trip planned for the end of October. Such bliss! I so love it that I was too busy this year to take any time off. Now I can use up all of my leaves to go and explore.

AJS is turning into a liar. Last I looked he was mourning a fellow writer and bidding a poignant farewell in his angst filled blog. Then he follows It up with a post so mundane I couldn’t believe my eyes. He lied. Oh well… if you’re angry enough to keep the attention on you… whatever works right?

But just to vent my frustration: This one's for you AJS!

Went home to Mindoro for a while since my fave uncle died. Had a mini-reunion with my cousins and drank each other under the table every night. I am officially a slush. I now drink during wakes. Or is it a provincial thing with tong-its and mah-jong? Oh well… when in Rome…

I got shaken (not stirred) in the workplace again. Another shuffling of chess pieces to try and fit everything in the whole scheme of things. No biggie there. I like my new boss. But why is it that every time this happens I end up with more work? But same pay…. Hmmmm…. Something is deffo wrong with this picture. And I am not loving the new name when the take-over finally pushes through. I’ll be singing Halik and Ulan the whole time. LSS anyone?

Wednesday is a very welcome break at the middle of the week. Why can’t we have it the other way around? Five days of rest and two days of work? Wouldn’t that be better?

Anyhoo, that’s it. Got it out of my system. “till next time!

Cheerio!

Break in Between remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Cheerio!

Quick Peek remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I consider myself a very passive observer (not participant) in Philippine current events. But this one hit close to home. Have you heard about the whole hoopla happening around the reproductive health bill? I mean, it seems simple enough logic when applied to economics. The more mouths and needs to satisfy, the more resources needed. Any advertising and marketing scheme has banked on this philosophy since time immemorial. For science, it just stands to reason that the more people in a given space, the more mass it occupies, again, the more resources consumed. Now, this will probably work well if the resources are reproduced as fast as those needing the resources are born. But we all know that’s wishful thinking.

My sister Faith is one of the brains behind the reproductive health bill. She has been giving trainings left and right on the responsibilities of every human being to know when enough is enough and make an intelligent decision when it comes to procreation. She also has been handing out condoms like flyers to illustrate the point more. As one of the authors of the said bill I get quite an earful every time there’s family gatherings about how this would help (not solve) our country at this time of crisis. I agree. My agreement is based on the simplest logic I stated above, not nepotism.

So, my being just a passive observer, my simple interpretation should still make sense. So why can’t the government or the Catholic Church make sense too? Isn’t providing basic necessities (Like, duh, clothes, shelter and food) and not to say the most basic human rights (Like the right to live a productive life) to the existing population a moral obligation too? The Sunday PDI had an article by Kristine Alave regarding Archbishop Rosales telling couples to “control themselves in bed.” In my opinion, the Church’s stand in this issue is tantamount to turning it’s back on it’s people. They just love picking at what works for them in the scriptures and it’s really getting my goat. Didn’t they know that the Bible’s content is around 80% metaphorical vs. literal? They need to go back to Bible school then.

Lord, the leaders we create. This makes me dread procreation more.

Do I really need to watch GMA’s SONA tomorrow?

On another note, I am starting a copy-cat of my self-appointed mentor Angry JS’ “Why I’m angry today.” Here’s the first:

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

What do you do if a guy you reeeaalllyy like professes to love Gossip Girl?

Humane Vitea remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Here were my plethora of activities:

After a long, long time I actually went to the Salcedo Park Saturday Market again to eat my ever fave bacon cuapao. Three of a kind. I could feel Noel's dagger looks and on-coming sermon about my un-healthy eating habits. Quiver. Bonding moment with my Stewie too. Although it was too short. I’m sure we’ll get together again soon.

After the park I went to Glorietta to watch Mamma Mia with Tito Marl and Aris. Did I tell you about Aris? I think he’s my new gay-best. Although I actually might change my mind when I think about it some more. Since we were an hour and a half early for the movie we indulged him his addiction. Can you believe the sweat pouring out of me and the work-out I got (under duress) in Time Zone? I played the basketball thingy, air hockey and even indulged in a little videoke. Hah! I beat Tito Marl in air hockey too. Who would have thought? My armpits were aching when I woke up the day after. I started cursing Aris then.

