Friday Night Food Night

Had Japanese takeout at home (Salmon Teriyaki) in true New York fashion. After Jojo's night class in Fordham, Gret and I met him for coffee and dessert at Cafe Lalo. Cafe Lalo is best known as that cafe featured in You've Got Mail. But it's also know for its 101 tarts and desserts.

I was planning to order the Chocolate Fondue but they ran out. Sucks. So I ordered the Sugarless Peach Cherry Pie with the Cafe Lalo Special fruit smoothie. Gret ordered Tiramisu and a smoothie, too, while Jojo ordered a big Waffle with Syrup and a Strawberry Smoothie. The place was quaint but unusually cramped and noisy. Crowds kept coming in like lemmings lured by the sparkle of film reference (I being one of them). Staff were uninspired. And in the end, I have to say, the food is not all that extraordinary. Was not charmed. At all.

Since I chirped when I saw a large "Gray's Papaya" sign on the way to Cafe Lalo, Jojo knew I was interested in trying it. So after, he made a u-turn to bring me there. I learned about it because of the movie "Where Fools Rush In" starring Matthew Perry and Selma Hayek. Since then, I've read about it in countless foodie websites, saying how quintessentially New York it is and raving about how absolutely good it is.

So I ordered each of us one classic combo of hotdog and Papaya Shake (that's where the Papaya word comes from--I thought the hotdog came with some sort of papaya shaving relish). For only 99 cents, you get a wonderfully tasty, juicy hotdog in a rather thin bun. But you know what, I enjoyed the hotdog more than my $20+ Lalo pie tonight. Some cultural references: The branch we went to (West 72nd Street and Broadway) is seen behind Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson in the movie Die Hard with a Vengeance. In Fools Rush In, Matthew Perry's character lives nearby and raves about the hotdogs, and Selma Hayek, his wife, special-orders them to Arizona. This branch is also featured in the movie You've Got Mail and is seen in the film Down to Earth staring Chris Rock.

Gray's Papaya also appeared in Sex in the City in the episode "Plus One is the Loneliest Number" where Carrie leaves her book release party, and is taken to a hot dog stand by a limo driver. :)

Your Dead, Dead Skin Cells

So I went into Sephora in Soho to look for a face scrub. Because of the cold weather here, I feel my old skin cells have stuck together and have refused to let go. In tropical weather, all of them just naturally disappear it seems 'cause of constant sweating and the heat. Here, I feel my face is covered in barnacles. Somehow, foundation and powder look wrong on crusty skin you know kahit na Laura Mercier nahihirapan. Arg. Then again, I can't seem to make the regular face scrubs work on my skin 'cause they seem either too sandpapery or worse, too granulated my face gets these tiny scratches.

Was gonna get Bliss's Remede Sweep, 'cause I read that's what Jennifer Aniston (or was it Gwyneth?) uses but I am wary of products supported by celebrities (it's the advertising insider cynic in me talking). So I bumped into this. It's US$17 for a small tube as I didn't wanna commit to the bigger one if I wasn't sure it worked. The product talk is very no nonsense and clinical. Not into oversell or overpromises. Just plain facts and figures. I was quickly drawn. And no fancy schmancy graphic work on the tube. It seemed to sound like Remede. Sephora's website says:

Cosmedicine Medi-morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator

What it is:A highly effective exfoliator with special stop-action crystals that adjust to individual needs and pinpoint areas requiring more attention.

What it is formulated to do:

-Automatically eliminates the potential for overdoing the exfoliation process (shuts off when uniform smoothness, brightness, and luminosity are achieved)

-Accelerates the release of cellular debris, roughness, dullness, and skin damage without the risk of irritation, redness, and sensitivity

-Helps erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

-Helps fade pigmentation and age spots

-Perfects skin's appearance

-Refines pores

What else you need to know:

Delivers personalized, professional results usually found in a doctor's office.

Clinical trials using state-of-the-art high resolution tools measured:

-12% immediate reduction in pore size

-Zero irritation or sensitivity among the 217 subjects tested

Recommended For SKINSTATES:

-Rough or Uneven Texture

-Excess Oiliness & Enlarged Pores

Wow may clinical trial pa! They can't put that on the tube if it weren't based on real research, right? So I tried it this morning, and wow! It works like a dream! My sensitive skin wasn't irritated, but I feel like I just got a Diamond Peel. My dead skin cells have waved goodbye. I'm convinced. Need to go back to Sephora to get a bigger tube. Minsan lang ako mag-rave. Ganda nito. Shet.

Pauwee in the City

Had Pan-Asian dinner and sinful dessert with Paulo a while ago. Fun to see him again. Thanks to him, I found the Marc Jacobs accessories store. Coincidentally, the two restaurants we went to both were featured in Sex in the City (Kelley and Ping in Soho, and Magnolia Bakery in Bleecker St., Greenwich Village). More pics here. And here.

So Soho

Today, I went to Soho! Walked around Prince, Spring, Greene, Houston, Wooster and Mercer, absorbing all the visual input. Went to H&M (again!) and bought a shirt. The Uniqlo branch here has awesome cashmere stuff by Lutz and Patmos. Bought chocolates and coffee at Dean and Deluca. And grabbed a tube of face scrub for my wintery dry face at Sephora. Checked the clothes at Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, Anthropologie, Agnes B., Joseph, J. Crew, Scoop (which sells Petit Batou t-shirts)....so many dream stores! I didn't get into Jill Stuart, I felt a bit intimidated 'cause I wasn't about to buy anything.

