Child of the Waters

KNOxOUT, Project EDSA

2012-02-06T17:34:00.000+07:00

Everyone Deserves Safe Air. That was the tagline of Project EDSA of Boysen. They have developed a paint that addresses the problem of air pollution.
Air pollution in EDSA is common but unnatural and unsafe. The KNOxOUT paint breaks down NOx gases or Nitrogen Oxides into Water (H2O) and Carbon Dioxides (CO2). Water is washed away while CO2 can be easily absorbed by plants.

The walls of EDSA are being transformed into air purifiers. As seen in these pictures, EDSA is not only turned into a colorful canvas but also into functioning walls. Go Boysen!

(picture above from BOYSEN, Artwork in Cubao Underpass by Tapio Snellman)

(picture from BOYSEN, Artwork by Bogie Ruiz entitled "Ganap", Found in San Lo area in EDSA)

(picture above by blogger)

(picture above from BOYSEN, B+C by Asuncion "Baby" Imperial and Damien "Coco" Anne, found in Ortigas)

Not only is this KNOxOUT paint Eco-Friendly, it is also Eco-Active. Most things in the market nowadays are Eco-friendly. They are focused on minimizing harmful impacts on the environment while production. This Eco-active property of KNOxOUT means it is actively working to make the environment more friendly.

It is Photocatalyctic! Using light or CristalActiv Technology, it breaks down and neutralizes emissions of Nitrogen Oxides. But even without UV light or sunlight, it can function in fluorescent light as well.

It is an amazing product. Soon, nine more artworks will decorate the stretch of EDSA.

Farewell Dragon Lady

2011-11-23T08:26:00.002+07:00

Nov 22, 2011
My fave author passed away. Good bye Dragon Lady, I shall miss you. I hoped you'd write more books. :-(
I shall forever cherish the stories that shaped and comforted me.

Some Pictures from m Photoshoot

2011-10-13T00:12:00.002+07:00

Are you angry?

2011-09-09T18:11:00.002+07:00

Un-disciplining our kids

2011-07-25T08:25:00.000+07:00

PARENTS, DO YOU ALLOW THIS?

Do you allow your kids to laze in public seats playing angry birds on your or their iPhones?

I see a growing number of young children who have not a care in the world but the game they play. I was in DFA last week and there were a lot of kids waiting, being literally dragged by their parents because their are so engrossed in whatever consul their eyes were glued on. This picture of a girl is in a church lobby. The man besid her is trying to talk to her but she is non-responsive. (I heard her other siblings are not so respectful to elders)

What are the parents allowing their children to become?

When I was young, my parents will not allow any of us to be unproductive. Oh, we can play. We are encouraged to have sport, music or some hobby. We can make a mess but they want us to learn and have an output. My siblings and I played a lot and made a mess of the living room a lot. My mother was fine by that as long as we moved our bodies and build our creativity. I spend countless hours in my room scrap booking or beading but that was ok as long as I home my creativity.

These games on consul are fine. They're fun too but they keep oneself isolated in the midst of a crowd. Besides, it's lack of social etiquette. When they grow up, they'll still be glued to a gadget and not much on socialization and manners. And these kids will think it's ok because their parents allowed them to in the first place.

For the parents, they are spoiling their children this way because they can't baby sit them well. True or false? Giving them your iPhone or android to play with until all hours is not love. It's opposite. It's like hating to deal with the problem so you let the gadget handle them. Well, newsflash. These gadgets will handle them to social decline.

So, parental tip. Give them time to play with the iPhone/cellphone/android. Let them play but not in public and certainly not for too long. An hour or two tops at home. Oh, and don't forget to teach them social etiquette and manners. Discipline them if need be.

If you can't handle your child, parent, you need therapy.

My Davao Vacation 2011

2011-07-06T10:21:00.000+07:00

One word to sum it all up: Food!

I've been away for about 3 years and Davoa is changed. There's so many food places and my relatives are bringing me to them. Wow, Davao=food!

After 10 days, it was sad to leave.
So I bring you Davao's skies.

Poster Design

2011-06-13T09:36:00.002+07:00

Looks like the ERS website and posters.

Looking at the cat

2011-05-31T10:21:00.002+07:00

My New Look

2011-05-01T21:37:00.002+07:00

I'm now a red head!

My New Inspiration for New Show

2011-04-15T19:48:00.000+07:00

Since most Lolitas are centered on Alice, I thought to make a Wonderland show. Of course, half the show would be about Pirates.

:-)

My Photoshoot

2011-04-11T19:42:00.000+07:00

The full shot and more at:

http://fully-figured.blogspot.com/2011/04/model-within.html

My Creations

2011-04-07T07:30:00.002+07:00

It's been so long since I last sketched.

2011-04-05T10:47:00.000+07:00

When your hand needs lots of practice, my eyes nearly weeps.

I'm sure my sketch teacher will fail me for this quick sketch.

I'll have to practice again.

Sewing a lot didn't help. I need to learn to sketch again with cleaner lines and with defined details . These have to be cleaned up with photoshop.

My Happy Dog

2011-03-24T22:35:00.002+07:00

This is Robin.

My cute Pomeranian, Got him shaved so he looks like a lab.

He's a happy dog.

9 course Thai dinner

2011-02-02T20:02:00.000+07:00

Yum.

In ordering Thai food, ask what the house specialty is. They may have a set course in line. Trying it will be best. Usually, the restaurant asks how hot you want it. Best to order mild to medium.

Bathing my Doggy

2011-02-01T22:44:00.002+07:00

A bath then blowdry!

New Year New Blog

2011-01-27T14:27:00.000+07:00

fully-figured.blogspot.com

Tips for the fully-figured to live life to the fullest.

My 400th post

2010-12-13T08:14:00.002+07:00

This post will be my Christmas Wishlist!!!

Although I'm sure everyone bought their present already.

Just in case some of them are here :-)

A wickedly cute umbrella with lace or prints
Clothes that fit
2 bottles of Mr. Muscles Mold and Mildew Cleaner (spray type)
Portable CD Drive with burner
Killer shoes
Ninja or gladiators will do as well
If there's nothing else, gift checks for National and Powerbooks will do.

:-)

Sample world

2010-10-22T09:57:00.003+07:00

Talecraft Fantasy World Building Contest

Mechanics:

Create your own original fantasy world and present it in any medium you want. It could be a form of artwork or written as prose. Each contestant must present their world in 5 minutes at Powerbooks Greenbelt, 3pm, October 24, 2010.

Any 5 of the following must be presented:

· Conditions of magic

· Similarities/difference to earth

· Level of technology

· Description of people/race living

· Profile of Villain (Occupation, archetype, physical description and role in the world)

· Villain: His purpose/evil plan

· Profile of Hero (Occupation, archetype, physical description and role in the world)

· Hero: His quest/purpose in the story

· Fashion: Everyday clothing of everyday people

· Fashion: Special/occasional clothing (state the occasion)

· Fashion: National costume of one of the countries

· Lifestyle: Food available in the country.

· Lifestyle: disparity between rich, middle class and poor

· Language

My sample world

Sample: The World of Di

History: Ruled by twin Angels, they made humans who live there into conjoint twins.

Language: Common Language for entire world

Fashion: Mirror’s earth such that they wear jeans, cotton sun dresses, etc. Janusians are more Asian ethnic while Diplos have Grecian Inspirations.

Technology: Steam punk but with advances that are near modern.They don't have airplanes but they do have hydroblimps.

People: 4 different race: Janusians, Diplos, Ischios and Dicephaly

• All of the people of Di are Conjoint Twins. They started as separate individuals until they drank of the Forbidden Fountain. After that, they started to die from the water. Aingel (Ain and Gel) conjoint the remaining people so that they will survive.

• A dominant twin is different per twin type. For a Janusian, the dominant twin is the one with the frontal body. For a Diplo, the dominant twin is chosen by the parents. For Ischios and Dicephs, the DT comes out of the parents before the other.

• Setting: City of Merga, located in Astranea

• Melting pot of 4 races.

• Population of 15 million living in Merga.

• Tourist population: 5 million a year.

• Merga lives through trade. It has no source of food, fuel or any natural resources. Since it is located in the middle of 4 nations, each twin set goes to Merga to trade.

Heroines: Marilyn and Caitlyn Salvador

• Age: 16 years old

• Twin Type: Diplos – Two bodies conjoint in the middle.

• Marilyn is the “Dominant Twin.” She is the most logical of the two. She loves scrapbooking and photography

• Caitlyn is whimsical and artistic. She loves dancing, sculpting and painting.

Villain : Serni and Daynel

• Archetype: Dark Lord – Psychopath

• Serni is not the DT but he kills his twin and takes over. Daynel is an empty rotting shell.

• Evil Plot: To separate the twins again

• How: Find the Fountain- the source of how the people in Di became twins. Use the water to create a virus to separate twins. Problem: when twins are separated, there’s a 50% chance one dies after the other.

• Employs shady people to reach his goals.

The Story

• Marilyn and Caitlyn move to the City of Merga. They meet new friends and attend a whole new school. While taking a field trip to Cambalez Valley, they rescue a human from the river. Since all of Di are Conjoint twins, the boy is considered a half-man. Some speculate that he is an angel.

• Marilyn and Caitlyn embarks on a quest to help him find his memories back.

• They accidentally uncover Serni’s plot.

MY Upcoming Fashion Show

2010-09-28T13:04:00.001+07:00

Painting Hats

2010-08-19T14:08:00.001+07:00

1st in the Hat Collection: Lonely Hat

A little cotourish purple top hat with a giant wilting rose on top.

Espresso Launched it's Pilot

2010-06-25T09:50:00.003+07:00

Hi All, Espresso comics is out, well, the pilot anyways.

After much hard work, Aki has to thank me for this! So what's my role in this? I'm her official "tig" and extra Kagebunshin.

Also, I made the maskot inside:

Introducing Feisty! Yes, he's feisty for a reason.

In loving memory of my dear darling Alonzo. No, Alonzo is not feisty but he's vulgar.

Aishteru Alonzo!

Term "Jejemon" explained

2010-05-26T09:03:00.001+07:00

Jejemon is a pop-culture phenomenon in the Philippines characterized by a new style of writing — usually in text messages and on online social media platform such as Facebook.
“Jejemons," or those who embraced the jejemon fad, write "jeje" instead of hehe to indicate laughter. Using J instead of H might have been derived from Spanish, whose speakers denote the interjection as laughter, or because the letters "h" and "j" are beside each other on the computer keyboard, and that it is appended by "-mon" that came from the Japanese anime Pokémon, with "-mon" meant as "monster," hence "jeje monsters."

from:Jejemon fanatics find an ‘ally’ in Catholic bishop
GMANews.TV - Tuesday, May 25

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20100525/tph-jejemon-fanatics-find-an-ally-in-cat-d6cd5cf.html

Updates in Life

2010-05-20T08:41:00.000+07:00

Made a new blog:

http://philippinelolita.blogspot.com/

Breakfast at Cafe de Lipa

2010-01-21T10:34:00.003+07:00

I had breakfast at Cafe de Lipa in Market Market.

I got a Hot Mocha Latte and Adobo Patte Pandesal. Total cost 145.00

It was a quaint and quiet place. There were always people inside it in the morning. Not full. Usually a small group with one or two tables. I decided to try it. Why not? I'm in Market Market everyday anyways.

The Mocha Latte was alright. Sorry, Cafe de Lipa, it was nothing special. It's ok but not really great. The Adobo Patte Pandesal was good. One thumb up since 45 pesos for one small pandesal felt a little steep. It really was patte and it is a must-try.

The ambiance is good. It was serene and conveniently located. Even if the mall was still closed, you can dine in at 7am.

I like the concept of the cafe. A blend of Filipino and western cafe style. Their specialty is Cape Barako from Batangas, hence the name Cafe de Lipa. Food are mixtures of the expected chocolate cakes, a few quiches and of course, a menu of Pinoy snacks. The snacks are mostly pre-prepared pandesal items.

Overall, it's a good place to try. It a fine place to relax.

Prices are same in Figaro and Bo's.

Racist in Avatar Movie?

2010-01-12T20:17:00.004+07:00

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/some-see-racist-theme-alien-adventure-avatar-ap

In response to yahoo's article:

Yeah, perhaps it is the whole White Messiah thing but perhaps James Cameron didn't really intend to make it so.

