Happiness is...

...coffee with the rockingest friends in the world!

Marc gave me a book of poetry by Mabi David for me to read in the plane. And Gino gave me a 4gig Sandisk flash disk for me to use to store my works. They are the salt of the earth!

Jealous

Just saw my cousin Wendy's pics on Facebook. *gasp*

Anthony Bourdain autographed a book for her (enlarge pic and read her and her bf's name). Green with envy!

Project Runway Thoughts

I like Leanne, Kenley (yes I do) and Korto. I can't seem to like Jerell though I have to admit, he's talented and unique. Episode 11 showed Tim Gunne getting pissed (Tim Gunne getting pissed?!) with Kenley.

Gosh, for some reason, I teared up a bit watching Kenley in the preview of the Episode 12. I kinda understand where she's coming from, having to fight and push herself towards her goals and not getting the time of the day.

After a while, it made me realize, hey, everyone else isn't having it any easier. So it's not very graceful to keep pushing and fighting. It's best to just glide.

Guess who's out?

The girls are still in, though.

New Input

I have 2 new favorite magazines. Uh-ho. Additional paper in the house.

The first is Inc, the magazine of the American entrepreneur, and the second is Sew Easy, a magazine that offers features, instructions and patterns for successful sewing.

The Inc issue I picked up because of it's clean, white layout, and the fact that it was the Internet Marketing issue.

It has a cool article on the YouTube campaign of the Ford Model Agency. Their low budget videos featuring models showing you their favorite makeup or fashion brands shot their business up by 30% (if I remember the figure right). I've watched those videos and I have to admit, am hooked watching them, too. Very nice, affordable way to promote the brand. I absolutely love this magazine! Will definitely be buying more issues soon especially the latest one 'cause it features the founders of Method, my favorite cool house cleansing brand.

Then there's Sew Easy Vol.9, which features instructions on how to make a reusable/reversible grocery tote from recycled nylon fabric. And summer wardrobe projects like cool capris and a sundress. It has patterns. FREE! Oh and again, I liked the clutter-free cover layout....and the fact that the girl carrying the reversible tote on the cover was wearing clean, white Keds sneakers.

Oh man, I already read Domino, Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Lucky, Wallpaper, Oprah and Teen Vogue. Add these to the list of dust collectors in my bedroom. :P

Over and Out Out Out

Work at Home Wednesday

My Indie/Entrep bi-continental lifestyle starts. Woke up early, had Indonesian brewed coffee and checked emails from Manila and the US on an Apple laptop whose processors are apparently made in Taiwan.

Woke up at around 7 a.m. Wrote some initial concepts and taglines for local client and emailed them. While waiting for feedback, some emails and calls to my banks, our caretaker and the administration. Consolidated ID numbers and other info in my Moleskine. Other client called to ask about a revision on a headline for a product that's made in the US using Japanese technology. Oh I asked her na rin if I can get paid tomorrow. She said yes. Yahoo! Gino called and made kuwento. Mentioned possibility of getting him and Marc to do some projects from the US.

My sis-in-law called to tell me I get my plane ticket tomorrow and we clarified fees and return dates. By the time we finished, it was 2 p.m., I was dizzy with hunger. I ordered in Tapa King. While waiting, took a nap. When I woke up, Tapa King was at the door and mom called to say she couldn't find my transcript of records and diploma. Will have to check my files.

Ate lunch: Daing na Bangus and a Garden Salad washed down with Diet Pepsi.

Checked online for client's email and any texts from Dennis or Paolo or Johanne. Wala naman.

Then my Client called on cell and gave final directions based on initial concepts on that US product that's manufactured in either Philippines, Korea or Singapore . Okay they liked one concept. It's a start. Will need to think of more though. Meanwhile, drafted retainer contract with other client. Will email tomorrow.