Saw the furniture at Design Within Reach (which I think is still not within my reach). I didn't wanna leave hehe.

Anyway, it was like The Sartorialist's web page come alive in Soho. I just made like a sponge and soaked it all in 'cause it was not that simple to take pictures of people.

I especially wanted to take a picture of this guy with wild hair who was sewing clothes using a--get this--a GOLD sewing machine. And he was by the shop window. It was unusual! I don't remember the store but it's called by two initials. I wanted to stop and stare but didn't. Rats can't remember tuloy. I did a little Google magic and voila! I remember it now: it's the Adriano Goldschmied AG store where they sell $100 dollar plus plus jeans which they hem for you--which explains the guy on the sewing machine.

From Marketing and Retail:

"Later, we went to a jeans store called Adriano Goldschmied AG (www.agjeans.com). Now granted, they were $150+ jeans (which just shows you how old I am — I'm not used to jeans that sell for above $45), but the level of service there was equally as high. They seemed to really take the time to look at you and to see which jeans would fit you the best. But the coolest thing was the little cappuccino bar where you can wait as the tailor -- who sits in the window with what seems to be a gold-plated sewing machine -- hems your pants for you."

Google. Ah what will I do without you.

Sore

If all this New York walking is not gonna get me thin, ewan ko na lang. My legs hurt like majorly...

Smells Fishy

Haynaku Pilipinas kong mahal. WHY should people go back to you when things like this happen? It's so pathetic.

Lost in New York

I got lost. Twice! But with no appointment to chase, and with a map of New York in one hand, I leisurely found my way back to where I was supposed to go. Am still getting the hang of the subways and buses here and I ended up on the wrong end of Central Park. Twice. Eeks.

I almost did a stupid (and funny) thing. Fearing for the worst (that I was on my way to the Bronx or Harlem inay!), I was about to approach this lady walking two dogs to ask for directions....only to discover, in the nick of time (judging from her glasses and her walking stick), that she was....blind! I almost burst out laughing ...alone. 'Di ba crazy? Shet.

Funny thing is, after visiting the Guggenheim, I got lost 'cause I took the right bus but it took the wrong direction. Duh. By the time I reached Lexington and 86th station to go to the Bodies Exhibit in South Seaport, there was a big crowd in the underground subway.

Turns out, a building in Lexington crashed and blocked the path of the train which I was taking. They announced a new route which would end in Times Square and Penn Station instead which then required me to take a bus.

With the jumble of train and bus numbers mentioned, it was info overload for non-New Yorker me, so I opted to just make things simple: take the train, go to the Empire State building area, the designated meeting place with Gret, my sis-in-law. On the way there, I visited Parson's, got my nails done at Slick (for only US$7 plus 5 dollar tip--the Chinese attendant did a good job), shopped at yet another H&M and dropped by Sephora in Times Square to check out new beauty loot.

Gret and I met up around 530 pm to go home together, pick up her son Rico, and have dinner together at Manny's, Filipino restaurant in Queens she said is very good. I miss Pinoy food already.

Here's the news item about the crash:

Six-story building partially collapses in New York City

NEW YORK, March 27 (Xinhua) -- A six-story building under construction in Manhattan, New York City, partially collapsed at around 11:30 a.m. (1530 GMT) on Tuesday, slightly injuring a laborer at the scene.

Fire officials said five of the six floors in the vacant building collapsed, but all of the 12 construction workers at the site escaped without serious harm. One worker was taken to Harlem Hospital with a minor arm injury.

The Department of Buildings said there are permits for the construction company, Focus and Strugga Building Development, to be on-site doing interior renovations.

Preliminary reports suggested some of the renovation work may have compromised the structural integrity of the building and led to the collapse.

People living or working in three nearby buildings felt the complication and were evacuated as a precaution, said Department of Buildings spokeswoman Kate Lindquist.

The collapse also led to subway and traffic disruptions along Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. Subway services in the area were suspended or delayed, fearing vibrations could cause further collapse.

Yikes paano if I was in the train and the building crashed on my train? Scary. Suddenly, I forgot about my wonderful day at the Guggenheim. Well, just for a second. There were so many cute Argentinian guys at Guggenheim! Sheesh. I'd post pictures now but I don't have my camera's cable thingy.

Oh, funny moment. Outside the Guggenheim, this cute guy came walking by and said: "Heyyy nice shoes!"

I smiled and said bashfully, "Oh cool thanks (blush pa ako leche)."

Then he pointed to his feet and said, "I have the same pair." He laughed. I laughed. He disappeared around the corner of 5th Avenue and 86th street. :)

I love my silver Chucks.

Bummer

Engot. Just checked Broadway and tanging New York lang naman hindi magra-run ang "We Will Rock You." Huwaaayyyy? Meron sa Toronto, 'di ko pa napanood. Grr.

First Day in New York

Today, I woke up late, took the subway with my brother Jojo and he left me at the MOMA area. At first, I felt a little out of it, walking around New York alone. But after spending a while at the MOMA, staring at Picassos, Van Goghs, Cezannes and Mondrians and observing how people dressed, I warmed up to the feeling and felt a bit more confident walking around, checking the MOMA store for pasalubongs. Was able to find those rings Waya likes and got one for myself and for Paolo. :)

At the MOMA, the paintings I only see online and in books look more vibrant and alive in the flesh. It's a different kind of sensation, akin to maybe listening to music on mono and then hearing it on hi fi on rocking speakers. I'm surprised, though, at the idea that the paintings don't have some sort of barrier to ward off people who might touch them. In Manila, am sure kinalikot na 'yun hehe. Dito, 'di naman.