I had a blast with Mamma Mia. (With Tito Marl singing the whole score beside me) I highly recommend this movie as “THE” movie to watch after a sh*tty week. It’s so feel-good. I love Meryl Streep more and more. She is amazing. Usually “The Winner Takes it All” bores me to tears ‘coz it’s too long. But Meryl singing it was riveting. I swear even if you can see the struggle of a singing Pierce Brosnan, it's still worth it. And gawd, the setting was great! I think it’s the perfect vacation spot. (Beach! Beach!) Wouldn’t wanna live there though. Too much climbing involved.

After the movie, we met up with Via and indulged in my fave past time. We went to Gilligan’s to end the day with beer. Nobody got drunk though ‘coz the conversation was too good. Insights, insights. Over all, it was a perfect way to cap off a week filled with too much work.

Last Wednesday, Aris and I watched Dark Knight. Gawd, Heath Ledger does deserve a gold bald guy for this one. He was sinister. His character was so creepy it gave me goose bumps. The writer also deserves both thumbs-up. The storyline was great. I don’t usually like “hero” movies, but this one takes the cake. I’ve always loved Michael Keaton as the masked crusader, (Those lips!) but Christian Bale is something else. He fits the dark leanings of the character. (Especially after being arrested for assaulting his mom and sis. That’s irony for you.) This movie is a must see on the big screen. It just wouldn’t be the same in DVD.

So, this weekend I am hibernating at home and locking my wallet inside the cabinet. I have perfect sleeping-in weather too. I am totally looking forward to watching Daughtry’s concert on Tuesday. Teena’s my date. She is my perfect American Idol co-addictee. She gets my fascination.

Who wouldn’t love that bald head?

And soon I will be front row and center for E-head’s reunion concert. I couldn’t believe it when they said it was free. I’m not a snob or anything but I would rather pay. Can you imagine the pandemonium that this would cause? I almost pity the organizer. Good thing Marlboro came up with the sign up scheme. But bummer for the non-smokers. You would have to lie your way through the sign-up. And good thing too that I have been a PMPMI member for about 4 years now. That should give me some clout... I wish... I hope. I am keeping all of my fingers crossed ‘till confirmation. Wish me luck!

See you all there!

Why So Serious Chiquitita? remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” – Victor Borge

I attended this off-site training last Wednesday. One of the topics was humor for the Trainer. It looked and sounded promising and since as an intro the speaker introduced himself as the top 5 speaker in the recent Phil Call Center Convention, I happily trotted along even knowing that 5 hours out of my day would set me back about 10 hours with my Excel duties. We know how discriminating Trainers are. We’re the hardest and most critical audience after all. (The arrogance of a Trainer thinks we can always do a better job than the one in the current spotlight. And it’s mostly true. Hehe.)

Well, he started out with a Zip-Zap-Zung (whatever) activity. Unfortunately the venue where the training was held did not cooperate with him. Not to say that we just went through an ice-breaker activity that the facilitator was the bitchiest gay I’ve encountered in a long time and not to say very ineffective: he left us to process the why’s of the ice-breakers. So, from the ZZZ activity he started every paragraph with how the venue was not a good arena for training like his. And unfortunately his PowerPoint prezo went haywire and his hand-outs were not printed. (Typical Trainer dilemmas) Suffice to say he bombed.

I was itching for an IOF. (Instructor Observation Form for you)

The topic was not covered in any cohesive manner. I think he let the venue throw him off and he couldn’t get his groove back after that. So the next 45 minutes didn’t fare well. He had some basic, useful tips on how to use humor in trainings but the samples that he had were horrendous. For what was supposed to be catch-phrases, it really stank. He blamed our non-laughter with us reading the samples off the projector in advance so the “supposed” desired effect was not effected. Yeah, right. Personally, I always use humor to promote learning. (Or to wake up a graveyard class) Humor makes a topic memorable. (So does disgust, but I digress) but I always thought that humor can extend to all situations and that like empathy statements, should always be tailored fit to the situation. (Such a Trainer!)