Logged on and the Ateneo quad peeps were online and we conferenced. Nap from Jakarta. Ginny from her clinic at Mall of Asia. Erwin from his house in White Plains. Iya from her condo in San Juan. Technology rocks! Discussed with Erwin about the videocasting/podcasting thing. We all plan to meet up Friday for coffee and dinner. It will be so much fun. Nap won't be there of course hehe.

In other news, I got THAT text re the plan B. It's a no deal. So plan A goes on. Plan C is ongoing and plan D is on the backburner. YMed with Iya and Joan.

And to cap it off, Lester texted from Hongkong telling me that Sephora opened a branch there! Langhiya ginagawang Cubao ang Hongkong hehe.

I am off to QC get some papers. All is well in Yulo. Am hungry na. Eat muna before I leave Makati.

Locked Yourself Out?

This has happened to me oh....4-5 times already? Since I got triplicates of my apartment keys, it hasn't happened again. But just in case...you can do this (se below). Or just pay P200 to P500 for the locksmith to open your door.

Why It's Better to Live Where You Work

I since discovered this is the best way to live years ago. Bumped into a blog that explains why this is so pretty well: from thoughtfront.com/blog.

Wavering?

Stop.

“I say to you, this morning, that if you have never found something so dear and precious to you that you will die for it, then you aren’t fit to live.

You may be 38 years old, as I happen to be, and one day, some great opportunity stands before you and calls upon you to stand for some great principle, some great issue, some great cause. And you refuse to do it because you are afraid.

You refuse to do it because you want to live longer. You’re afraid that you will lose your job, or you are afraid that you will be criticized or that you will lose your popularity, or you’re afraid that somebody will stab or shoot or bomb your house. So you refuse to take a stand.

Well, you may go on and live until you are ninety, but you are just as dead at 38 as you would be at ninety.

And the cessation of breathing in your life is but the belated announcement of an earlier death of the spirit.

You died when you refused to stand up for right.

You died when you refused to stand up for truth.

You died when you refused to stand up for justice.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From the sermon “But, If Not” delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church on November 5, 1967.

Terry-fic Saturday Night

Had nice dinner/drinks thing last night with Paolo, Waya, Lala, Karl, Rap, Kaye, Ige and Julia. I had a long, tiring week of running around to the bank, finishing work AFTER the day job and moving stuff from Makati to QC, I decided to reward myself with very good dinner at the newly-opened Terry's branch at Lafayette in front of Makati Sports.

What a different place it is from the other Terry's branches! This one isn't dark, woody and cellar-like.It was all white with a nice lattice design that softened the stark whiteness of it all. They have 3 floors, 2 floors being the main deli selling Spanish delicacies.

We ordered some red wine, Jamo Serrano, a pretty good blood sausage, pasta, creme brulee and gazpacho. A real winner! Too bad they close at 10 p.m. Sucks. They should open till 1 a.m. Definitely coming back.

Projecty Runway Season 5 Episode 10

Jerrel wins. Guess who's out? Click here.

Oh and all 6 remaining designers presented their collections in Fashion Week, and I really really love Leanne. I love Kenley and Korto, but Leanne's work just stands out for me.

Burgers Can Stop War?

After reading Friedman's "The World is Flat," a treatise on globalization in the internet age, I got so curious about his previous book, "The Lexus and the Olive Tree" which talks about the shift from the Cold War into the earlier stages of globalization.

I promptly got a copy and just finished the foreward. After reading about his Golden Arches theory*, I can't wait to finish it. He may need a lot of evidence to prove his ideas and insights, but he certainly does it in an entertaining way.

*Friedman's "Golden Arches theory" posits that "no two countries that both had McDonald's had fought a war against each other since each got its McDonald's." It's a variation on the theme that democracies don't go to war with each other. That has been disproven (ex. NATO vs. Serbia). But I am inclined to believe it happens more often than not.

Pushing that Boulder Up Again

I am starting to feel like Sisyphus* again. Lord, please help make everything fall into place. It's tiring trying to make sure I have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C....Plan Z even.

Gino just keeps reminding me to focus on what I want. But I already know what I want. Crystal clear.