Before going in, I called Paulo to say hello (used the cell my brother lent me to use here) and it was so cool to hear a Filipino friend's voice. We're meeting for dinner Thursday night. I've had enough of bland American food and asked him to bring me to some yummy Asian restaurant. :)

He texted me later to check the H&M store because the Madonna collection's already on display. I quickly walked over to H&M which is about 3 blocks away from MOMA. Syempre, I am a slave to glamour, I wore high heels to walk around New York hello 'di ba? By the time I reached H&M, my feet were dying from pain ang kulit ko kasi. I brought Havainas in my bag to wear pero it suddenly felt weird to walk around 5th Avenue in the freezing cold in them with all the New Yorkers in winter gear. So quickly slipped into the Gap on 5th avenue, desperate for flat shoes. Checked out the ballet flats there but they didn't feel comfy on my feet.

Lo and behold, in one corner, under a beacon of merchandizer's light, a stack of silver Converse Ox chucks were on display. I never felt so good finding a stack of sneakers hehe. I let go of my pursuit of Jack Purcells and promptly bought a pair. Wore them immediately, folding my extra long pants up kebs na kung 'di bagay with my pomelo pink trench coat.

I went into H&M wearing them (kebs na rin that it was in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral). Dedma St. Patrick, hello to Madonna hehe. Besides, I've been inside St. Patrick's na. Madonna collection, 'di pa nasamabahan 'di ba?. If only I had enough space in my luggage (actually wala na), I would have bought more stuff at H&M but I settled for a basic piece I've been seeing everywhere and haven't found in Manila: an extra long black dress shirt with military details. :) Yiheee so happy (and poor!). I have to save enough for San Francisco pa sheesh. I have a feeling though I will check other H&M branches hehe. Kulit talaga. Iba iba ang stocks in different branches, I discovered. I know 'cause I checked in 2 branches in Toronto, in Maryland and here in New York.

My sis-in-law Gret met me outside H&M so we could take the subway and bus together (am still not confident going around alone; maybe tomorrow after studying the routes very well). Tomorrow, my schedule is: Guggenheim Museum, the Bodies Exhibit and Empire State building where Gret will pick me up again.

Hm. I don't wanna go home na 'ata hehe. Ops just kidding.

The Real Househelp of Salisbury County

Since yesterday, just been chilling at home, looking after my niece, Meg, making faces and playing peekaboo. I could drive out but the traffic laws here are so strict, I am sure I will break about 10 of them by the time I reach the mall so I depend on my brother in law and my brother to go around. I wanted to try driving Jojo's Lexus SUV with the GPRS to see how it works but ....nah. It isn't fun to drive when I can't go beyond the speed limit. *Grin*

Last night, we had dinner, hibachi style, at Tokyo Steakhouse in downtown Salisbury. The funny chef entertained us with flying cups of rice and throwing pieces of shrimp in our mouths. He also made a mountain of fire with a stack of onions and made a huge flame which scared Meg a bit. I had beef sukiyaki which tasted very good.

Sometimes, I try cooking breakfast or dinner or whatever. I love to cook here, the kitchen is awesome. Sometimes I do my laundry. It's easy 'cause there's an automatic washer and dryer. Just press some buttons, I go up and read my Elle or put on OPI Lincoln Park After Dark on my nails. By the time I'm finished, it's done.

There's a nifty oven that heats up without a flame. A big microwave. Microwaveable meals. Though I try to cook from scratch as much as I can ("old school" as Jojo says) 'cause there's so much processed, pre-packaged food here, it's really terrible. My brother eats too much fastfood and fried takeout, I will NOT be a party to it. So I peel the carrots and cut up the garlic and sibuyas and cook Chicken Ginger from scratch, not microwaved from a cardboard container.

It helps that I have the luxury of time. Cooking is fun when there's no real deadline. Actually, if you think about it, anything is fun if there IS no deadline.

And no langaw. I haven't seen a single langaw. Ever. As in. I'm doin the grocery thing later, going to Walmart. I spend a LOT of time in the Health and Beauty section hehe.

Am watching a lot of TV, studying the commercials and the TV shows here. There are so many reality TV programs, the concept is getting tired. I just saw an American Idol-style contest in a California prison on TV, and the news item was called "American Idle." Duh.

Practicality Wins

So I've canvassed enough. At Best Buy in Baltimore, instead of the hip looking pink Polaroid or the vintagey white Kodak (the pic doesn't do justice to its retro-matte white finish), I got a thin, reliable and safe silver Sony digicam as I know for a fact that the Carl Zeiss lens is the best there is (I handled the Sony account in a previous agency). Function and value wins over style. *Grin* Happy with it it's so light. There is a pink version but they ran out at Best Buy. *Whoppee*

oOo

While waiting for Jojo in Baltimore, I bought a lot of reading stuff. Am going through Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" right now and am enjoying the writing. The title drew me in because, basically, that's my philosophy in life: eat well, pray and love everyone and everything.