In conclusion, I think he would have done better if he just winged (?) it and shot from the hip (his statement) and used the situation he was in as fodder for his jokes. The audience was too diverse and you can’t assume that everyone will “get” you.

Oh well, we can’t all be comedians.

Training A Clown remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I have not had the time (Or the inclination) to look at my HTML. As you can see, there's something wrong with it. I'm sure if I think long and hard enough I'll figure it out. It's deffo simpler (Aubs! SIMPL-I-E-R) than my blogdrive. But I just don't have the energy to decipher Greek right now. So I guess it'll have to wait 'till the weekend. I wanna revise it anyway, so I have to hunker down and get to work sooner or later. It pisses me off everytime I see it. So, if I get reaaalllyyy irritated by the end of the week, I'm thinking I'll get inspired.

Yeah.

HTML Schmultz remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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PS Christmas Party '06, Fort

I will be front row, center. Or bashing everyone in the moshpit (If there'll be one). Or backstage (Calling friends in the production!) Or just plain in-your-face!

I think it's about time to bury the hatchet anyway. This fight has gone on for waaayy to long and a lot of stuff has happened since the split.

Aside from Daughtry, this makes my year. Now if only the rumor of a U2 concert here would come true...

On Being A Groupie remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Got another crash course in using Excel. I swear, this software was invented expressly with idiots like me in mind. I am constantly reminded of my inability to comprehend simple formulas and worksheet/spreadsheet lay-outs or whatchamacallits. I still remember John E. enrolling me in Excel Basics (twice) because I totally whacked out his ever loving TAP template. Is it my fault he does not know how to lock the formulas? I feel that I was unfairly subjected to almost 10 hours of pure torture. How anybody can fit all those characters, brackets, commas, semi colons and the difference between =IF, SUM, AVERAGE in such a small brain is a mystery to me. And not to say the cute custom button in the drop down box when you filter, what the hell do I know if it’s less than greater than equal and or WHATEVER! It boggles the mind.

And then at the end of it all, I got another go at the plotting machine. Being taught how to read IDPs, variance, firm forecast versus (what, I am drawing a blank here) forecast with a 6% variance and 30% overstaffing. WTF! It totally went in at one end and exited the other. My body is adverse to painful thoughts and info. Alas, I’m ready for the weekend never to end. I wish.

On to better things.

I want this. Yes. With the CD. This is my Ninoy Aquino Day, National Heroes' Day, Labor Day, Eid'l Fitr, Columbus Day, All Saints’ Day, Birthday (Yes, I consider this a Holiday), Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Bonifacio Day, Christmas, Rizal Day, New Year, WISH. It’s $20.00 thereabouts. Any takers? I can’t find this in the normal bookstores so I’m gonna have Fully Book sniff it out. I swear I am so totally in love with Paul Sr. He is one big teddy bear. I’m pissed ‘coz Vinnie left the show. But they’re hiring a girl last I watched. For diversity and sh*t. Wonder how that’ll work out? It’s looking more and more like Miami Ink. (I still love my Ami!) Anyhoo, we’ll see if it’s interesting.

Was watching the new channel that popped up in our cable called The Bio Channel yesterday and they featured Tommy Lee. I was sooo green with envy. He was covered with way, way, waaaay amazing skin art. I swear I’ll use the ten year US visa that PS gave me (And haven’t utilized mind you), fly to Miami and have myself the coolest tat ever. (Calling Ami!) I’m going to the Dutdutan convention this year with Tessa and Vi. I will happily volunteer to be a guinea pig (no pun intended) and get myself some free and amazing art. I can see my mom having a coronary. Oh well, it’s my skin. I better do it while I have the guts to. Haha! I have two months to think of the design.