For me, it is a well executed Futuristic Sci-Fi Pocahontas and Fern Gully. It one of those movies you watch to unwind. Yeah, some scenes were soooo cliche and expected but then if they didn't happen, you'd be disappointed.

So what do the critics want?

I like it. I'll probably buy the DVD and watch it a couple of times.

Cool world. Neat tech. Good execution. Colorful characters.

5 second spark

2010-01-06T19:52:00.000+07:00

I bought sparklers, the only firecrackers I buy. This year, it has degraded even more. Apart from it being thinner and poorly looking, it was also poorly made. It left silver dust on your fingers, it stinks and it lights up for only five seconds.
I counted.
WTF?
It was the just a spark the it died down. I even tested burning the whole thing. Nope. That was all the fire power it had.
Stupid firecrackers.
I'm not buying anymore next year!

To firecrackers or not to firecrackers...

2009-12-30T20:45:00.003+07:00

Is that a question?

There are some places in the Phil that doesn't allow firecrackers and for good reason.
They don't make firecrackers like they used to anymore. It more destructive and it ends quicker. The only firecracker for me is sparklers. Only sparklers.
They don't make sounds. They only light up and twinkle. There are some sparklers which are nasty and stinky and they occasionally explode.

Yesterday, I saw a pot-bellied man set-up a table selling firecrackers of the worse kind. Everything cheap and easy was piled high on the table. Then directly behind it, (as in!) he was cooking sidewalk foods. Open flame, mind you. While he let his dish simmer, he lit up a cigarette. Three steps away three children about five or six-ish were lighting up Pop-pops and throwing them around. this was in a depressed area so the streets were the only place to place. they threw it indiscriminately to the streets. THIS WAS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN!

So, constant vigilance to fire fighters and ordinary folks. Looks like they're spending new year on top of the fire truck.

Tips peeps: Don't spend too much on fire crackers. They're not worth it anymore. When you buy them, keep your candles controlled and at a safe distance for houses, dried plants and anything flammable. This will include electric poles!
Wear a tight jacket and some thick gloves if you can.
Wash up after handling fire crackers. You might not die of an explosion but ya can dies of poisoning.

Happy New Year!

Avatar Movie

2009-12-20T23:35:00.004+07:00

Today, we watched Avatar.

Formulated story but well executed.

Ok, the plot was typical. He's sent to infiltrate but he meets girl, fall in love with girl, falls in love with people, save people, become one with people. Yeah but it had cool effects. Felt like watching a discovery planet documentary only there were blue men along with Dinosaur looking creatures.

They had their own language and customs. It feels indigenous. Like natives but it was consistent.

I love the planet!

Is it a must see movie? Yes.
Very entertaining and I would watch it again but perhaps not in 3D anymore. 3D is too costly to watch.

Suicide November is Over!

2009-12-07T20:28:00.002+07:00

Yup, my november is over.

What I did:

Talecraft Character builder workshop - plan, execute, the works
NaNoWriMo - completed 50,081 in 30 days
Fashion Palooza
Poveda Fair
UP AME Jindai
My opening of Baby Moon Lifestyle Store
Make Stocks
Inventory Stocks
Shop for stocks!

Sketch

2009-12-01T21:36:00.002+07:00

Mask

CARP law is CRAP law

2009-10-28T19:09:00.003+07:00

WTF?

Did you know that if you have more than 6 hectares of farmland, it's CARPable? It used to be just rice and corn then extended to pineapple and coconut. But now it is any farmland idle or not.

THIS WILL NOT HELP THE POOR FARMERS!

Think about it. The land will be taken from owners and given to farmers but farmers won't have enough money to rent tractors and buy seeds and fertilizers. In desperation, they sell the land cheaper. A rice person buys it all and naturally doesn't want it CARPable so he turns it into gollf course or resort. It won't really click but he tries anyways. After it fails, he sells it to real estate peeps who turn it into housing or highrise.

Result: We have dwellings we can't afford to live in and we still don't have enough food.

W
T
F
?
*
*
*

Goddess of War Dressup FLASH - Play Free Flash Games Online at Y3.com

2009-09-30T19:39:00.001+07:00

Goddess of War Dressup FLASH - Play Free Flash Games Online at Y3.com

Shared via AddThis

HK Shopping

2009-08-22T21:21:00.000+07:00

HK Trip

2009-08-22T18:00:00.004+07:00

I'm back! Yes, another travelogue!
We sistahs promised each other we would have one local trip and one international trip once a year. This is our international trip of the year!
Hong Kong and Macau!

We stayed at a clean but strange sort of Hostel in the heart of Cuaseway Bay. When you get down from the building, you are beside Stefanel, Armani and DKNY.
Read more to see tips and tricks in a five day HK trip!

Time Square! We were surrounded by malls, shops and brands!
There's Sogo, Watsons, WTC, Laforet, Timesquare and Fashion Walk!
Yeah, there brands and brand all over. it's something I noticed. HK fashion Designers are not as well known. i tried to find some local brands but all I see int he local mags are international brands.
If you don't want to spend that much in shopping, go to the bazaars. There are lots of them all over. Each station has it's own. Cuaseway has a few. Central has a lot. For cheap market, go to Tsim Sha Tsui.
If you want brands concentrated in one area, go to Macaua Four Seasons and Venetian. Fashion Walk and LCX and other Japanese fashion centers are located in Causeway Bay.
They have it all!
Yes, Japanese fashion is quite popular. Laforet and Sogo are close to each other here.
Beware: Hongers tend to discriminate Minalanders.

Food! Their cheap food might not convert well in our money value but let me tell you, it is so good! The food in the street is nothing you can eat in our street. Hongers have a different taste in fashion and food. Here we ate in the night market street where ever six o'clock, it is lined with tables and food is served hot. Yummy!
Caution! Not for the sensitive tunny for it may seem a little unsanitary.
Don't worry, I didn't get sick!

Disney Disney Disney!
Man, I felt like a kid!
I ate and ate and ate, rode rides, bought some souvenirs, ate again, drank this, ice cream there. Oh, yeah, ate and took home some Disney food to the hostel.

Hongers don't clap much after every performance. Disney staff who are Hongers don't smile much either. It mgiht be a cultural thing. Don't be offended. You can smile all you want. Hey, it's Disney land!

Yeah, people might say HK Disneyland is small but Disney is Disney. It won't disappoint.
Bring about HK$500 with you. That would cover food, beverages and souvenirs. Price range for drink is $20. If you go inside a fastfood area it can be only $18. If you buy it in the street cart, it can cost up to $24. Food price is about $40 to $60 per meal. Snack like the burger meal at Orbit Cafe is $56 with drink. Orbit is the cheapest so far.
The Mickey Tiramisu from Maxim Bakery is only $22.
Souvenir key chain or candies might cost about $50. Stuffed toys are about $200.
FWI: There is a HK Disneyland store in the Airport. It is cheaper because it is tax free but not all goods are available. Buy your goodies in Main Street. it's the most complete. If you want buzz Light year goods, buy it in Tomorrow Land.
Tip: Bring umbrella, extra shirt and comfy shoes/slippers.

The Venetian Macau

We had one day of Macau via Cotaijet. Ticket costs about $134 going and $170 coming back. Last jet leaves Macau at 11:30pm. Buss is free going to Venetian.
Don't worry about converting to Pataca(Macau Money). You can pay in HK$ but expect some change in Pataca.
The whole day, we spent it at the Venetian. there is so much to do. They have a food court if you find restuarants expensive. Food is about $50 to $90 per person. Serving is big so three people can share two orders. There is a wide choice of Aisan food and two western restaurants.
The venetian has twoo floors of stores. Everything is high end brand stores like Coach, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Bvlgari, etc. it was sale the time we went there.
Don't worry about entertainment. There have 3 canals where you may ride the gondola. Hey, it's venice. The wall facade immitates the old Venice world. There are lamp posts and shuttered windows. Most of them are just decoration.
The highlight of the Venetian is the street performers. They call it Streetmosphere. There are mimes, jugglers, stilk walkers, musicians, living statues and singers.
You'll never get bored!
To crown it all off, there is Zaia, the Cirque du Soliel performance only at the venetian. Licket is a little pricy. Get ehn at a travel anget's to get discount. Buy ahead of time. It's worth seeing! Show starts at eight. Ends at nine thirty. Buy some souvenirs if you wnat or just browse through their souvenir shop. They, you may take the bus back to the ferry port and go home. Passport ready!
Caution: Do not buy ticket from individauls selling you tickets outside teh ferry terminal. Go inside the terminal and buy it inside. Don't beleive the sellers who sell it for $100. It mgiht be fake. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. You need to show your Passport to buy.

This is a fascinating restaurant. I found out about it on our last night. I instantly announce we had to eat there.
Since we were already full from dinner, Achi Terry, Diki and I decided to get some poopie ice cream.
Yes, they serve it in a toilet bowl. Price of ice cream is about $45 each. It it big and you may have to share with someone and not even finish it. Drink is about $29. You may want to share this as well. Service is good. They charge 12% service charge.
There are two branches: Cuaseway Bay and Mongkok. We ate at Causeway Bay. It is at the 4th floor of Watsons. There may not be signs but you may ask people.

***
All in all, our HK trip was wonderful. A bit tiring but owrth it.
Caution: Culture Shock everyone. They may seem a little rude but that's just everyday for Hongers. When eating, they suddenly take your plate away, it's aqueue to get out. For them, it's eat then skidadle. They don't talk after eating or make friend with the next table.
Tips: Wear comfy shoes. Train rides are fast but you be standing a lot then running around the station can make your legs big. Oh, if you can, ride the tram wherever you can. If you ride the front of the second floor, you get a panaoramic view of the city. also, it is cheap. It consts only $2 any where.
Leave the hotel 3 hours before departure time. They won't let yuo in 1 hour before departure. It takes 1 hour to get tot he airport since it's in another island. It takes 1 hour to find your way around to check-in and then you wait int he pre-departure area for 1 hour. Lots to eat and lots of shops to see. It is a little pricey. Go to the thrid floor. Burger King is probably the cheapest meal to eat. Go buy a Ben & Jerry's. It's worth it. A scoop is $30 each. Yummy. I tried 3 flavors. We so stuffed by the time we borded.

Good luck travelers!
Hope this way insightful!
If you have comments and additional info, please comment!

HongKong Trip 09

2009-08-22T13:06:00.002+07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Lord, take care of me...

2009-08-08T20:22:00.002+07:00

I was counting what i have and balancing what my accounts have. Man, I don't have enough. So, I decided to bring cup noodles to HK since I really didn't have budget.

So, I prayed it was enough. HK$1,000, hopefully it was enough. Then, I decided to clean up my drawers. I haven't since the flood so it was high time i did.

Oh, look. I forgot about this pile. It was my Honor Medals and Mother Marie Eugenie Medal. Then under was St. Benilde and St. La Salle Certificates. In between all of them fell Php3,700.00 a one dollar bill and three old ten peso bills. Thank you Jesus! Thank You St. Benilde, Las Salle and Marie Eugenie!

Now I have extra for HK!

Typical Scenarios

2009-08-04T21:35:00.004+07:00

This story, you may have heard before. Not that we know of the same person but this scenario takes place in a lot of families. Some scenes I combined, compressed and probably furnished a bit. I don't want to write their lives verbatim.

Dramatis Personae:
(Names not real. As in I changed it!)

Pads- He's the patriarch. Characteristics: Consitidor, can't take charge of family.
Maddy- She's the matriarch. Characteristics: take-charge attitude.
Atz- Eldest girl Characteristics: Social climber but scared of making it big.
Budz- Middle child, boy. Characteristics: Goes with the flow. weakling.
Wetz- Youngest. Characteristics: Weakling. Spoiled.

Other characters: Boss, Supervisor, Atz's husband Mac, creditors, etc.

Part 1

Pads is a part-time janitor of Big Company. Since big is a big and sharing company, it wants to take care of its employees. Pads took up night classes. Boss finds out and helps Pads in any small way he can. Soon, Pads graduates from a two year night course in typing and secretarial. He's then promoted to a low-level office worker. With Pads' new job, he's entitled to benefits like a health care, SSS, housing plan and educational plans for his children. The house is located near Big Company. In fact, Big owns the subdivision and is helping each employee rent to own properties. This is a big break for Pads. From an informal dweller, he's soon to be a titled home owner. Best part is, it is in a safe and secured subdivision. His children will be safe from drugs, hooligans and other canto-happenings. With the educational assistance, he's able to send all three children to school even if it just a cheap school.