I devoured the latest issues of British Elle and Teen Vogue at Barnes and Noble, too, while finishing a Starbucks latte and a chicken sandwich. I was holding myself back from buying the yellow patent pumps at Aldo's 'cause what I really want are open-toe neon yellow wedges. I will NOT settle!

It's real cool in Barnes and Noble at Powerplant. People really let you sit down and READ and everyone's doing the same thing. As in genuinely read, not read because you're just killing time in between appointments like it is in Manila.

Anyway, I thought the Gilbert book was fiction. Turns out, it's all true. Plus, it's gonna be made into a movie with Julia Roberts in the lead. Wow how lucky can you get? (A previous book was the basis for the move Ugly Coyote) I can totally relate to her wanderlust and that moment when she told herself: "I don''t want to be married anymore." I know I will say this someday but that's another story).

Is it me or are there a lot of cute, well-dressed people in the Inner Harbor area?

Shopping Loot

As I have been a good girl, shopping only at Target and Gap, I caved in and plunked down my hard-earned cash for a bottle of (gulp) Creed Silver Mountain Water perfume (ack!) and Tocca scented candles. Feeling shala ako kairita.

Beautiful Baltimore

Click on pics to get a bigger view

There's more to Maryland than ....Salisbury! Drove to Baltimore, two hours away, with Jojo to meet his appointment with Immigration. He's gonna be a US cititizen and on the road to Baltimore, I reviewed him on US history, politics and government. Who composed the US National Anthem? Francis Scott Key! Saturday, he takes his oath. And 2 days in Baltimore has helped Maryland redeem itself to me hehe.

We stayed at an old (though a bit dinghy) hotel dating back to the 1920s called Mt. Vernon Hotel in the Mt. Vernon cultural district, architecture perfectly preserved but with modern amenities like wi-fi internet access. Everything about Baltimore is old and quaint like New York. Must be because it is one of the oldest cities in the US. around the hotel, we spied a beautiful cathedral with a plaque that said "The Oldest Cathedral Built in the United States." Plus, in all of the literature I read--from brochures to Baltimore books in souvenir shops and at Barnes and Nobles, the word "ghost" kept cropping up. Apparently, there are a lot of ghosts in Baltimore. And they even have a walking tour offered around the theme ala-Carlos Celdran. Edgar Allan Poe lived here, too-which explains why the state team is called Baltimore Ravens I guess. Yikes what if there were ghosts in our hotel?

While waiting, Jo dropped me off at the Barnes and Noble in Power Plant to browse around while he finished his appointment. Yes, they have a Power Plant mall! Like Rockwell, it's an old Hydropower plant near the harbor converted into a building housing shops and restaurants. Difference is, they preserved its old architecture. Hmmm I would suspect Rockwell was patterned after this building. I wasn't able to check which was developed first.

We had lunch at the legendary Philips Seafood restaurant in Harborplace. I ordered their 'famous' crabcake sandwich (that was what was written in the menu). Had the famous (and excellent!) vegetable crab soup before that as I have had enough clam chowder for the past few days (clam chowder in Legal Seafood and clam chowder in Red Lobster). Overall, excellent food. Great service. Nice view of the harbor. Complete with birds walking around the restaurant. My brother Jojo's flounder also proved excellent. Fresh and tasty. We couldn't have bumped into a better restaurant in the area.

Wish I had more time but I was able to absorb the energy and the sense of the place just by hanging out at Harborplace the entire day. After yesterday, I have found another new city I love besides San Francisco and Macau: BALTIMORE!

Wellies Everywhere

Wellies are everywhere, now that the snow is melting and either there's rain or snow. Even the Sartorialist featured Wellingtons and the Marc Jacobs cute ones. These are Pucci and I would think they would work well in June during the rainy season--splash around in flooded Manila streets in style. Suddenly, I wanna find a pair to wear for June.

Just chilling today. Had lunch with my niece and brother-in-law in the nearby Red Lobster. It's definitely spring in Maryland! Snowing still in New York though. Went malling (ha! now that's something new). Checked out the local Gap. Nice stuff. Grabbed 2 graphic tees, extra long. Saw the Red collection endorsed by Oprah and Bono. Cool! Am toying over the idea of getting the "DesiRED" and the "InspiRED" tees. No more Roland Mouret though.

I still haven't found any Converse Jack Purcells. It's hip hop country here in Maryland, I noticed. Preppy style is not exactly celebrated here. Maybe when I go to New York next week.

Was also able to score Bigelow Chemist's bestselling Ultra Mentha Lip Balm in its various variants to give as pasalubong to the girlfriends back home. Didn't know they had a tinted version. *Squeals of joy* Stocked up as this isn't available in Manila. Will see how it compares to Kiehl's.

That's it. Ready to curl up with the latest Elle and Vogue issues. :)

Okay, Better Pics

Washington looks better now. Svet, Meggie, me and Jojo in front of the White House. Am wearing Proenza Schouler, albeit Target. I love Target! And my pics with Warhol and Pollock. Too bad at the Corcoran Art Gallery, bawal to take pictures. I was in heaven surrounded by the original works of Corbusier, Eames and the Stijl group. Kainis.

More here. :)

More Smithsonian Pics

Here. Excuse the crappy pics. And in Washington D.C. Oddly enough, the White House pics are in the other camera which takes better pics. Gotta go out for lunch. Will post later.