But what if the universe seems hell-bent on not giving it to me right now? I'll just have to just pray and keep pushing that effing rock.

And how appropriate that the chain in my toilet tank keeps getting loose. I fixed it for the nth time again this morning.

*Sisyphus was punished by the gods and cursed to roll a huge boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll down again, and to repeat this throughout eternity. "Sisyphean"is also understoord as an adjective referring to an activity that goes on and on and on, something pointless or unrewarding.

Project Runway Finale!

Spoiler alert!

I think Leanne is a WINNNERRR.

Click here.

Kikay Buy

Just bid on a pack of Shiseido Tsubaki Shampoo on ebay. I've been looking for this at the Makati Japanese groceries to no avail. It supposedly works fabulously.

A lot of Japanese women seem to agree as it is currently the number one selling shampoo in Japan. I first heard of from this blog. Am excited to try it. Reviews soon.

Real Freedom

Thank you, David Foster Wallace.

"And the so-called real world will not discourage you from operating on your default settings, because the so-called real world of men and money and power hums merrily along in a pool of fear and anger and frustration and craving and worship of self. Our own present culture has harnessed these forces in ways that have yielded extraordinary wealth and comfort and personal freedom. The freedom all to be lords of our tiny skull-sized kingdoms, alone at the center of all creation. This kind of freedom has much to recommend it. But of course there are all different kinds of freedom, and the kind that is most precious you will not hear much talk about much in the great outside world of wanting and achieving and [unintelligible -- sounds like "displayal"]. The really important kind of freedom involves attention and awareness and discipline, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them over and over in myriad petty, unsexy ways every day.

That is real freedom. That is being educated, and understanding how to think. The alternative is unconsciousness, the default setting, the rat race, the constant gnawing sense of having had, and lost, some infinite thing."

- Transcription of the 2005 Kenyon Commencement Address - May 21, 2005

"Safe" Dessert

Walked on over to Kang's in Leviste to grab some muscovado sugar. Grabbed a chocolate ice cream dessert for good measure. I bought something that looks like this, not knowing what to expect.

At home, I discovered it's ice cream in a balloon, and you have to cut the rubber tip off to suck the ice cream. Once opened, the ice cream unrelentlessly keeps oozing out in one stream, forced by the pressure of the rubber. You gotta devour everything in a matter of minutes.

Koreans are weird. Then again, we eat duck embryo.

P.S. It's pretty good but a bit messy.

New Face of Cover Girl

Guess who? None other than Ellen Degeneres. How progressive!

The Quad Dinner

I already met up with 3 of the Quad girls last Sunday (Quad=my Ateneo college barkada) but it wasn't enough.

Ginny and Trix met up with me for brunch at Cravings but Iya couldn't go because of a workshop thing. It was so much fun as usual nonetheless.

Ginny showed us her engagement ring and we talked about all her wedding plans.

Since Iya wasn't around, we decided to meet up last night again so Ginny can tell us about how Paul, her fiance, proposed to her in one go. Pa-suspense pa kainis. So all the girls were there at Conti's Greenhills, including Aj and Erwin (yay!) and it was super laugh trip, I was just so happy to see all of them.

As usual, Ginny's kuwento was sad, romantic and mega-funny all at the same time. The people at Conti's probably were hating us for being so noisy. By the way, laos the waiter there, he kept reminding us--oh about 5 times--that they were closing at 10 pm. Kainis. AND I was SO disappointed with their very dry, tasteless risotto. Ugh I will NOT eat their risotto ever again. In fairness, masarap the desserts.

I have been absent for the most part in most of the Quad's gimmicks these past years what with work and other priorities. But last night, I realized how much I miss them and how I took for granted what such good friends they are to me. I should meet up with them more.

Post Capitalism Exhibit by Marc Gaba

Tina Fey as Sarah Palin

Hahaha she's good!

Zoe Show

Rachel Zoe has a show!