Got an invite from my Bro for a photog convention in UP Diliman this weekend. It’s called Pagbabakas and it’s part of the Sunday Love Affair org they started up with the other folks in the Film school. It looks interesting. I might drop by. If I don’t catch the bug at least I get to see my bro. Haven’t seen him for a couple of months now. Busy lives. Not forgetting that my job keeps me up at night and his has the sun as a backdrop. It’ll be an opportunity to bond.

I am going to finalize my all girl’s vacay this Sept. Office wise, by the looks of things, I might be totally wiped out by then. I cannot believe that half the year is gone and I still haven’t glimpsed a beach yet. Manila Bay and Coastal Road does not count.

Speaking of my everyday sojourn home, can anybody believe how much the fare hiked? Gawd, it’s almost double now. Didn’t give the kunduktor a hard time though. Last night I sat at the back of the bus and witnessed how the poor soul was lambasted time and again for the increased fare. He was so patient in explaining to each and everyone who does not read the papers or do not watch the news. I felt so sorry for the poor guy. It’s not like he was the one who decided to double the price. Some people are just plain mean.

Anyhoo, that’s it for me. I’m trying out my reformatted PC to check if it’s faster. It seems to be working fine. Have to get some shut eye. Still have one more night to work myself to the grind. Thank God for Fridays! Gonna see if I can harass someone to watch Mamma Mia with me tomorrow before folks in the office start sprouting spoilers. Ciao!

Random (Almost) Weekend Thoughts remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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On that note, I don’t think I was ever this excited when it was my time. Never the mind when, but marked difference is that now we can download the application forms (for the more progressive colleges anyways, some archaic schools still haven’t heard of PDF.) I remember Witty and I travelling to the universities of our pick and lining up just to get the forms. And all those fees! Gawd. I should really think about putting up a school. Seems like a good business. The entrance exams fees are unbelievable.

Anyhoo, we listed down the schools of choice for my computer obsessed nephew:

1. University of the Philippines – Of course. Can be Los Baños or Diliman. Although I can bet my left arm (And throw in my leg there) that my nephew’s more inclined towards LB. No surprise there. No more curfews, no more sermons. (5 days out of 7 anyway. Seems like a good deal.)

2. De La Salle University – I’m having a stroke now. But they do have a great ICT program. (Excuse me while I faint. Just the thought of the tuition fee is enough to make my already high blood pressure soar some more.)

3. Mapua Institute of Technology – Seems like a good idea. Needs to get me more info. I know they’re good with Engineering, dunno with computers though. Have to research.

4. University of Sto. Thomas – Go Tigers! (Tama ba?) This seems inevitable. Bumabaha pa rin ba dun? Makapagtanong nga.

5. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Yey! I can happily live with this. I think my social and financial standing (Naks!) can take this.

We have a few more in our list, but for the most part I’m happy if he passes at least 3. That’ll be decent.
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Speaking of lists, here are some of my current faves and my acerbic, sometimes moronic, but definitely simplistic, comments and views on the body of people creating it.

The EW 1000

They listed the New Classics. Top 100 Music, Movies, TV shows in the past 25 years (1983-2008) that influenced pop culture.

I say bull. Here’s why:

Number 5 in the movie category is Toy Story, trumping Schindler’s List and the Fight Club. Number 10 is Moulin Rouge, again in a better standing than Schindler’s List and the Fight Club. Lion King is number 20 with no mention of The Little Mermaid (chuckling here) and then Speed was at 40. I swear we would have benefited more if Keanu was on speed during the filming. Then he wouldn’t have looked so bored during the scenes. It was such a waste of space. I agree with The Breakfast Club and the Scream. Kinda iffy with the Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind (Bored, had to watch it at least 3 times before I got it), good thing I just watched Y Tu Mamma Tambien last night. Commendation on putting Dazed and Confused and Clueless. One question though. Where’s St. Elmo’s Fire? If we’re talking about influences on Pop Culture, I think it deserves a mention in the 100 list. (Along with 16 Candles, maybe) I mean, shoot, the Naked Gun was listed at 52. Go figure.