Meeting Warhol and Pollock

It was a fun, fun weekend! Yesterday, drove off to Washington D.C. with my brother, sis-in-law, brother-in-law and my niece, Meg. We stayed at this hotel in Virginia overnight (Virginia is like beside Washington, D.C.) . This was after running around like crazed chickens in the biting cold, checking out the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, etc. We had to buy gloves and knit hats to keep warm, it was that cold. And I was yabang pa, I wore open toe flats without socks. Good luck to my feet, they need an extra dose of shea butter now hehe.

My ultimate happiness though was visiting the Smithsonian and catching a special exhibit of paintings on Josephine Baker , a fine female role model if there was one, plus seeing in the flesh works of Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. *Exciting*

Then, dropped by the Corcoran Art Gallery's "Modernism" exhibit. And whoa! I could literally spend the entire day there, ogling at the Stijl movement's designs, Le Corbusier's architectural sketches, Richard Neutra's buildings, Rietveld's Red and Blue Chair, Alto's organic glass bowls (still in production today) and Mondrian paintings. Time flew by real fast and yet, I could have stayed on forever!

We had dinner Saturday night at Thaiphoon restaurant, supposedly the best Thai restaurant in Washington D.C. I think I ordered the wrong food 'cause I wasn't so impressed. But judging from the Zagat sticker at the entrance door and the packed restaurant, I must have missed the good stuff.

Sunday lunch was at the local branch of Legal Seafood, a favorite of my brother's, which lived up to it's hype (at least to me) as the best seafood restaurant in the United States (according to NBC). According to my brother, it's now a tradition to serve their Clam Chowder in the White House after the presidential inaugural. I tried it and it was, admittedly, superb! In the chilly DC weather, hot soup is always welcome.

Can't wait to check out the Museum of Modern Art in New York next, next week. Hope the weather gets warmer just a tad bit. I can't stand the cold.

Consumer Heaven

Yahooo! Finally saw the Proenza Schouler stuff at the Target here in Sleepytown Maryland hehe. Basic stuff with a nice twist. Also saw the Isaac Mizrahi stuff--too square for my taste so I didn't get anything.

I bought a maroon and white silk print dress, 3 tissue-thin knit tops (striped green, mustard yellow and black/gray), 1 sweat top in black with a graphic print of the brand and a cotton print long-sleeve button down in black and white. *Happiness*

I would think there would be other stuff in other Target branches so will still check Target elsewhere hehe kulit no. Actually, more like kuripot.

Oh I also bought Sonia Kashuk stuff, some Rimmel makeup and Xhiliration shoes: one a nice platform sandal and one bright yellow wedge pump. *Yihee* Love it. Everything's so cheap.

I suddenly remember the pink boots I let go in the Winners in Toronto. Drat. I think I should've bought that already. I better call my aunt to get it for me. They were darn cute.

And yes, Ipods are cheaper here. For comparison, the small Ipod thing with a clip is like P4k only (in Manila it's P5,700 thereabouts). But my brother told me I better just go to Walmart 'cause it's even cheaper there. Maybe tomorrow. I saw a Polaroid brand digital camera for just over a hundred dollars. 5.1 megapixel. And get this--it's PINK. Gonna compare with Walmart. If it's cheaper, I'll get one. :)

Oooh can't wait to wear and use all my loot. Ciao.

Weird Weather

It was sunny. Then cloudy. Now. it's raining outside. Possible storms even.

Am in my brother's big house in the middle of Nowhereville Maryland, and it's sooo quiet. I don't see anyone outside it's eerie. No person.No dog. No moving car. It's a relaxing change from chaotic Manila and Toronto. I need this sometimes but not all the time. It will drive me nuts.

I think we're going out after lunch to...what else? Shop! Tomorrow, I finally see Washington D.C. and do the touristy thing. Haven't had time to go around the last time. For all of Manila's chaos, I'd still prefer living there instead of here. With the exception of San Francisco, of course. SF is cool. I love it there.

Anyway, it's 11 a.m. here. Time for lunch.

Maaahvelous in Maryland

Am in Maryland. Left Toronto before lunch. Reached Salisbury by 11 by land. Had dinner at.....exciting Delaware. At Hooter's haha. Oh my brother was caught speeding in Cortland, New York. The police use some kind of laser. He was doing an 82mph on a 60mph highway. They don't do bribes here. Why can't it be the same in the Philippines?

This weekend, we go to Washington. Tired. Calling it a night.

Yay a Computer!

Finally got access to a computer. The plane trip was looong and tiring, though had an adorable little boy named Shawn to make me laugh the entire time. I'll post a picture. Was thinking he'd be a a great talent but he was on his way to Houston with his American father and Filipina mom. I'll post his pic soon. He is sooo cute!

It's been days of going around Toronto, going here and there, and visiting relatives. When I arrived last Saturday, Canada was still covered in snow and it was extremely cold, I had to wear leggings under my pants and wear gloves, my trench coat and a scarf. Naks. This morning, the snow has started to melt, thank God.

Am still in Markham, at my Tita Baby's house, about 40 minutes from downtown Toronto. Am hogging my cousin Charles's computer. Just arrived from Niagara Falls. It's my 3rd time to go. My brother-in-law, Eduard, dropped by with my brother from the US, and he hasn't been there. So. Went anyway. Niagara Falls version 3 is a foggy-misty view of the falls and the iced up waters below, so it's something different still. I'll post pictures when I reach the States na lang.