Everything seems to go well for Pads and his family. They have friends in high places, good neighbors and everything to live comfortably. A few years later, his eldest girl graduates and applies for Big Company. Since she had good educational attainment, she at once got a white collared job in Big.

We think that Pads and his family are having a happy ending? Nope. This family is now heading for their destruction and it all starts with one mistake compounded by another mistake and to be followed by more mistakes.

Pads income is enough to support his family. His wife is a housewife since they married and refused to work thinking she's too old. Atz is supposed to be making more. She's entered a position higher than her fathers. She's also entitled to an extra benefit: the credit card.
Now, Atz is having more friends but somehow she grew up insecure because they used to be informal dwellers(squatters). Now she wants to rise above her friends. She maxed out her card in less than a month. Thinking she can pay it little by little, she pays the minimum. Sadly, Atz doesn't understand how Philippine credit cards work. Paying minimum will not erase the debt. It is still there and will keep being there until the full payment plus interest is paid.

Because Atz wants to shop and go out to have some fun, she uses up her savings. She fails one payments and now the bank is putting penalty and surcharge. In less than a year, the original amount is now five hundred percent. pads and his family refused to pay for the debt. They stop ansewring calls from creditors. The creditors, being the sharks that they are, went to their house and their work place. Pads and his family were forced to move away and hide from the creditors. Atz was fired because she refused to answer phone calls and most phone calls were the creditors hounding her. She was given an ultimatum: fix it or get fired. She gets fired for failing to fix the problem.

Now the family is back to a single man income. Pads is trying his best to find a sideline to earn some extras. His supervisor takes pity on him and gives whatever he can to support Pads. On weekeends, Pads does oddjobs in Supervisor's house as extra. Supervisor's wife is a school teacher and has agreed to let Budz and Wetz in her classes for free. Bubz drops out eventually because he felt he was too old for the class. Wetz stays but is asked to help out after classes.

Part 2

Pads and his family are now living in an informal community. It is not safe and far from his job. This eats up his income. Commute money is bigger now and rising oil prices steadily increases the fare prices on public vehicles. He is also paying more rent than in the Big Company Subdivision. He should have been able to own the house in a few years but now that he's moved away, his payments are forfeit.

Since they are in an informal dwelling, Atz gets herself pregnant. pads gets her married and quick to her boyfriend. The child in question is undetermined if the current boyfriend is ther eal father but Pads wanted to save face. He asks his Supervisor to be the Ninong of the wedding. He asks other employees in Big to sponsor some things for the wedding. They weren't too happy but they they wanted to help the poor man. The wedding was grand. Pads had to borrow money from Supervisor just for they wedding.

Atz finally gave birth. Luckily, Pads insurance covered for his daughter's hospital bills. Unfortunately, Atz' husband, Mac, does not have a stable job. Mac is a carpenter and is only hired when the contractor needs extra hands. Since Mac has no special skills, he's not always called to do a job. he keeps a cellphone just in case his supervisor would call him but he can hardly put load in it. He often have to ask Atz to ask Pads. By the ways, MAC LIVES WITH THEM. Why? Because he can't afford to live on his own. He's also an informal dweller. He thought he was marrying into a well-off family but lo and behold, he married to a class like him and is even in debted and runnign from creditors. He tries his hardest to find jobs and support is starting family. Whatever extra hemade was supposed to be put in to pay for the debts but his father-in-law advised against it. The money was sued to move houses again when the creditors discovered where he lives.

Budz falls into bad company. He roams the street, does drugs and hang with the wrong crowd. His father had to bail him out a few times when he was caught shoplifting with his friends. Once it was suspected of using drugs. Another time it was disorderly conduct. He gets a girl pregnant. Pads wants him to marry the girl but they have no money. The girl demands support. Pads has to send money for the child's hospitalization. This couldn't be covered by his insurance. Pads had to borrow monay again. Budz soon runs away and never shows up again unfortunately, the girl with his child still demands money.

They move again.

This time, the informal dwelling is even farther. In desperation, Pads steals from the office. When he was found out, he begged and pleaded with Boss. Boss was a kind-hearted man who beleived in second chances but he also beleived in punishment. Pads was demoted to being janitor again. His bennefits were taken away but Boss decided not to cut his pay as a means to help Pads.

Part 3

Wetz is being teased in school. She is fat from eating junk food instead of healthy food. She is also not the prettiest girl so she is insecure. Since she is "poor" and has to help after classes, she feels like she is being treated as a "maid." Teacher begs her to stay on and complete her education. It would only be a few month before she can finally finish highschool. Wetz quit. She stays home. Unfortunately, where her home is, it is even nastier than their previous informal dwelling. She gets knocked-up by some random boys in the street. Months later, she is found pregnant. she can't tell who the father is because there were multiple men and none of them she knows the name.

Maddy has had it. Atz is working again in a different company with no bennefits and very little pay. She is owrking all day and Maddy has to take care of the child. Budz' child is given to her by theunwilling mother. She has to care for two children and now a possible third. She goes to Quiapo and buys an abortive. She tells Wetz to drink it.

Wetz drinks the abortive. Unfortunately, since she is a little fat, nobody knows how many month she along. She's actually seven months now and refused to tell her mother. When she takes the abortive, she unwittingly forced labor and the child was healthy enough to survive. She gives birth by herself in her room. In a panic, she dumps the child in the trashcan and covers it with papers. Since she doesn't know what to do and there were complications from the abortive, she bleeds profusely. She calls out to Maddy. Maddy lays herdown the bed. she sees lots of blood and thinks it's done now but the bleeding won't stop. She calls her husband in the office and tells him of the emergency.

Pads hears the enws in the middle of the day. He has to rush home. Supervisor drives him himself and they rush to Pads' house. No ambulance has been called since it was too expensive. Plus, the abulance couldn't get in the tight alley ways of the infomal settlers. Pads and Maddy help Wetz to Supervisor's car. While the couple helps their daughter, Supervisor notices something moving and making sounds in the trashcan. He uncovers it and finds a struggling little baby. He picks it up and guessed what had happened in the room. They all drove to the nearest hospital. Supervisor had to take care of the bill since Pads had no money at all.

Maddy returns home and locks herself in her room. She refused to face reality. Supervisor's wife takes time off her work to comfort and help Wetz. She thinks Wetz is suffering some psychological trauma and wishes to help the girl. Wetz is catatonic for days. The baby is premature and had to be incubated. It was a miracle that is was alive and struggled to make tiself known even when it's air passage was still blocked.

Wetz snaps out of it days later and was able to go home. She wants to keep her child. Now there was three children at home to take care of. Supervisor want to file abortion charges against Maddy but Pads begs him not to.

Maddy dies some months later by some unknown desease she has kept from everybody. They burial expenses is very expensive, even the cheapest ones. Atz, Mac and Pads spare all their saving just to bury Maddy.

Pads is still in debt and can't run from these creditors. He's borrowed money from a lot of people form the Big Company. If he quits his job, he has no other means to support his family. It was the only job with big pay for a janitor. He adviced Mac to be an OFW.

Part 4

Pads develops a text relationship with someone's wife. She happens to be wife of a person in Big. For the girl it's just a texting game. Pads takes it seriously. he begins to call her and text non-stop. He gets big phone bills. People in the Big Company notices. He inadvertedly make s amistake when he miss-sends the messgae to his love to his Boss' number.

Boss can't take it any longer. Pads is fired for misorderly conduct. He is out of a job.

Finally, he gets a job nearby as a "tig-boy" and part-time driver. It requires him to live with his new boss. he come home only for the weekend. Still, he has to pay a monthly rent for his house in the informal dwellings. Wetz stays home and refuses to get a job or an education. Atz wants to be a stay-home mom. Mac finally gets a job abroad.

Mac goes to Saudi. Everything's arranged and he had a job waiting for him. He bid his wife and in-laws a goodbye. He goes toa faraway land with other contract workers like him. He earns good money but has to send a big bulk of it to pay for Pads' debt and a way for Atz to live on. he send money home for a few months. One day, he stops and cuts all communication form them. He thinks he can do better. Mac decides to start new and debt free.

Atz coulnd't beleive Mac abandoned them. He never really loved her. She enver really loved him. She just wanted to get away and now she is stuck. She gets a job, small paying and no benefits. Pads comes home on a weekend and soemtimes he doesn't. Fortunately, he still pays for the house and all the bills that comes with it. Wetz takes care of all the kids because it's the only contribution she could give.

That is their story up to date.

Yes, they are still living.

They might be closer than you think.

Is this a typical story? Yes. They are hundreds of stories similar to it. This is the real State of the Nation.
Sad but true.

Thinking of him...

2009-07-22T22:42:00.003+07:00

My Alonzo, can't help but think of you.

Why am I taking your death so hard? I haven't taken anybody else's that hard. So many people was lost to me last year but it didn't make me cry. I was sad but it didn't feel as gut wrenching as yours.
I wanted to throw open the door and see you sitting in front of the door, your usual outpost. But all that's there is your grave. There are lots of three leaf-clovers growing. I hope there's a four.

It's hard to get close to the other kitties now. They are not as smart as you. They are not as lovable as you. I tried to train them but they didn't have your zest or appeal.
I wonder if you left me some kitties somewhere. I just want a piece of you again. When you died, I threw out everything of yours. It hurt to look at. Now, I wished I have something to cling to...

I miss you and it seems hard. I'm emotional but my sibs tell me to put a sock in it.
They bonded with you the same way i did but they didn't grieve you as I am still doing now.
Why is that, Lonzo-kins?

Why am I not over a death of a cat?

You know my secrets, my feelings, my dreams. Sometimes I wished you'd go on forever but you didn't. Now that you're not here, I need you even more.
Nobody could understand that.

The Reason for Alonzo

2009-07-06T09:30:00.002+07:00

I did not Live Until today... How can I live when we are parted? Tomorrow you'll be worlds away...

I loved Alonzo. He was the eldest, the Alpha Cat.
What was the reason of his existence? Why was he here then gone?
Diki (Marie) told me he had a purpose and I began to ponder the reasons of his existence and death.
My Alonzo was not entirely mine. He was first Jade's cat. But she doesn't take care of him. He then attached himself to Diki. We often joked that Alonzo is Diki's secret lover. He kisses her, even marked her.
Alonzo's good looks made him very popular among the cats, especially his SIZE.
Don't you love a big cat?
Can't really determine his breed. Whoever his father was, had to be foreign or bred.
Fortunately for all cats, Alonzo shares the lurve. He is bisexual.
No kid. Saw him hump a girl cat and a boy cat.
He had his endless share of quirks but it endeared us to him.
We called him the Don because he took care of his little pride. He adopted Pepper and raised him. As in, made sure to raise and teach him. Then hump him when he got old. Ah... Alonzo. That was disturbing.
Then, he made sure female cats and baby cats get fed before him. then the other male cats could join in.

So what was the reason for his existence?
He inspired me. He loved this family. We grew attached only these past three years. I never knew the side of him to be loving. he only showed it behind closed doors, literally.

The reason of his death? Also to inspire me.
We'll never know how strong our love is until we loose that person. He had become a person. In his way, he communicated so much to us.
You can understand Alonzo. He can understand you too.
I'll miss him. My love for him is something that won't die.
He broke his cat ways just for me and my family. He became a guard dog, a playmate and a companion, especially late at night. he made sure there was somebody beside me during midnight when I'm busy with my projects.
He even died in the house so that he had every moment with us.
I'll never forget it, hard as it was but I can only feel his love. How he felt part of the family and how he wanted to stay but time was up. Death was upon him.
Alonzo, I love you.

A tradition Forgotten

2009-07-03T20:06:00.003+07:00

The Baro, a traditional wear of Filipinas. It is not worn anymore unless on special occasions. Once upon a time, it was a daily wear, an identity stamped through strife and discrimination.

History:
When the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, linen and other fabrics from Europe were not readily available tot eh colonizers. The Filipinos introduced a new material to the melting-in-heat
Spaniards. It was the Piña and the Jusi. Both are made of piña fibers and sometimes mixed with abacca or silk. It was breezy and light. Embroideries were added for clothes of the nobility. Mostly, the people who wore these were the Filipinos themselves. the Spaniards insisted on the nearly see-through material so they could see of the person was concealing weapons.
Time flew and the baro evolved into what it is today.