Then the TV category didn’t have the cult classics like the A-Team, In Living Colors, Perfect Strangers, Doogie Howser, Murder She Wrote, or even kiddie classics like The Great Space Coaster and Fraggle Rock. I swear this list is bunk. And they dare include Lost and The Wire? WTF? Who the hell created this list? And let’s not forget the soaps that created the phenomenal (And totally mystifying) fad for shoulder pads. Where were Dynasty, Dallas, Falcon Crest and Knots Landing in the top 100?

Under the videogame list, I think they missed out on Counter Strike. Although is this considered as a videogame? And I don’t care who disagrees but I think when the Family Computer was just priced at PHP 999.99 I got addicted to Battle Tank, Gattaca, and Karateka with purpose. And why is Crash Bandicoot not in this list? Why!?! I know my nephew has been sniggering his ass off ‘coz I am totally addicted to this in his Playstation. But heck?! Seeing that Tasmanian thingy running, jumping and swaying his puny butt is enough to me happy on a cloudy day.

Now, on to the music category. When you see a list you always go for the music part first. Music is universal dude. It heals. It creates peace treaties. It transcends death and taxes. But then when Britney Spears gets listed in the Top 100 albums of the past 25 years, you know your leg is being pulled.

I stopped reading.

And yes John, I don’t know what being “digg-ed” is too. But if I ever am, I’ll celebrate with random shots of Absolut Berroca slash Extra Joss and blog about the momentous event. Maybe I'll put the digg logo everytime I create a post and see what happens.

Nah.

Haw-Haw.

For My Entertainment Value remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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His name is Gavin DeGraw. Hehe. Gotcha there.

I was watching a Jay Leno rerun and saw him singing. He’s… hmmm… That’s it! The weird thing though is if you listen to his music, the voice doesn’t really match up to the image. He is such a poster child for an all-American-hunk but his voice is Steven Tyler-ish. It’s disconcerting. Oh well, he’s still cute.

I attended our team building two Saturdays ago and had a blast at Villa Mapue. (As usual) The food was great. But it was too much for us to finish. I didn’t even get to taste some. I was too happy with the salads, the huge shrimps and the humongous crabs. It was heaven. Everyone was taking their allergy meds just to enjoy the food. Vinnie decided to experiment and bastardized our drink. Introducing the Absolut Berroca. It was bleh. I take Berroca when I’m hung over from a night of drinking. Now I can’t even smell it without remembering the taste of it mixed with vodka. It was one of the ickiest drinks I’ve ever tried. I like Ron’s version of “I Died” better. (Red Horse, Extra Joss and Grape Juice. I know, yuck!) But it got us drunk, so I guess it’s fine.

Here are some pics to commemorate the occasion. (I lurvs my new phone!)

The Beauties and The Asa Pa

Emote Ang Mga Lola And Ang Tatay Ng Future Inaanak Ko

Ang mga Goody-Goody at Pa-Goody-Goody with Boss Goodie (Daw)

Di-(DAW)-Nalalasing na Sales Lead Vinnie With Kahit-Hindi-Naka-inom-Mukhang-Lasing Peers

The Group Enjoying The Food While Yaya Grazie Looks After Fonzie

Hay naku, I just bet someone's hitting the print screen button right now. Haha!

'Till the next Team Building! (Kuno)

Absolut and Berroca remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Why is it that when what life gives us falls short from what we expect that’s the time we turn to a higher power? It seems to me, only a sudden fall from grace has people bending their knees these days. It just seems too contrived when you suddenly start sprouting all this quotes and thoughts when your other hand holds a cig and you’re swigging a beer. Newsflash, just because you say you believe does not necessarily mean everything would come up roses. I commend you if you’re doing it for the right reasons, but if you’re only practicing because it seems like the thing to do at the time, well… I think you just lost the objective.

Just food for thought.

On Your Knees remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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On that note, I was watching CNN the other day and heard this ridiculous comment from Chris Danielsen from the Federation of the Blind. Apparently, the Hybrid and Prius (You know, the environment friendly cars? If you’ve never heard of this that means it’s time to get out from under the rock you have been living in.) causes a problem for the blinds since it’s too silent. They are now requiring the cars to make noise.