I've already gone to Scarborough Bluffs, the Thomson Park, Casa Loma, Skydome, the Toronto Harbour, CN Tower-again hehe (ate at 360 Restaurant--again), Niagara Falls, etc. Shopping stops: Eaton's, Winners, Sears and Markville (to check-out H&M and look for boots). I bought shoes, food and pasalubong. Window-shopped a bit. Am saving the major shopping in the US for the outlet stores. Plus, I don't wanna lug too many things along as am still flying off to San Francisco in April.

Eduard told me they have a joke about H&M. To them, it means "Halatang Mura" hahaha. I don't really care. I like the styles they have especially the price. :) A dress in H&M, similar to the Top Shop designs, cost only 39.95 Canadian, which is roughly P1,500+, still way cheaper than Top Shop in Manila. I already have an idea what to buy. I compared 2 branches already hahaha they have totally different stocks. Will check H&M New York pa mwhehehe.

Caught a local news report on local TV about girls lining up for the opening of a Target store real early in Australia. Same thing in the US. I watched as the girls went inside the store in a frenzy and fought over the Target Stella McCartney collection. Will I get to buy any Proenza and Schouler by the time I reach the US? Hope so. We leave Toronto tomorrow before lunch. Cross fingers.

Gotta go. :) Rest, rest, rest. Pictures next time.

Oh, before I left, I had the greatest birthday gift. We won the BDO-Equitable account. Yay. :) Suddenly, all the late nights and the semi-exhaustion has all been worth it.

Happy OT

Yay finally I can go home! Hope we win this. Happy birthday to me.

Meanwhile, it's still freezing in New York. Spring is late. It's the same in Toronto. Hope I can stand the weather.

One Day na Lang

pau: oist arnie! kelan ka puntang ny?!
me: huy paulo!
pau: basta email mo ko ha! prvinluan@yahoo.com
me: :) after march 15
me: yup yup!
me: ill be staying alternately in queens and manhattan
me: lapit lang brooklyn di ba? :)
me: yup will email ya :)
me: snow pa daw dyan???? see ya
pau: oh, sige sige.. basta booking mo sa akin dapat weekend or after 6pm. some kind of an internship ecklavu kase ako ngayon.
pau: yehey!
pau: hmmm internship where?
pau: some small graphic design publication house in midtown manhattan
pau: brooklyn is like 15mins from manhattan :)
pau: yep! its been snowing since this morning... this week will be freezing!
me: yikes ive been told nga to bring thermal underwear eh
me: :P
pau: yes!!! BRING!
me: ganun kalamig?
me: shucks
me: dala ko lang socks and leggings
me: ill buy na lang dyan wala dito nun.
pau: nag snow!!
me: ill be coming from toronto
me: ay shucks
pau: buy in toronto!
me: ahahaha nagkape ka ba?
me: pitch kiti pitch kami today
me: so tired hehe
me: cant wait for saturday
me: tomorrow ang presentation as in
pau: goodluck!
pau: congrats sa advil ha!
pau: basta bring a winter wonterland outfit.. the weather is weird. just last saturday, super ganda ng weather, parang spring tapos the next day biglang freezing winds!
me: thanks
me: yikes!
me: i bought trench coats nga eh
me: pero walang lining
me: shet
pau: HAHA!
me: i remember i was there october sobrang nilalamig na ako
pau: now is the coldest!
me: ngayon pa nagso snow
me: ohno!
me: chapstick galore
pau: ay, wag ka magchapstick... it dries out your lips even more kase may wax.
me: hmmm onga
me: puro wax
me: walang emollients
me: oki kiehl's na lang
pau: kiehls is better
me: yeah true true
me: i cant wait to leave hehe
me: hahaha!
pau: oks lang yan, sandali nalang.
me: yeah 1 day na lang
me: and its my bday tomorrow
me: overnight kami tonight
pau: oh wow!
me: magbibirhday ako dito
me: hehe
me: uso ata yun
me: jojo also did that
me: dami pitch eh
me: ikaw din di ba
pau: HAHA! parang ako, OT na overnight on my bday! HAHA!
me: ikaw nag start!
me: kaya yan nauso
me: hmmm its your fault
pau: HAHA! i watched the sunrise pa...
me: onga hehe

Ooooohoooo Energy!

Energy
The Apples in Stereo

And the world is made of energy
and the world is electricity
and the world is made of energy
and there's a light inside of you
and there's a light inside of me.
And the world is made of energy
and the world is synchronicity
and the world is made of energy
and there's a light inside of you
and there's a light inside of me.
Chorus:
It’s gonna be all right
It’s gonna be all right uh huh yeah.
We’re gonna see the sunlight
We’re gonna see the sunlight uh huh yeah.
And the world is made of energy
and the world is possibility
and the world is made of energy
and there's a light inside of you
and there's a light inside of me.

What a drug. :P

Not a Good Day

This is a happy sounding band, though.

Heigh Ho Heigh Ho

Off to client I go. Duh. No one's in creative yet except me and Mang Mendy. Wow record hehe. Have a 9 a.m. and have to polish off some scripts. Am hungry. No breakfast yet.

I got my laundry na last night yay. And my coughs gone yay. I have so much to lug to the Terrano to bring to QC. Ack. Just need to: go to the bank, buy groceries and get a manicure. My lower back hurts so, yes, and a massage.