When Wearing a Big Shirt

2009-06-30T16:39:00.004+07:00

What to do when wearing a big shirt:
Whether T-shirt or Polo shirt, do you see yourself in the left or the right?
Yeah, huh. Some girls who think they're big wear the one on the left. baggy shirt with baggy pants. Trust me, this is not androgynous or laid back. It's lazy wear! It looks like a hobo picked it out for you. You want to look chic? The get-up has to get off the planet!

Wait!
Don't throw the shirt. Not just yet. Try this exercise on a new outlook on big shirts.

Follow step by step:

First, waer something tight underneath like skinny fitted jeans or colored leggings.
Open the shirt. Wear a bright tank underneath. It adds to the overall effect.
belt it. Show your waistline. The belt is not only functional in setting your height but also an eye candy. Make sure it's bright! Get a big buckle too!
Lastly, roll the sleeves. It looks better.

Voila! You have transformed the look.

Shape of the dress, a comparative

2009-06-29T12:02:00.001+07:00

Compare left and right images.
Something is definitely wrong with the one on the left. I call this figure wearing a Nightmare Nightgown. Not that she's actually wearing a nightgown but it resembles it. If you find yourself wearing this dress, it's simple to solve.
The right figure is on the RIGHT. Dresses today are fun and shorter. I suggest a length of two to three inches above the ball of your knees. That gives you extra height. Next, cinge the waist with a belt. Try putting the belt just ABOVE the navel. It's a secret to adding height. Belts also gives accent to a dress, especially if it's monotoned. Try experimenting with a lively colored belt.
These small simple details change the overall look you are sporting. Do not underestimate cuts and accents. It can save your (love) life. Joke! But it changes your look and your look changes your outlook!

There! You shall find yourself very different from your nightmare.

Nobody Loves Me but the Cat

2009-06-26T10:03:00.002+07:00

Maity here. I've been working on this story and would like to share with you an excerpt. Hope you all like it! The title is Nobody Love Me but The Cat. It is set in Spanish-Colonial Philippines. Circa late 16thC, when the Spaniards were a super power and the indios look up to Mother Spain.

The general gist is: Manolito is a Familiar who is tasked to guard Mariella. He must do everything he can to protect her health and happiness.
Mariella's parents know he is a cat but nobody else does. To Mariella, he is another suitor there to woo her.

Using Talecraft Storytelling Cards
Genre: Historical Romance
Characters: Lovable Rogue and Competent Man (additional: Ingenue)
Key words: Social Class, Test. Plotlines: Forbidden Love, Discovery, Pursuit

Chapter III.

Manolito de Anotnino y Salvo, such a dashing lad. His airs and ways are very reminiscent of his father. Don Rico remembered too well how he nearly lost his fiancé, now wife, to Megalito de Antonino y Sonsa. That fat bragger was like his son now, suave, confident and carried himself well. Maria Isabel was young then and she had full of spirits. She still does now. Back then, she wanted a man who was bold enough to lead her, bold enough to fight for her. Don Rico nearly lost. It was his determination that Megalito conceded and left the country. Maria Isabel did not mourn her lost love. It seems by standing up to Megalito, Don Rico captured Maria Isabel’s heart.

Now it begins again. Don Rico recalled the past. It was about this time of the year when that faithful day happened so long ago. The one and only time when Maria Isabel was to be Reina Elena, Megalito stepped into their lives and tried to woo Maria Isabel away from her rightful fiancé.

How would Manolito fare with his daughter? Manolito was lean, fair and well built. He was a beast of a man with his piercing green eyes, jet black hair and opalescent white skin. Megalito was fat but he had charms. He was a jolly fellow who laughed at danger in the face. His charms were old world, very courtly and could out-class the king of Spain himself. It seems Manolito has the same dynamic charms as his father. He was in the sitting room with the ladies charming them into liking him. His daughter and his wife were already enthralled.

Don Rico entered the sitting room. There was a fresh bouquet of flowers on top of the coffee table, obviously from Manolito.

“Beuna Dias, Don Rico.” Manolito gave a slight bow.

No, Don Rico observed. Manoltio was not like his father. He was more reserved but equally as courteous. Megalito must have drilled manners into the boy.

“Oh look, father!” Mariella pointed to the books littered around the sitting room. Her sisters were busy browsing them too. “Manolito brought these over. Spanish Magazines with the latest fashion abroad. I will really shine on Santa Cruzan!”

Manolito was tactful too. He can’t get angry, Don Rico found out. He wanted to but he couldn’t. This gentleman brought such a big smile to his daughter’s face. Meanwhile, at the other end of the sitting room, the boys were huddled together looking at the girls at the far side. They felt very unwelcomed.

“Ihjos,” Don Rico called them. “While the girls are occupied, what do you say to riding? I have good horses who can take on the rough terrain at the back forests.” The boys got up. They needed to stretch their legs. Don Rico had Spanish half-breeds to be boasted around. They were strong and fast.

“Senior Manolito, do you ride?” Angelo walked up directly to Manolito. Intent was in his eyes.

“When I have to, Seniorito Angelo.” He deliberately bated Angelo with his tone.

“How about a race?” He challenged.

“A challenge.” A glint in his eyes told Don Rico that this man welcomed it. “What would be race for?” He dared Angelo.

“The first dance with Seniora Mariella during the Flores de Mayo Fiesta.”

“Hmm? If I am to be her escort, I will also be the first to dance her followed by her father.” Manolito drawled.

“Then be third! I challenge you, Manolito de Antonino. I challenge you to a race!” He said.

“I accept.” Manolito smiled. He followed Angelo to the stables to pick his horse.

“What is Angelo up to?” Mariella noticed the exchange of words. She got up letting the magazines fall to the floor and followed Angelo and Manolito. Her sisters followed her.

Maria Isabel smiled but she did not follow. She knew what the outcome would be. It happened to her a long time ago. “Megalito, thank you for sending Manolito. She needs him even for this brief time.” She whispered to the wind and began to tidy the magazines.

Outside in the stables, Manolito carefully chose his horse. Angelo’s brothers helped their brother pick a fast horse. They picked a muscled strawberry gelding. It was sure to give bursts of speed in no time. Manolito smiled. He chose a docile mare. She was going to run for him. Carefully, he whispered his intent to the horse. The mare complied.

Don Rico watched the boys pick good choices horses. Angelo chose his favorite, Thunder. Thunder was named because his hoof beats sounded like thunder. He had power and lots to spare in a race. The girls joined their father under the shade and observed the show of raging testosterones.

“Senior Manolito, you are not riding with saddles? Surely there are saddles where you came from?” The boys jeered at him.

Manolito smiled, taking off his gloves. He beckoned a kitchen boy to come. “There are saddles but I do not believe this horse wants any. Shall we ride or just compare riding gear?” He gave his cane, hat, gloves, jacket, shoes and socks to the boy. “Niño, hold these for me.”

“I’ll guard them with my life, senior.” The boy was awestruck by the imposing young man who would trust him enough to hold his personals.

“What is that man doing?” Cecilia wondered. Manolito was down to his shirt and pants. He partially opened a few buttons on his shirt. With the grace of a jungle cat, he swung on the mare’s back with ease. “He’s riding it bare? That mare doesn’t even do anything but eat and sleep. How can he pick that?”

“We race to the edge of the river beyond the forest. One must take a red flower that grows beside the river and bring it here to Mariella.” Manolito stated. Angelo nodded. “There is no other place where the flower grows so you will have to get it at the banks.”

Don Rico accepted the terms of the challenge. He would judge them. “On your mark, ready, GO!”

Angelo’s gelding thundered away followed by his brothers. Manolito raced behind them in a steady speed. They came to the forest. It was dense but the gelding was determined to run through it. Manolito’s mare came steadily from the side knowing that Angelo’s brothers would not let him through. They lost each other some time later.

Angelo and his brothers reached the river banks. There were flowers growing beside it but they were not red. He and his brothers began searching. Manolito was nowhere to be found.

“Over here, Seniorito Angelo!” Manolito called from on top of a mangrove tree. He jumped to a thick branch that was impossible to carry a man of his size. He swung with ease and climbed higher to reach the hanging flower. It was red orchid that grew on the top branches of the tree. He pocketed a flower and swung down. Like a cat, he landed on the ground on his feet. “I shall be fair and wait for you, seniorito.”

Angelo was determined to get that flower. He got off his horse and climbed the tree with the orchid. Slowly, he inched his way not looking down. The orchid was on the outer branches but Angelo was determined. He extended his arms as long as he can, grabbing the petals before slipping and falling.

“Aahh!” He came crashing into the river.

To his seething anger, Manolito just smiled at him, his arrogant, smug smile. Angelo got up and ran to his horse. No way was Manolito getting the best of him. He raced his horse, slamming his spurs into the animal’s sides while whipping its rump. “Ha! Ha! Giddyap!”

Manolito asked his mare to run back to the Hacienda in all haste. The mare complied and ran in all speed in hopes of food and a grooming.

Angelo’s gelding ran like thunder but like thunder, it was brief as a flash and it started to slow into a steady pace. Manolito’s mare ran beside him and soon over took his horse. “Ha! Hurry! Ha!” Angelo urged the horse.

The girls and Don Rico waited patiently for the boys to return. Mariella’s sisters were already betting their desserts as to who was to win the race. Would it be Angelo on his fast horse or Manolito on his awkward mare?

Manolito came out of the dense forest, his hair flying, no sweat on him. His mare raced down the path leading to the hacienda. The mare stopped in front of Mariella with not even a hard whip from Manolito. He merely directed the mare with his bare feet and soft words.

Mariella’s heart thundered as the hoof beats came neared. Manolito was a wild beast coming from the wilderness. He was animal and man combined. He took a red item from inside his shirt and hooked it behind her ear. It was warm from the heat of his skin.

The boys came bounding out of the forest. Angelo was wet. He came to her and deposited a wet, wilted crumple of red on her gloved palms.

“Red orchid?” Or what was supposed to be one.

Angelo nodded but said nothing. His pride was crushed enough as it was. Defeated, he came off his horse and walked to the house. Don Rico ran after him to make sure he was alright. The rest of his siblings too came in a procession.

“Venido aquí, mi amor. Come with me.” Manolito reached for Mariella’s waist and pulled her up the horse. He reached for her shoes and gave them to the boy to hold. “The horse doesn’t want them.”

“You can talk to the horse?” She asked.

“No, I don’t neigh but anyone can feel what the horse is feeling. You just have to feel it.” He stroked the horse’s mane. “She doesn’t want the heavy bridle nor the feel of stirrups and whips.” Manolito explained. “Horses run faster without them.”

Mariella leaned on his chest. His heart beat a slow and steady rhythm. He smelled so fresh and warm, too much a man, too much an animal. “Manolito, I think I’m falling for you.” She whispered.

“You are falling, seniorita? I dare not let you. What would your father think of me if I let you fall?” He secured his arm on her waist and urged the horse to trot to the clearing.

In Manolito’s arms, she viewed the sunset beyond the hills. It was so romantic. Manolito was warm. His grip was firm, never letting her go. “Never fear, Seniorita Mariella. I’ll never let go of you.”

“Never?”

“Never. You have my heart to command, Seniorita Mariella, my very familiar heart.” He whispered to her ears.

Dedicated to Alonzo

The day goes by...

2009-06-21T19:42:00.004+07:00

l feel empty inside. I'm missing my Alonzo.
I yelled at Orlan (the driver) for stepping on my Alonzo. I clearly saw his footprint.
He said Alonzo was dead.
I don't care. He was special to me. I hate this house but I can't leave it anytime soon. It has my Alonzo.

I wanted to plant some flowers but dad said to plant some veggies ON TOP OF ALONZO GRAVE.
I love my Alonzo but I don't think I want to eat a part of him.

Baby-cat, why did you have to be gay? You could have left me with some kitties!

The Flood This Year

2009-06-06T22:01:00.002+07:00

First flood of the year and we were ready for it.
Still, each year, the house gets the damage. Plus it costs more in Zonrox and Lysol.