Hmm. Such a dilemma. I swear, if there’s no hunger, poverty, rising oil prices and overpriced commodities, this would be on everyone’s list as number 1.

And then I read Details and was subjected to John Sellers article about The Hollywood Gross-out Girls. I mean, it was nicely written, but I swear, the garbage that is/was/will be! And I like JS too. This was beyond tongue-in-cheek. It was too discriminatory to almost be funny. I know he was aiming for passé’ prose that would sound like a literary snot. But this one bordered on bad taste. With more than 90% of the world population being average looking, he goes and zeroes in on the Hollywood “IT” girls and their disgusting habits like it was status quo. I dunno if I’m making sense. I’m still trying to catch my breath. I’m too PO’ed. (I’m gonna find out the reason after much soul searching later, other than I’m part of the 90%. That seems too lame an excuse.)

I found a gem too in all this murk today. The list of Web’s 10 Most Hated People.

Number 10 is Rachel Ray. That was news to me. I know she can be irritating with her quips, but I really never hated the gal. Anybody who can cook in 30 minutes while talking a mile a second gets thumbs up from me.

Now, remember the Pinay who migrated to Hawaii and blogged about hating Filipino products like Eskinol? With her bad grammar and circa-late-1980’s photo shoot? Now… that one’s for the books. Or the polls. Whatever.

Speaking of polls, the primaries are over and Obama was declared as the Democrats’ bet for the 2008 Presidential run. With that said I want to share an article that had me chuckling, clacking (is there a word?) and heaving with dry laugh before I go home.

Here you go.

Background and Excerpts:

“As far as history goes and all of these quotes about people trying to guess what the history of the Bush administration is going to be, you know, I take great comfort in knowing that they don’t know what they are talking about, because history takes a long time for us to reach.” - Fox News Sunday, Feb10, 200

Guess who said that? Come-on guess? Give up?

It’s no other than George W. Bush, himself.

Now, another pop quiz: Did you get it? Did ‘ya? Did ‘ya?

HNN did a poll and asked what’s been the worst US Administration ever. It does not take a genius to figure it was Bush Jr’s. Here are some comments:

"Glib, contemptuous, ignorant, incurious, a dupe of anyone who humors his deluded belief in his heroic self, he has bankrupted the country with his disastrous war and his tax breaks for the rich, trampled on the Bill of Rights, appointed foxes in every henhouse, compounded the terrorist threat, turned a blind eye to torture and corruption and a looming ecological disaster, and squandered the rest of the world's goodwill. In short, no other president's faults have had so deleterious an effect on not only the country but the world at large."

One more time:

"Bush does only two things well. He knows how to make the very rich very much richer, and he has an amazing talent for f**king up everything else he even approaches. His administration has been the most reckless, dangerous, irresponsible, mendacious, arrogant, self-righteous, incompetent, and deeply corrupt one in all of American history."

Here are the graph for visual learners. I am a Trainer after all.

And another: (To drive the point accross)

Sorry auditory folks. Have a good friend read you the article. It’s a hoot! Good thing GMA only has the SWS do surveys here. And peeps don't pay that much attention to it too.

So that’s it before my 3 day weekend. Maximizing resources since my Internet at home is kaput. My nephew vacationed with me for a week and shot my phone bill to hell. I had to have the internet disconnected to teach everyone a lesson. (Including me.) I’m gonna get the Smart Bro kit later and go pre-paid. Better for my wallet.

For now, ciao bella! Happy Independence Day!

Getting Ready for The Weekend remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I read an article in Details that says telling people you’re tired is not nice. Then I guess I’m not nice then. I can live with that. Rather than tell people “I’m ok” or “I’m good” when I know and feel I’m not. What’s the point of answering them then?

Note to all: Don't ask if you don't want to know.

I think it was only last night that I told my Mom that I’m tired. So, that must mean I’m rude to my Mom. Fine. Again, if that’s the kind of rudeness that I can express, I can live with it.

Good thing it’s a long weekend. Time to re-group.

Details, Details remains copyright of the author chabacz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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