I'll have birthday dinner with Gino n QC tonight. Tomorrow night, family dinner I don't know pa where. Thursday, working late. Maybe dinner with the Creatives. Friday, yihee. He asked me my favorite color. I said black or silver. So I don't know what his gift is. He won't give a hint.

Oh my script's printed na. One more. Then off I go.

Big Grin on My Face

I'm ngongo still. My cough won't go away. The JOs just won't stop coming. And I'll be working till the day before I fly off. I haven't packed yet, but am almost done with my "to do" lists.

I still have to make bilin to Paolo and Manang and Waya re the apartment. Prepay bills before I leave. Think think think more for a campaign. Revise a script. Record a radio. And write an advertorial. I need to get my nails done before I leave. Am not complaining, but all I wish is that I had more time. Ahhh to have Hiro Nakamura's power to manipulate time and space!

But oddly enough, I've never been in a better mood. And I've never worn this Chesire Cat grin so much since two years ago when I was still seeing Derick.

Manila Day

Mama dragged me to Binondo and Divisoria yesterday. Ghad, felt so tired after 'cause I still have a cold and cough. But it was all worth it 'cause we discovered so many cheap and cheerful stuff for me to bring as pasalubong in my trip like pashminas (or pumapashmina hehe), colorful scarves (with pocket pa) and matching knit hats, accessories to death, pei pa koa* (for my cough), tops for my titas, bags for my cousins, cute belts, a lace mesh thingy, toys, baby clothes (for my niece), watches, electronic stuff. I bought a multimedia gadget thingy to bring along my trip. Takes pictures, videos and plays MP3s. Expandable memory. Games. Has a calendar and can recorde audio. Oh-ha. The Chinese vendor gave us a big discount (he thought mama and I were Chinese--Mama played along ngek. We're like, 1/18th Chinese).

I went to this store in 168 and to my surprise, found a local brand t-shirt that looks exactly like this t-shirt I bought from Zara. Same cut, length and graphics- just using a slightly different knit material. And at a fraction of the price! Yikes. Quality was at par with. Or even better kasi the tela is thicker. Hay naku a lot of people are parading in my shirt in Divisoria na. Arg kairita.

Anyway, week's starting out real hectic, will be in the midst of the stormy schedules till Friday. Five days na lang.

Oh. He asked me out Friday night, on my birthday. Third date. *Grin from ear to ear* My flight's the next day so I don't know how that will work out. Am meeting up with so many people before Saturday. Bahala na.

*Pei Pa Koa is awesome stuff.

Habahabahabahabahabahaba

...ng hair ko. :)

Sunday Driving Soundtrack

Lilly Allen is fiiieerccce.

"Everything's Just Wonderful"
Lilly Allen

Do you think, everything, everyone, is going mental,
It seems to me that it's spiraling outta control and it's inevitable,
Now don't you think,
This time is yours, this time is mine,
Its temperamental,
It seems to me, we're on all fours,
Crawling on our knees,
Someone help us please

Oh Jesus Christ almighty,
Do I feel alright? No not slightly,
I wanna get a flat I know I can't afford it,
It's just the bureaucrats who won't give me a mortgage,
Well it's very funny cos I got your fucking money,
And I'm never gonna get it just because of my bad credit
Oh well I guess I mustn't grumble,
I suppose that's just the way the cookie crumbles.

[Chorus]
Oh yeah, I'm fine,
Everything's just wonderful,
I'm having the time of my life.

Don't you want something else,
Something new, than what we've got here,
And don't you feel it's all the same,
Some sick game and it's not insincere,
I wish I could change the ways of the world,
Make it a nice place
Until that day, I guess we stay,
Doing what we do
Screwing who we screw

Why can't I sleep at night,
Don't say it's gonna be alright,
I wanna be able to eat spaghetti bolognaise,
and not feel bad about it for days and days and days.
In the magazines they talk about weight loss,
If I buy those jeans I can look like Kate Moss,
Oh no it's not the life I chose,
But I guess that's the way that things go,

[Chorus x2]

Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba [etc.]

Oh Jesus Christ almighty,
Do I feel alright? No not slightly,
I wanna get a flat I know I can't afford it,
It's just the bureaucrats who won't give me a mortgage,
Well it's very funny cos I got your fucking money,
And I'm never gonna get it just because of my bad credit
Oh well I guess I mustn't grumble,
I suppose that's just the way the cookie crumbles.

[Chorus x2]


Knock 'Em Out
Lilly Allen


Lily Allen Knock em Out Lyrics
Alright so this is a song about anyone,
It could be anyone.

You're just doin' your own thing,
And someone comes outta the blue,
They're like "alright what you sayin? can i take your digits?",
And you're like "No, not in a million years,
You're nasty, please leave me alone"

Cut to the pub on a lads night out,
Man at the bar cos it was his shout,
Clocks this bird as she looked okay,
She caught him looking and walked his way,
“Alright, darling? You gonna buy us a drink then?”
“Uh, no, but I was thinking about buying one for your friend.”
She's got no taste, hand on his waist,
Tries to pull away, but her lips on his face,
“If you insist, I'll have a white wine spritzer.”
“Sorry love, but you ain't a pretty picture.”

You can't knock 'em out,
You can't walk away,
Try desperately to think of the politest way to say
(I'm very sorry but not now...)
“Just get out my face! Just leave me alone!”
“And no, you can't have my number" Why?
"Cos I lost my phone.”