Poor kitties. It started to flood outside. The kitties were stuck in the window. By the time I had spare time, it was already flooding in the house. The baby kitties were in the shitty waters. Their little noses up but soon, they were going to drown. They were too small to understand flood. They didn't even mind the water. I got Burberry and put her on my shoulder as I scooped the two baby kitten. Then, I had to put then in the garage where they muddied up my box of tela.
Ok, Next cat. When I went back out, Muning got excited and jumped in to the water. Ay baby! Yucky waters! I really had to wade to get him. Good thing he rushed to the safety of the house as fast as he could.
Next cat, Mommy Blindy. She was tricky. I had to wade deeper to get her.
Domino was better. All I had to do was stick Burberry out of the door and Domino ran to her. Then I got her and put them all in the garage. Whew!
If I didn't love my kitties!

Got me thinking of Alonzo.
There was a time he stayed upstairs, quiet as ever until the next day. The next two years, when the flood happened, he just seem to disappear. I'd see him again when the water subsided. He brought Peppi with him.
But now, there is no Alonzo.
Peppi is outside the door beside Alonzo's grave.
I have no idea what Alonzo told him before he passed but it seemed Peppi hasn't left the front. Not for flood. He must miss him too. I do.
Peppi is loyal to his step-father. They have a strange relationship but it was genuine. I could tell.
Peppi misses him.
I miss him.

Caro Mio Ben

2009-06-06T21:57:00.000+07:00

I like this song.

Lyrics | Giuseppe Giordani lyrics - Caro Mio Ben lyrics

Grieving my Alonzo

2009-05-30T20:16:00.002+07:00

How can I explain how I feel?
He was my angel. I half expect him to be just around the corner but that would be impossible since I buried him.

Last night, I had a dream about Alonzo. We were stuck on a drifting ice in the middle of the sea. The ice was cracking but we had to paddle to any direction to get to land. I lay resting, cold from the ice while my Alonzo paddled. Later, he rested and I took over paddling.
How very Lonzo-cat. He would always be the most loyal companion.
One thing about this kitty, he thinks he's a watch dog. Sometimes he smells like one.

Peculiar things about my Lonzo:

he's got a goaty.
he has 6 fingers on the front and 4 at the back.
he responds to his name.
his fave food is cheese and chicken
he demands a pillow to lie on.

I'm missing you, baby cat!

Don Alonzo

2009-05-26T08:28:00.002+07:00

Ode to Alonzo

Loving Guardian and Friend

Not so long ago, your intelligent golden eyes watched me.

They watched me until late. They watched me so that I was not alone.

Alonzo, my dear, you had the keen sense of any familiar.

I wish we had more time.

You were there when I needed you.

How can one explain how we connected?

You knew if I were sad, depressed, sick or frantic.

You knew when I was happy.

We called you the “Don” because you commanded respect.

You never bullied the cats, just stared them into submission.

I love you because you are a gentleman.

Who would make sure the female cats get food before the males?

Only you, my love.

Alonzo, you are the ultimate source of inspiration.

Your little quirks and mannerisms are simply adorable!

I’ll always remember your smile, if we could call that a cat smile.

Nobody can forget the big and small things you do for this family.

It won’t be the same with out you.

I’ll always miss you.

There can never be another Don Alonzo Cattywampus.

tomorrow you be worlds away...

O-Neg is the Real Deal!

2009-04-30T12:43:00.004+07:00

Currently addicted to True Blood!

I like Bill with his clothes on than without.
He's less broody and more romantic in HBO's TrueBlood Series.
Love him!!!

Love this song too!

Lyrics to My Vampire Heart - Tom McRae

Darling I'm lost
Adrift in the dark
I'm clutching your words
To my vampire heart once more
So let in the light
Turn me to dust
If it don't end in Bloodshed dear
It's probably not love

Here we are
In the darkest place
My reflection
Shows only your face

Something is found
Something is lost
Went looking for clues
On the streets of old New York
And I spilled someone's blood
I broke someone's heart again
Someone you know
You're looking at him my friend

And the people in our lives
We all leave behind
Leave behind

Here we are
In the darkest place
To keep from forgetting
I picture your face
And I wonder
While we count the cost
Which is sweeter
Love or it's loss

So I curse you
My vampire heart
For letting me you love you
Love you
For letting me love you
From the start.

Donsol: Our Vacation in a World of Giants 3

2009-04-20T20:31:00.004+07:00

Day 2, The Whale Shark Adventure

Giant 4: Whale Sharks of Donsol

Whale Sharks are known locally as Butanding. They span up to 40 feet in length. Donsol is a possible breeding ground. They are migratory so it's not every year you get to see a whale shark.

Pay 3,500.00 per boat (max 6people) at the DOT plus 100/person registration fee. They assign you a boat and Butanding Interaction Officer or BIO. You get to watch instructional videos too.
It rained the day before so we didn't see much Butanding but what we saw are worth it!

4 grueling hours of looking for a Butanding, our BIO was frustrated as us. He doesn't want his clean record broken. He direct and drives the boat himself. We spot several pods of dolphins and flying fishes but that was it. Several boats were following us. They too were desperate. The DOT had a 3 hour limit but our BIO assured us we were not going home until we saw something.

So, off we went to spot one in the deeper area of the cove since we get beaten by other boats in shallow waters. BIO didn't want to share sharks.

He drive the boat and hands it to the crew when he spots something.
We gear up.
Boat intercepts Whale shark.
Jump!
Ass lands on my head.
BIO say: "When I say look down, look down! Look down now!"
We do.
Oh
My
GOD!

*
*
*

It felt like communicating with God. It was huge!
BIO says it was only medium, 20 ft in length. But my! it was 2m wide! It was magnificent. Picture do not do it justice.
It sauntered below us in a slow gliding swim, very shark-like but I'm not scared at all. I hear my breathing, steady. I head my heart, excited!
It was exhillarating!
We begged BIO for another one.

In the mean time, the other boats reached us and jumped too but they didn't see anything anymore. We got to it first!!!

Second sighting: Spotter sees the dorsal fins out of the water.

BIO doesn't want other baots to beat us. two other boats race to the Whale shark.
BIO screams: Intercept! Intercept! i-neutral mo! Jump!
We jumped!

This was closer! This was just as big! It slowly, silently glided the plankton-rich ocean and avoided colliding with us by ducking under. Just a centimeter more and I could touch it already! I felt it's movement, I tried to reach under. To hell with the 3meter rule! Shark, shark!

Nope, it was elusive as a thought.

The other boats jumped too and swam beside us but we were directly on top of the Whale shark. Our BIO was good. We had the expereince of a lifetime.

Encounters with a whale shark or dolphins are priceless. You should treasure it. These gentle giants are definitely worth seeing.
They are worth saving.
Butandings are indicators if the waters are still healthy. If we pollute the waters, they might not be back anymore.

Tips:

The usual: Sunblock, Shades, hat/bandana, Underwater camera.
In the DOT, request for Kuya Romell as BIO. He's good and he had his own boat.
When in the boat, always be ready and alert. When the BIO says gear-up, get your masks on in 5 seconds or less and sit on the side of the boat.
Bring fresh potable water. The sea can be dehydrating. Also bring some snacks. Offer the crew some.
Tip the Crew and BIO. They may be paid by the DOT but it can make their day. 300 pesos is alright for the whole crew.
Do not litter. Scoop up trash you see in the water even if it's not yours. Save the Whale sharks and the dolphins!

Donsol: Our Vacation in a World of Giants 2

2009-04-20T20:10:00.004+07:00

Donsol, still Day 1

From Legazpi terminal to Donsol Terminal, it takes 1.25 hours give or take 10 mins. It is 65.00 per person. Give an extra 25 and they will drop you in the resort where you are staying.
We stayed at Amor Beach Farms. Not a 5 star pace but it's clean and the food is good. The people are cheerful and helpful too.

Donsol has dark sand but it is fine and swim-able.

That night, we went Firefly watching. To have this, inquire at the DOT office. It is located beside Vuitton Resort. They charge 1,200.00 per boat. Max boat capacity 4 persons. Bring off lotion.

See fireflies in their multitude. Can't photograph them. Camera wasn't strong enough. Using flash might scare them. The night river tour with firefly watching is worth it. Ask your guide all sorts of questions, including scary stories!

Tips:

Food costs around 150.00 per meal per person plus drinks. Tap water is potable and may be requested any time. If you have sensitive tummy, you can buy mineral.
Put lots of sunblock before going out of the sun.
There is a rocky span on the beach before the sandy part. Bring swimming shoes if you have them.
have Off-lotion in the night!

Donsol: Our Vacation in a World of Giants

2009-04-20T19:33:00.006+07:00

Hi, Maita ere to share my travel experiences to Donsol. It's a Worth-it trip. If you have a Bucket list, this you must add. We swam with Giants and viewed some and became some!
I'm adding costs and tips to help you all out there what to expect. I know it helped me to read other people's experiences before travelling to places.

So at 5 am, we went to NAIA3 to board Cebu Pacific bound for Donsol. Got a good package. Make sure to eat a heavy meal in the terminal. Prices on board's a rip-off. c2 350ml is 50 pesos each. It only takes 45 mins so read the inflgiht magazine. By the time you're half way, it's time to land.

Day 1!
Giant 1- Mayon Volcano

We arrive at Legazpi Airport. Of course, we had to picture, picture right away. Mayon was getting cloudy on the spot.

Giant 2- Bell Tower

What was 4 tourists to do at 8am in the morning? See the sights!
We had to have more memories and we had to have it stored. With one trusty camera, we haggled the tricycle driver to drive us to the Cagsawa Ruins (Bell Tower) to view Mayon Volcano. We ended up with Super shooting galore with Kuya Rolly.

Trivia: Mayon Volcano has the most perfect cone in the world. It is still active. The most recent eruption was 1998. The Bell Tower still stand.
Giant 3- US! Take not: not photoshop! This picture is raw!
My tower! I'm not letting go!

Tips:

Don't be afraid to haggle. These people are nice but they do want to make a profit. Haggle. They can understand Tagalog and bits of English. Trike ride from Airport-Cagasawa (30 mins)-Legazpi Terminal= 50/person.
There is a mall, Banks, and lots of restaurants in Legazpi. Try outunique restos and withdrw money here.
When in Cagsawa ruins, look for Kuya Rolly.(that's him, the thin guy) Give him your camera and ask him for a tour and take artistic shots. Give him tip= 100.00 It's worth it!
Wear sunblock!

Donsol 2009

2009-04-20T19:33:00.001+07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Quarter Pounder?

2009-04-02T18:10:00.002+07:00

Recession blues? Still a quarter pounder? I don't think so!
My boobs are bigger!
One breast weigh more than a McDo quarter pounder. Jade dared me to say that to a McDo person and even bring a weighing scale.
I told Jade that maybe fries and drink consist of the quarter pound too.

Njel's Early Recordings

2009-03-16T13:31:00.002+07:00

"My Early Recordings" album launch in mag:net Katipunan.

I got a CD and it was great! We should support pinoy. Especially talented people like Mr. Njel, his band and his students. :-)

Congrats Mr. Njel De Mesa for winning best male performer in Philippine Digital Music Awards!

Sacrifices of Lent

2009-03-07T09:44:00.002+07:00

Abstain, fast, be good, do good.
Simple?
Not really.

Ash Wednesday, I woke up to attend mass. I was the only one among these sleepy heads to do that. Then, abstain.
I promised not to drink sodas the whole lent. but I forgot and drank a float last Sunday. Whoops.
So, yesterday, Friday is fasting and abstinence day.
No meat, not dinner.

Lo and behold, the mother of temptation spring up in front of me in the form of crispy chicken nuggets.
Ressisstttt...
rrrreeesssiiiissssttt...
Can't leave the table because we were having a powwow.
An I resisted!
I did not eat meat yesterday or dinner.

Made me think. Do corrupt peoaple high up there even observe the Lenten practices? Jade said her classmate brought prawns yesterday for lunch. what was that? The point of no meat was not to indulge in seafood. The point was to sacrifice something. Meat is the most common because we take it for granted. Try giving it up because you want to sacrifice something.

Saint Marie Euginie said: "Live simply So That Others May Simply Live."

These Euro generals, Garcia and his family, the first family and others who are in the news hotspot, they didn't live simply. The Legacy owner and others involved are not living simply. They lived beyond their means and who paid the price? The people. Now, the people cannot simply live anymore.