"Oh yeh actually mm I'm pregnant,
mm yeah I'm havin a baby in like 6 months, so, no... yeah yeah"

I recognise this guy's way of thinking
As he walks over her face starts sinking
She's like, “Oh, here we go...”
It's a routine check-up, she already knows.
She's thinking, “They're all the same”
“Yeah, you alright baby? You look alright still? Yeah, what's your name?”
She looks in her bag, takes out a fag,
[ Lyrics found on http://www.metrolyrics.com ]

Tries to get away from the guy on the blag,
Can't find a light, “Here, use mine”
“See, the thing is I just don't have the time”

You can't knock 'em out - can't knock 'em out
You can't walk away - you can't walk away
Try desperately to think of the politest way to say,
(I'm very sorry but not this time...)
“Just get out my face! Just leave me alone!”
“And no, you can't have my number, cos I lost my phone.”

Go away now, let me go,
Are you stupid? or just a little slow?
(Please, buckle...)
Go away now, I've made myself clear...
Nah, I don't think so!
Nah, it's not gonna happen!
Not in a million years!

You can't knock 'em out - can't knock 'em out
You can't walk away - and you can't walk away
Try desperately to think of the politest way to say (errrr...)
“Just get out my face! Just leave me alone!”
“And no, you can't have my number, cos I lost my phone.”

You can't knock 'em out,
You can't walk away,
(Ah, actually I'm getting married next week...)
Try desperately to think of the politest way to say,
“Just get out my face! Just leave me alone!”
(No, seriously...)
“And no, you can't have my number, cos I lost my phone.”

Oh, you know, I gotta go my house is on fire!
I've - I've got herpes!
Err - no, syphillis!
AIDS! AIDS! I got AIDS!
I forgot my vagisil!

oOo

Rockwell. He waited while I paid for my Zara top-Penelope Pitstop black top. Dinner in UCC. Made me try new stuff. Felt sick but I laughed the entire night. He wore Paul Smith. Gay alert. But...but..but... my gaydar hasn't been working lately. Felt bored before midnight. Swiss chocolates. He gave me chocolates. Am thinking: "One day at a time."

Gotta go. :) Mama wants to go to Binondo. Yipee.

Southern Exposure

So happy! Despite the long trek to a client all the way in Paranaque (and the brief meeting), bumped into this small shop in front of Starbucks in Sucat where they sell trenches and jackets which Angel pointed out to us.

Thanks to Angel, I am now the happy owner of a pink Banana Republic Kate Spade-ish lined blazer and a black Gap unlined trench coat---only P1,500 each. Yay! I have 2 spring coats to wear on my trip!

Was about ready to go back to Debenham's tonight to pay for the P3,000+ printed jacket. Good thing Paolo dragged me to the meeting.

We had lunch at Las Paellas, though I didn't order paella as I was full. Am now back in the chilly confines of the office.

Foodie discovery: Last night, had dinner at Rastro in Powerplant with Ige and Paolo. We were deciding between Via Mare and Brazil Brazil. Good thing we opted for this resto.

We indulged in the most unhealthy dinner I've ever had in recent memory: balut sisig (awesome!), callos, chorizo spring roll and salpicao. With WHITE rice. Cholesterol central! Now, I should really watch my diet today.

oOo

Yay he asked me out again. Having dinner tonight. :)

Oscar Looks

The red carpet looks weren't too exciting. Lots of feathers, fishtail hems, sequins. As usual, Cate Blanchett's gown was divine (Armani Prive). From style.com:

While it won't have been a surprise to Al Gore, the awards ceremony's unofficial guest of honor, sunny Los Angeles failed to cooperate on the city's highest-profile afternoon. But even if the barely 60-degree cloudy day wasn't exactly strapless chiffon weather, that didn't stop many a shoulder from making an appearance. In fact, with a couple of exceptions (Gwyneth Paltrow's short-sleeved, dark salmon, mesh Zac Posen; the metallic shrug with which Jennifer Hudson topped her Oscar de la Renta dress on the red carpet), the exposed collarbone—balanced by an extravagant hemline—was the style statement at this year's event. The only question was one bare shoulder or two.

The stars of the single-clavicle team included Cate Blanchett, whose pewter beaded Armani Privé gown gracefully hid one of her angular shoulders under a cluster of gunmetal-gray stones. A flowing, Greco-Roman, assertively mint-green Valentino covered one of lead-actress nominee Kate Winslet's. Beyoncé Knowles wore an Armani of a similar shade that had a diagonal band of stones that stretched from her right hip across her chest and over her left shoulder. Proenza Schouler outfitted Maggie Gyllenhaal in an inky blue-and-black dress with its signature fitted bodice, a feathered hemline, and a single black, asymmetrical strap—and helped her prove in the process that, yes, stars do lose their baby weight faster than the rest of the world.

On the dual-shoulder strapless squad were Penélope Cruz, who made up for lost award-show time in a gorgeous blush-colored Versace with an ornate fitted bodice and a fluffy, voluminous mermaid-style hem. Cameron Diaz wore a white strapless Valentino that had a distinct origami feel. A vermilion Balenciaga showstopper with a halter neck exposed both of Nicole Kidman's creamy white shoulders, but the right one was nearly obscured by a tremendous bow tied at her neck, and her equally pale curtain of hair covered the other. Reese Witherspoon, meanwhile, scored in another surprisingly sexy strapless Nina Ricci and an equally long cascade of blond locks. Who needs sunshine?