Lent is supposed to purge us of our excess.
So remeber that saying. It might save other's lives.

Newby Kitties

2009-03-05T10:06:00.003+07:00

Blindy gave birth to four kittens. Only two survived.

Two tiny little boys who look like hamsters. Kawaii!

Victorian Valentines 2009

2009-02-22T12:34:00.002+07:00

B-Day Girl

2009-02-20T19:27:00.001+07:00

Girls Lunch out at High Street.
Thanks for the treat, Mom!

Little Pictorials with the hats.

Mr. Njel's "My Early Recording

2009-01-29T15:41:00.002+07:00

I got to know this wonderful guy named Njel. He's a writer, playwright and recording artist. Did I mention he's award winning? We'll he is. Not just that, he's a multi-award-winning Don Carlos Palanca writer too. Check out his works. I laughed so hard with his plays!

Check him out!

GRAB YOURSELF A COPY of

Njel de Mesa’s MY EARLY RECORDINGS compilation album…

…including 9 of the best original compositions he wrote for previously released albums (Winner! Abs-Cbn’s DREAM songwriting competition 2006): You are My Light, If You’ll Only Hear Their Song, Let Jesus Be Known, Life Ablaze, Goodnight etc. Njel de Mesa is nominated “Most Promising Male Artist” for the Philippine Digital Music Awards and is an all-around award-winning artist/performer.

Njel de Mesa’s MY EARLY RECORDINGS, in stores now! Also available in Mag:net Katipunan and Koine Admin Office. For inquiries call 4337886 or 09179726514. For samples of his work, log on to www.phildigiawards.com.

Miss Independent

2009-01-08T17:41:00.002+07:00

Ne-Yo Lyrics
Miss Independent Lyrics

Don't you just want someone who'd like you for you?

So, if you're Miss Independent, he won't feel threatened. He won't run if you want to Upgrade him, too. :-)

I just love this song. Not just the beat but the lyrics as well. Ne-yo tops my chart!

New Year Calendars

2008-12-31T14:11:00.003+07:00

To Memeries and More...

2008-12-24T21:39:00.002+07:00

Amah Sita, donde este Santa Clause?

Teresita Arquiza Lu

+ Dec. 24, 2008, 1pm

I will miss you

Three deaths in a year. It all started with NaNay this Feb. Last month, it was Aunty Lin. Now it is Amah. I will miss them all.

I will miss the lessons they taught. I will cherish the knowledge they imparted.

One should be happy in their easy passing but I will miss them terribly!

Toast! To memories and more!

Dayo: The Wanderer

2008-12-22T10:00:00.004+07:00

Can you truly be a foreigner in your own home?

Sadly, yes. There are times when we Filipinos loose the sense of being Filipino. So, what is Filipinoness? Three of my professors in college posed this question to our class. What is Filipino in elements.

One even elaborated that is it because gawa-pinoy that already make it proudly Philippine made?

Sadly, we are losing the sense of Filipinoness. We are losing our identities. We are loosing what made the foreigners wish to come to us in the first place. Media has eaten away our being loyal, friendly, warm and hospitable traits. Now, Dayo is using the media to revive it.

Last Friday, me and my sister were invited to the viewing of Dayo. Haha, we did our hair and fussed over what to wear when they told us red carpet event. When we got there, oh dear, we were over dressed. Everyone was in jeans and t-shirt. So much for Red carpet. At least we got to walk on it.

The movie is rated G for all audience. Yes, it's a family movie. Don't worry, adults can relate. The story is pretty much straight forward. Simple but good. I'm glad they didn't sacrifice the story just for the sake of having a digital animated movie.

Story: **** 1/2 (0ut of 5)

Dialogue: ***1/3

(would have been great except the yaya-nangals repeat themselves)

Music: *****

(Great sound effect! Perfect timing! Love the Theme! Love Joey Ayala!)

Effects: ***

Cinematography: ****

2d: ****

3d: **

Sadly, the pasting of 2d and 3d did not mesh well. Buboy's childhood nearly looks like one big donut add. My critique is that the school needs work. The school itself is boring, there is not much details except the TJ hotdog booth which looked pasted on. Everywhere else was cool.

So, what makes it Filipino? Aside from 100% gawa-Pinoy factor, the story, the set and the elements.

The story is set in modern day Pilipinas. Probably Antipolo or near since that's what is says in the jeepney. Then, it shifts to Elementalia, the world beyond/under/within the one Buboy is living in. Buboy, the star is your supposedly typical boy. Maybe I should say he's not the typical boy. What is typical today do shift and the creators of Dayo probably wants to bring back what a typical Pinoy boy should be: magalang, matulungin and malambing sa pamilya. He is raised by his grandparents and is struggling from bullies in school. Meet Ana, your never-typical mananang-girl! Who would have thought to use one as a star? She's slang, hip (not literally) and very helpful trait we should revive.

Lolo Nano may not be Lola Bashyang but he is wise and has lots of word of wisdom to share. There is Narsi, the narcisitic tikbalang who is oh-so-cool. Because Buboy was able to subdue him and get a hair, he is bound to Buboy until the next rainfall. An old lore which is not widely circulated. He then forms a friendship with Buboy and Ana and helps them in their task. There are so many creatures of lore in Elementalia, I'll leave the audience to find out.

So, what makes it believable? Yeah, it's a world beyond ours. But details are details. Look at Buboy's world for example. There's the jeep with controls resembling airplanes. There's the telephone poles na parang bulati hanging. He's got a picture of the last supper and those big wooden utensils in the dining area. His room has lots of posters. There are pictures of his achievements int he sala for all the world to see. We can see that Filipinos have a deep sense of religiosity. He makes the sign of the cross before jumping into the water and he prays before going to bed.

Ever heard of a capre who talks bisaya? You'll have to hear it! Bobuy can't understand but you should if you are really Filipino. Why? Because 90% of Pinoys speak it or even understands bits of it.

Do you have a protective parent? That's another Filipino trait. Although this parent is very workaholic, he does it to protect Ana and his world. The Yaya-nangals are not Ana's parents but they treat her like a daughter. Lolo Nano too treats her like family.

What may have been Typical Filipino culture is slowly dying because of foreign media. I'm glad Dayo is trying to revive it. A part 2 should be in order. Elementalia offers a setting where the younger children can unleash their creativity.

I'll let you get your own details on the production at:

www.dayomovie.com

Thanks to everyone at Dayo! We had a wonderful time at the studio and at the red carpet event! More power to you and to everyone involved in creating a wonderful masterpiece!

For the Love of Writing Party at Fort

2008-12-13T20:22:00.004+07:00

Friday Night was a blast. For the Love of Writing Party was a success. With writers of all shapes and sizes attending, it was a blast. The party was mostly attended by NaNoWriMo people from the Pinoy WriMo Forum.

The Event was highlighted by (many times over) Don Carlos Palanca Award Winner Njel De Mesa and his Koine Theatre Group, the only intimate theatre group in the country, with their play SUBTEXT. It was funny and witty. Who knew a smiley face could have so much meaning! Mr. Njel also sang and promoted his single Kawangis ng Pasko. (Vote for it at You-tube!) It was so deep. As in nose-bleeding deep Tagalog. He'd make MLQ proud.

Of course, there were stpry readings since this is a writing event. Representative of Talecraft who wowed the crowed was Micheal Emil Luhico with his tale Unvampire. Another witty story. Loved it! The crowd loved it too!
Mia from Read or Die read a Dragon Lance-like except from her NaNoWriMo novel. It was a gory battle scene of carnage and death!
Then of course, we awarded the NaNoWriMo Challenge winners. Our trophy hats were sponsored by BabymoonLifestlye.multiply.com. (AKA me. Yup, all those are handmade by me.)
I too felt my 51K words were worth it. Seeing people's faces as they came upfront and was awarded by a deep red hat with a gold brooch and a big feather that symbolized the month's achievements.
Of course there were publishers who came to talk about submission guidelines and to invite the writers to write professionally. Being published is the best outlet for the imagination. it's the writer's goal for writing!

Hopefully, there will be a For the Love of Writing Party 2 next year. This year, the Philippines has accumulated 4Million Plus words and about 57 people finished the 50K word challenge. Go Pinoy!

Our engaging hosts for the evening were Sara and Mark.

Me and sister Marie.

For the Love of Writing Party was sponsored by:
tlecraft.komikasi.com
3hmpublishing.com
babymoonlifestyle.multiply.com
Kapitan Rufo's Cafe

For the Love of Writing Party

2008-12-09T17:45:00.002+07:00

For the Love of Writing Party

When: Dec. 12, 2008 7 to 9pm (Friday)
Where: U-View At Fullybooked Fort, High Street, Taguig

What to expect:

Cocktails
Talks
Awarding of the NaNoWriMo Challenge winners in the Philipines
Raffle
Story Telling

Entrance is Free!
Sponsored by Talecraft, 3HM-Publishing, BabayMoon Lifestyle

Diko...

2008-12-04T17:48:00.003+07:00

Waaa! Diko go to India for 4 MONTHS!!!
Waaa!

Arrrrr!

2008-11-28T19:48:00.000+07:00

Pirate with scars and all!

Baby Bonanza

2008-11-16T13:13:00.003+07:00

Mommy Only! Ate Jenny and baby.
Daddy Only! Kuya Migo and Ate Glowy's baby!
Miranda and Isabella.
Ate Minnete and Kuya Micmoc's cutie! Baby Miranda in Blue Steel.

4th Generation Robillo. Girl Power all over again!

UP AME 08

2008-11-10T13:16:00.003+07:00

Cosplaying is evolving. You need not portray a certain character in Anime anymore. Anything goes and anything but normal is normal. Even if my hands cried for three days making one umbrella, I love the effect.

Aki as a little girl lolita. Kawaii! I love her hair. It looks like she popped out of those comic books I buy in Hong Kong!
Not quite Japanese cooking but Eddie here might survive the streets of Japan cooking like a storm!

A Hero Comes Home

2008-11-10T13:07:00.002+07:00

Lyrics | Idina Menzel - A Hero Comes Home lyrics

I love this song...

I hate the Beowulf version. I think I prefer the original hero with no equal version. If we aspire the skies, we might land on the roof. The flawed Beowulf aspires the roof and falls on the floor.
The story is sacrificed for the effects.

Bobby Chinn

2008-11-01T18:11:00.001+07:00

Fullybooked Fort, Halloween

Kinda started late. As in 6:20 late. It said 5:00pm in the invite.

Ode to an Artist

2008-10-30T15:42:00.001+07:00

Lovable
Irresistible
Nice
Distinctive
Artistic

I will miss you very much! Some how, you were taken from us abruptly but you did not suffer and I thank God for that. Thank you for putting crafts and bling into my life.
You were always the picture of an artist. You even drew your own eyebrows every morning.
I will miss you and love you always!

Cosplay Mania 2008

2008-10-19T12:28:00.002+07:00

Making the Booth

Filling up with Stocks

Having fun with the stocks.

Babymoon Booth

Hats!

2008-10-10T14:31:00.003+07:00

In which a witch bewitch a Hatter!
Two days to go and I'm test launching my Gothic-Lolita-Anime Inspired line in Cosplay Mania.

Good luck me and my sistahs!

Popz' Speech for Bureau of Plant Industries

2008-10-10T14:17:00.003+07:00

Too perfect?
Mr. Inspirational.

For More Pictures:
http://figures.multiply.com/photos/album/11/Bureau_of_Plants_Industries

Dayo, to wander in a foreign world...

2008-10-06T10:07:00.005+07:00

Dayo- can mean two things. 1. Foreign. A foreigner, dayuhan. 2. Travel or to welcome a traveler. Dayon ta. Mu-dayon to travel.

A boy named Buboy searches for his missing grandparents in the world of Elementalia with the help of Ana, a creature of lower myth. Together, they journey Elementalia and find the culprits responsible.

Ana, by the way, is a manananggal. She can detatch her lower half and fly away.

Dayo to the World of Computer Magic and Human Ingenuity...

The Filipino in Us

Saturday, bloggers were invited to Cutting Edge Studios, the makers of Dayo, the first fully digital animation movie in the Philippines. Impressive studios and I must say, we were feeling quite special. They fed us, answered all our questions and gave us sneak previews. Oh, they weren't afraid we took loads of pictures of them. Most places wouldn't even let you bring a cell phone cam.

Let me tell, you, these guys are amazing. From concepts to production, they made it. Their goal: to create a fully-Filipino masterpiece. They did.

My Aesthetics Professor once told me that the mere fact that Filipino made something automatically declares it Filipino but you have to let the World know. So, you add Filipino elements.

We know some animators of Finding Nemo were Pinoys, we can see Bahay Kubo in Nemo's Aquarium. So, what Filipino elements did the creators of Dayo put in?

They did set in the Modern Pinas. We can see telephone wires, tsinelas, kids playing our favorite past times and the daily utensils Filipinos commonly use in Buboy's kitchen.

Dayo also utilized Philippine Lower Mythology. Yeah, stuff of legends right? But nowadays, we modern Filipinos do not know them anymore. I was talking to some of the Bloggers and they have the same thoughts. In the days of our parents, they were always scared by creatures that would take them away if they did not behave.

"Kunin ka ng Capre! May Nuno sa Punso diyan!"

But now, we hear something different like: "Wag kang makulit! Kunin ka ng Pulis! Hala dukutin ka ng Bumbay!" and other derogatory things about people who scare us.

We will find Buboy is not without his discrimination. He calls Ana and her kind Halimaw. Ana, being super friendly and helpful, goes out of her way to help Buboy. Another endearing Filipino trait.

Learning from Urduja

Yeah, yeah, they don't want to be compared to the animated Urduja. They don't even call them rival. They are Kapwa Filipino and must be respected as such. Still, they have to learn from the mistakes of Urduja so they will not end as a flop. Not that Urduja was a complete flop, It's just that they want this movie to be a complete success. A huge success.

It will be finished in time for the 2008 Film Fest.

Why the story? According to the directors and producers, other previous animation coming from the Phil. are based on history or mythology: Urduja, Ibong Adarna. If they went for those, the critics would slay them if they were not historically accurate.

So, why a modern setting? The creators wanted something relatable. Especially since it is aimed at children. So, the main characters are children with their child-like qualities very typical to our times.

Filipino-ness? Yes, plenty. From the set to the attitude.

Attitude! something a lot of the other bloggers feel that Urduja lacked. Urduja is set in the pre-Hispanic era. There was no bias on who takes the throne. Historically, her father left ther the throne because she was his heir and she was a warrior without equal.

'Yeah, attitude is something Dayo characters have. Ana is a vegetarian. A What you ask? A vegetarian Aswang? No kid! Buboy is your typical dream boy who wish for so many things in life. One of which is flying. There is also Narsi, the Narcissistic tikbalang. Ana has her guards and a Yaya. (Very pinoy, don't you think?) Her yaya-naggal lost Ana and is arguing with her bodyguard on who really lost her charge.

New Ideas, Trivias, etc..

The manananggals have an extra set of lower wings that allow them to hover. All creatures of Elementalia have only four fingers.

Oh, Joey Ayala has composed something special for the album.

The theme song, Lipad is sung by Roots of Nature, a version is also sung by Lea Salonga. It will be in their album, to be released in November, ahead of the movie.

Expectations

We bloggers were silenced with food and charm but we still have high expectations. Dayo, so far seems very different. I do hope the market will appreciate the movie not only because it is animated but also because it is very Filipino. Kina-Career siya ng mga people involved. Me and my fellow bloggers who came to Cutting Edge saw the hard work put in.

This Movie is a stepping stone for all other computerized and animated movies that will come out of our country.

Good luck, Cutting Edge, and we wish you a success in Dayo!

http://www.dayomovie.com/

Mananang-Gurl!

Book Trailers and Feehan

2008-10-03T17:51:00.002+07:00

I just noticed something. Feehan loves people who are awake in the night and men who are both lovers and predators. They always have to be described as predators, more animal than man.

And I only like three trailers from all her trailers. Dark Possession, Dark Destiny and Safe Harbor. All the others suck! They have awful fight scenes and girls who look older than the men!

Skirt Openings

2008-09-24T11:36:00.003+07:00

The opening for your legs is called the Sweep of the Skirt. This also determines the cut of the skirt.

This picture above may help you to determine what they are.

Pencil Cut and Straight cut skirts are usually used for corporate wear. They need still materials to give a good flow. There materials would be Wool, Gabardine and sometimes, heavy cotton. Straight cut skirts can be used in denim and twill skirts.
A-line is the common cut because it is most flattering on a woman's body. Should she have thick or thin legs, an A-line works wonders.
Full Skirt is very wide with the sweep of about 30 inches (x2) to as much as a full circle. This cut always uses flowing materials for it to fall daintily and not stiffly. Textiles commonly used are silks, jerseys and light cotton. Gauze can give it an ethereal look.

For more tips: http://figures.multiply.com

I got them...

2008-09-22T21:57:00.002+07:00

Finally.

I got them. It was purely by chance that they were available on the week of the Book Fair, which means 20% off.

I got Dark Curse, hard bound edition. Seems they doen't want to release paperbacks for the first print anymore. So, heck! I want the Carpathian male and I'm reading him fast. Nicolas' Book is very different from Christine Feehan's other books. It has chanting and science. It's worth the wait and I'm clmaoring for more.

Turbulent Sea is the sixth book in the Drake Sisters Series also by C. Feehan. Rockstar Joley hate the tabloid. They make up stories left and right. But that doesn't stop her from doing what she likes: performing. She loves the music and she has the gift of songs. Missing persons and murder turn up at every corner but that doesn't deter Joley Drake. Not since she has a bodyguard ready to protect her willingly or not.

Books This Year

2008-09-22T16:20:00.000+07:00

Book Fair came and gone this year. Yes, I was a little disappointed. I was expecting more. Or at least, the same as last year but then, there were fewer stalls and the big stalls were cut in half this year.
But that, doesn't mean, I went without buying. hehehe. Can't resist books.
Here are some I got from the fair.

Set of Black Dagger Brtherhood books. 295, each excpet Lover Unbound which is 395. Each at 20% off at National Bookstore.
Turbulent Sea - 299 at 20% off
Dark Curse 975 - 20% off
Fangs for the Memories - 299 at 20% off
Mt Immortal Highlander - 299 at 20% off
Undead and Unreturnable - 315 = got it at 198.
Undead and Unappreaciated - 315 = got it at 198
The Treasured Ones -100 at A Diff Bookstore
The best buy I had was this 1.5 feet, three inch thick Biblica, The Bible Atlas. Fully colored, pictures at ever page. 1495 at 20% off.I made National Bookstore rich this book fair.

I heard last year, the rent for a space was about 50,+++.00 no wonder, not much wants to come back this year. It's expensive and people expect you to have cheap books.

I hope it would be better next year.

Turbulent Sea

2008-09-18T10:35:00.007+07:00

Feehan's New Book on the Drake Sisters.

Glad it came out in the bookfair! I bought it kaagad!

The sixth sister is doomed to fall in love... Joley Drake knew the inevitable is coming. It is said that the seventh sister will give birth to seven daughters. That has been an unbroken tradition. These seven sisters will have strange power like no other. The eldest will fall in love first then the rest will follow accordingly. In Safe Harbor (Book5) Hannah Drake, Model extraordinaire, marries their childhood friend Jonas Harrington but not before an adventure and lots of near-death experiences. It was Ilya Prakenski, a supposed Russian Mobster who helped the Drakes. He has strange powers of his own.

He may not collect on the Drakes but he has something he must collect from Joley, her heart! For nights, they talk in their heads telepathically, soothing Joley, understanding the world and their differences. Mishaps happen and Ilya posts himself as Joley bodyguard.

Its an explosion of powers as Ilya was the fate seventh sone of the seventh son and Joley is marked as his destined.

Worth the wait! Gotta have more!

The suspense is killing me! Elle Drake is missing and she is about to have more trouble than Joley!

Next to Safe Harbor, I love this book! This series is a must-collect.

The Mtv of Turbulent Sea. (from www.christinefeehan.com)

Arms Ahoy!

2008-09-18T10:35:00.002+07:00

What kind of arms do you sport?

Skinny? Bony and think maybe it is too skinny for your whole body?

Average? Just right but needs to be seen just right.

Heavy? Chunky? It flaps when you say goodbye!<

Here are some styles you may want to try out.

Note: It's all in the sleeve!

Thins arms allow you to go with volume so you can have puffs or leg-o-muttons. Do not over do! Avoid Razor backs and razor fronts!

Chunky arms need no extra volume. Make sure your sleeves are fitted. Not too much extra room there! It might add more volume than you are trying to hide.

Try a butterfly sleeve. Guaranteed to flatter and not flutter!

If you are not so sure of the sleeve, Butterfly is actually a good sleeve to hide what you need to while still showing some skin. You may also try a cap sleeve. There are some puff-cap sleeves out in the market and are great and very "presco" on the arms.

A bit formal? Try an elbow sleeve or three-fourth sleeve. make sure the cuffs are not too thick that it might make your arms short. Also, make sure it is not too loose. The width of your arms plus 2 inches is the correct measurement. Not sure? Fit it and rotate your arms. Punch up then down. If it moves, then the fit is perfect.

Remember, the seem (tahi line) where the shoulder and sleeve is joined must be at the ball of your shoulder. Feel around for it and make sure it is there. For males, it drops an inch or two after the ball.

For more fashion tips: http://figures.multiply.com

Book Fair Day 1

2008-09-12T18:33:00.002+07:00

Book Fair this year is in SMX.

Smaller venue compared to World Trade but it was ok. My problem was, fewer book sellers this year. Powerbooks and National Bookstore booths were comparatively small. As in half the size of last year! Incomplete books too.

Let's see tomorrow if maybe they would put out more books. The spaces are smaller and Stephenie Meyer and Harry Potter Books dominate the area. There are very few cheap books or Sale Piles. :-(

Hello... Nicolas

2008-09-12T18:16:00.002+07:00

Finally, Dark Curse by Christine Feehan was out this week. Bought one yesterday and can't put it down. (Only now since I wanted to blog.)

Nicolas De La Cruz, he is a different man. We have been introduced in Dark Secret but I never really knew his personality. That's because he didn't have any then. Now, he has because he just found his lifemate. Nicolas is the middle child of 5 brothers. He believes he is traditional just like Manolito (Dark Possession). He also believes he is sexual. Perhaps a bit like Rafael (Dark Curse) since he told Rafael to just do it with Colby, convert her and get over with it. "Her virginity belonged to you!"

But when he met Lara, his lifemate, he wanted to be all the man that he is. But nobody told Nicolas that keeping a lifemate was so overwhelming. Everything went flying out the window when he can't think of anything but to please her. He was never a gentleman but now he kept apologizing to Lara every turn.

As for the rest of the Carpathian Race, there is danger. The Dark Mage Xavier is on the loose and is carrying out his plot to destroy the Carpathians. He has introduced something tot he mineral rich soils, parasites. The target: women and children of the race.

Will Lara and the Carpathains save the race?

I don't know yet. I haven't finished the book.

Oh! Turbulent Sea is out in National Bookstore Just Today!

Word Camp 08

2008-09-07T11:13:00.003+07:00

I'm glad Word Camp was a success. Congrats Kuya Bloggie and team!

Aki and I were there. Attended some talks and of course took turns manning the table we got for Talecraft.

Nine cards, five minutes, one tale.

Can you handle it?

Can you blog that fast? :-)

It brought back memories to be back in CSB. Some things never change. Like paperwork to get things like a tarp and laptop and camera in. IDs and long lines too. Oh yeah, not to mention roaming D.O.'s.

I did expect more people but the turnout was not disappointing. Most of my old classmetes form CSB used to keep blogs. Perhaps they just needed more advertisements. I didn't ahve a single batchmate in the WordCamp. Maybe next year would be better. No complains here. It was a feat to achieve. Just that, I wanted to share it with my friends.

Good Job Kuya.

Dark Curse

2008-09-05T13:16:00.002+07:00

Dark Curse by Christine Feehan is out but not yet in this country.
This sucks! I wish they had the same release dates.

I found the Book Trailer.
I DO NOT like thier choice of actor for Nicholas. He has not an ounce of sexy SOuth American with Old World Elegance here.

Misconceptions in Full-Figure Dressing

2008-09-04T14:19:00.002+07:00

Sometimes, people have these misconceptions on dressing. They want to hide their "fats." There is this mindset to hide the bulk. I'm not only talking about Plus-sized women. Most people think this. I use to work for two different people and they have similarities about what the plus-size market should be wearing. One is plus-sized herself.

Perhaps what they were thinking was true during the 80's but now, even the big girls want to stay trendy and hip. They need clothes that work and fit right.

Misconception #1: Hiding Bulk in More bulk.
I see many plus-sized women wear bulky clothing. Sometimes even over-sized men's shirt. Wearing these excess-sized clothes will only make you look even bigger.

What to wear: Shirt that fits. There are a lot of clothing brands emerging that are trendy. Expensive? Not anymore. Boys T-shirts has got to go. You're a woman. Feminine. Show those curves! Get jean that are either bootleg or skinny. Make sure the thighs are hugged. Hips must be the fittest part of that jeans. Look here: Denim pants or Twill jeans are tough materials. If there is excess space, air will fill it up, giving you MORE volume. We don't want to look bigger than we feel.

Misconception # 2: Stripes. More an more stripes
Not all stripes are friendly. Just because they make a vertical stripes doesn't mean they look good.

What to wear: It doesn't have to be the weave of the textile nor the print. Pleating or a folding can give a vertical lines. Remember, less is more. Smaller stripes, lesser space too. Diagonal is always safe.

Misconception #3: Long sleeves to hide those big arms.
Some people do have amazingly big arms. I saw a girl who was a SIZE 10-12 but her arms were like for size 18. She may be prone to heart attacks. How do you hide this? By showing it.
No kid.

Remember M#1? The more you hide, the more you show. There are ways to show but still hide these arms.

What to wear: Butterfly sleeves and cap sleeves. Trust me! Unless you have designer cut sleeves, no RTW has perfected anything that hides bulk in bulk yet.

Misconception # 4 Belt the tummy or belt under the breast.
Major no-no! Belt under the breast will give you the preggy look. Belt under the tummy emphasizes the upper and lower tummy.

What to wear: Want some baby doll blouses? Empires? Make sure they are cut HALFWAY BETWEEN under the breast line and belly button. You'll look longer and thinner. If you have a belt, think or thin, put it ABOVE your waist line. It makes the tummy disappear.

Misconception # 5 Long Blouse and capri pants.
Not for you, gal. The wrong cut is out of style. Get blouses that does NOT cut at the 2nd hips. That would be the fullest part of your buttocks. No! It will only make you look bigger. Cut at the first hip which is 4 inches below the belly button. Oh, by the way, for long blouses, make sure the waist is defined. If not, you will look short.

Capri may be great but not everyone is built for it. If the pants are cut at the fullest part of your calf, it will make you look bigger. Find something below or above it.

What to wear: Wear pedals or ankle length pants to be on the safe side.

* * *

Remember ladies: Hide what you can, flatter what you can't.

Filipino Comics

2008-09-01T08:45:00.000+07:00

Your story. Your art.

http://www.komikasi.com/call.html

Komikasi Enterprise is now open for comic submissions! We're looking for fun, witty, engaging comics; comics that will leave us shouting for the next issue! If you have a comic series you'd like us to consider, send us a detailed summary of the series, and the first issue of your series.

Specifications

Size: 180 x 250 mm + 3 mm bleed; 150 x 220 mm drawing frameColors: Black and White; Screen-tonedNum of pages: 30-60 per issue, ideally. But we can go as low as 12Language: English or FilipinoTheme: Open; as long as it's interestingReaders: Young adult; no sex, please, and easy on the violence

When you send your first issue, save the pages in JPG format at 72 dpi. Since we're still evaluating, we don't need them hi-res yet. As for the detailed summary, keep it within 5 pages. Let us also know how many issues your story will be. If you don't have the exact number, an estimate will do. Save your summary in RTF format.
Send your summary and first issue, along with your name, age, contact number, favorite ice cream and any other information you'd like to share about yourself to feedback@komikasi.com. Deadline is on September 19, 2008.

Proffesional Gate Crashers

2008-08-31T16:37:00.002+07:00

What do we know of such people?

We think they are people we know and we didn't bother to invite them then they just show up at your party/wedding.

Nope, there's really an art to it.

I went to a laureate for lunch. Sort of a family reunion with friends and relatives. There are over 200 guests and half of them don't know they are related. We attend this to know we are related. This family association can be dated back to our pre-colonial China days.

Anyways, there was this old lady in our table. She's wearing a dress like you buy it in a tiange and a suit jacket. When the food was being served one at a time, she started to horde the meat and canned soft drink.

Note: A table seat twelve and one dish is being served one at a time in a typical Laureate.

Alright, we though, bad table manners-much! She horded so much meat when we all took small quantities only. Then, she scooped them in plastic bag.

I hate to be related to this woman!

Then, when the last of the dessert came, she went off from table to table taking left-overs.

Normally, the managers don't mind. But you'd never know if food is the only thing she takes. What if she took your cellphone?

We later learned she is a pro-gate crasher. With more than 200 guests, its hard to spot them and they are not usually alone.

According to stories shared: a couple of pro gate crashers had IDs of Media on them. No kid! These are pros. They come to eat and take home some food.

The nerve!

Note: the host pays at least 1,000 pesos per person. Each guest is usually counted. Extra drinks have extra charge!

So, party hosts beware! Be aware of these people and see if you have these people in your party. They may dress the part but they don't have good table manners!

Busy, busy

2008-08-29T13:15:00.003+07:00

Toycon last June was a success. I had a problem then, a great problem. Diki said it's a good problem, the type that you must always wish for if you ever had a problem: Running out of stocks.

Cool problem indeed!

So, I am now preparing to make more. Tons more. I'm gonna make a ton of things to sell. If they click, yey me! I want to have the same problems last time: Running out of stocks to sell.

I earned 900 pesos in terms of chockers alone. Then, Me, AKi and Diki ran out of hats to sell too. We didn't think they'd sell. So, I am tasked to make hundreds! In different colors this time!

See picture here:

Little Muning is keeping me company.

Actually, he's making gulo! He's after my ribbons. He's lying down on it too.

So now, I'm busy-busy. Making hats. Making bonnets. Chasing kitties.

Lover Enshrined

2008-08-12T14:58:00.002+07:00

A Mansion full of emotional vampires!

The sixth book for JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Series.

Phury has accepted to be Primale. Meaning: He has to ensure the race by impregnating 40 females form the Scribe Virgin's Chosen. Unfortunately, he's falling in love with one of them and he. Throughout the book, he battled drug and alcohol addiction and a strange inner voice pulling him to destruction.
In the mean time, the other brotherhood members have their own battles to fight. The Glymera is being massacred, Wrath is having problems ruling, Zsadist in fearful of Bella's pregnancy and John Mathews is not comfortable in his transition. Outside of the brotherhood, things are also chaotic. Rhevenge is being blackmailed. Haver's Clinic is hit by the Lessening Society.
Will they all pull through?

Who would have known emotional vampires could be fun and romantic? The main characters are given depth and each one is tested. Unfortunately, not all characters are featured. I felt there wasn't much on Butch, Vishious and Rhage. Guess, these three didn't have that much of an impact on Phury as Wrath, Zsadist and Rhevenge.
John's story is very much part of the problem. His friends are there to protect him and he is there for them. Slowly he grows up emotionally but it is in steps.
Ward's Series is a must collect. It's not-your-usual vampire series.

Waitng For Feehan

2008-08-09T19:42:00.001+07:00

Today, I was in FullyBooked. No book yet. Christine Feehan's Turbulent Sea is not yet out in this country. Maybe August they said.
Isn't it August yet?
Can't wait to get her new Carpathian Book, Dark Curse. But it's still on September. But I think it's coming a month later here.

.....still waiting

Word Camp 2008

2008-08-07T20:53:00.004+07:00

Why do I want to join the word camp?

I would really want to meet fellow bloggers and see their views, their everyday life through blogging.
I think blogging has become a way of life and how we are as a person is reflected in our blogs.
It is also a venue to interact with people who share the same hobby/pastime/interest.

i.PH: the Domain for Individuals

Free Online Flash Games

Wazzup Manila Philippines

Real Estate CRM

Real Estate Website Designers

Orange County Real Estate

Auto Insurance Quotes

Lane Systems Inc.

RedMedia

Orange County Business Lawyer

Cebu Pacific Air

Reality Wedding Videos

SONA Fashion Show

2008-07-28T19:04:00.003+07:00

Instead of being a solemn occasion, the SONA '08 became a fashion show.

Is there anything worth addressing? The Text message to go down to fifty cents. So?
"Texting is a way of life." --PGMA.
So what? Rice is more important than Text. How much would rice be?

Things that have to be addressed are:

Poverty
Population Control
Rice Crisis
Gas Price Increase
Corruption
Red Taping and "Lagay" system
The environment
Efficient Transportation

So, instead of showing off those designer outfits, you should sell it and give the money to a legitimate NGO. 100,000.00 goes a long, long way. Even if the designer is your friend.
That red carpet show in the SONA was just disgusting. All those people showing-of should be ashamed of themselves.

While the country is in a crisis, these people parade around like clowns. Don’t they know where the money comes from?

(Sounds very Maria Antoinette-ish? Then, the crisis might explode and shake this country very soon.)

Hair Color

2008-07-27T20:23:00.001+07:00

Hair Color Blue and Red!

Cost Cutting Much!

2008-07-23T17:32:00.003+07:00

For those who have not been flying recently, here's the thing:

Read and read well.

As seen on papers, Cebu Pacific has been cutting price. Yey for us. Right?
Maybe.
Here's the catch:

No food, no drinks, no blankets, no emergency oxygen.
Food and drinks must be purchased. a C2 350ml for 50.00!!! 500ml for 100.00. Pack of peanuts or chips for 50.00. No kid! You can't bring drinks in the plane. Drink your own laway! You can bring your own food. Being your own blanket too. If you have heart/lung problems, you can't bring your own oxygen. Ride a boat if you dare!
Small plane, squeeze much chairs.
Oh yeah, best one yet: You don't go through the tube to get in the plane. You have to exit through the fire exit, go out in the heat/rain and run to the plane which is beside the tube. But they can't use it. One of the land stewardess said it cost 35,000.00 to just use the tube. Talk about cost cut much.

So, tips:

Eat ahead of time.
Bring your own blanket and knick knacks
wear comfy clothes and shoes. You can freshen up in the CR when you get down.
Oh, make sure you don't cry when your luggage gets battered. Or whatever is in there for that matter.

No kid! Witnessed it myself! They throw your luggage from the carty thing. If you have that fragile thing on your luggage, they will put it on top but that doesn't stop them from dropping it. These carriers won't care. Don't worry, I haven't lost the whole luggage but I've lost two wheels and the strolly thing at the back. Three luggages in a year!
I know you Cebu Pacific guys are cutting cost! But it doesn't take much to take care of the luggage. It won't cost anything!

Guess the Food!

2008-07-23T17:27:00.002+07:00

Guess what these are:

Picture A. It's brown and sticky.
If you think this is Barbeque Spareribs or something like that...

Wrong! It's Biko! Behind it is not garlic chips but V-cut BBQ Chips.

Picture B. What does it look like?

Alien Planet?

Di ka taga-Dabaw! It's Marang. A bit half eaten. Yum!

Davao and Food... Again

2008-07-21T17:40:00.003+07:00

I was in Davao the whole week!
Yup, the city where food is always good!
I've learned that Harana's prices went up. So, we went in front instead to Cubyertos, along Torres. Chicken Salad is a must! Can't get enough. Ate it twice and took out a third time.
Rising prices? In a budget?
Go eat Chinese! There's this place called Mandarin. Food=SULIT! Order anything. Eat everything!!!
Makes me fat. Food and lots of choices!

Yesterday, we went to Torril. Lechon on the road and picnic in Campo Agua. Picnics are good. You can't do that in polluted Manila. Air is still clean in Davao and food is still prepared with love.
:-)

Must eat snacks:

Eclairs form Boulangerie, Victoria Plaza
Merco Jelly Roll or Plain Chiffon Cake
Chocolate Cake and Cathedral from Cecil's
Chicharon with Pinakurat Vinegar
Peanuts from the Streets
Bola-Bola Siopao from Famous
Durian Tarts/Candy/Pie