Inspired!

This girl did it. I can, too. :)

TGIF

Day job slowing down a bit but managed to get several boards approved this week.

I finished kalakal 1 and 2 this week as well. One more to go. Possible revisions next week for that other--'wag sana am sick of revising that one. But all is good. Lots of work is better than no work at all. Soon, I'll be working for myself 100%. And all on the things that matter to me. A bit scary but it will work out fine. Things turn out for the best anyway.

I am meeting up with Marc and Gino and Lester and all my favorite people tomorrow so I'm feeling stoked and grateful and am reminded of how blessed I am to know these people. I told Marc and Gino about "Tell No One" and I so want Marc to see it. Again! Yes, again 'cause it's better when I watch it with people who I can discuss it with after.

I am so gigil and hyper again. I can't wait for my plans to pan out.

Project Runway Avante Garde Challenge

Terry and Blaine are out. Jorel wins.

Dranreb Getting Married

Taas kilay. Read here.

Weird Dream

had a really weird dream last night which made me realize something. It is a sad realization. Bottomline is, other people's opinions of you matter to a certain extent but only to a point. I realize I will encounter a lot of people like this anyway who, not because of spite but because of circumstances, put you in a box that other people around them create because they haven't found out or aren't willing to find out more about who you really are and what things you can do. I have a part in it, too, though. Right now, all I can do is believe in myself and make things work. Today is another day to make things right. That somehow makes me chipper. Yes, Tim Gunne, I'll make it work.

It's Thursday Already?

Whoa wasn't it just Monday yesterday? Days are moving real fast. I need more time. Left work early to avoid having to go through floods again or staying out late to avoid the traffic/flooding/rains.

Am waiting for two important phone calls (career-related) and for the laundry guys to pick up over a month's worth of dirty clothes. Been holding out too long. Wanted to make sure I wore every little piece of clothing in my cabinet and not keep wearing the same thing. Well, today, it worked. I don't have any nice clean slacks left so I wore a printed tube dress under a gray long-sleeved tee AND purple stockings in black oxford heels. I felt like I dressed in the dark. The outfit actually didn't look bad. I think.

Client chose a celeb and a board already for that account after several presentations and meetings. Been reading up on her--her life, her causes, maybe skeletons (I found none), the way she speaks (to tweak copy to her style), etc. Am looking forward to working with her. I hope I still get to work with her what with me leaving by the end of the month. I wonder if it will get approved fast enough by the US office for me to get to go through the shoot.

oOo

I hate it when someone who fucks up his own life willingly hounds me to listen to his problems, feeling like I am his best friend. I am SO not. Also, it's irritating when it's clear it's all his damn fault for fucking it up. Some people can be so utterly dysfunctional. I mean I am dysfunctional to a certain extent but I try to compensate and am aware of it and try to fix it. This guy, he just takes the cake. And he wonders why his life is such a mess it's incredible.

I am such a magnet for people with problems. I'm a bit irritated 'cause I am very busy trying to make my life work and some people just don't get it and keep bothering me. I AM WAITING FOR MY LAUNDRY TO GET PICKED UP AND WAITING FOR A PHONE CALL THAT WILL ENSURE I HAVE MONEY TO PAY BILLS TO ENSURE I AM NOT DEPENDENT ON ANYONE ELSE. So I pretended my phone died and turned off my phone. As soon as I turned off the phone, I felt a bit guilty. What if he's really depressed and decided to do something drastic?

I have to turn my cellphone on in a while though 'cause I am waiting for that important phone call. Grrr.

Ok one good thing: the laundry guys are here yahoooooo. I have clean clothes tomorrow!

Need Advil

I think I need new glasses. I have the kind of headache that signals "new glasses needed": pain on both temples and wrapped around the back of my head.

Speaking of glasses, my mom got checked by my college friend the opthalmologist and found out nope it's not the "baby cataract" that's causing the blurry vision. It's the wrong glasses! Acebedo Optical, SM North gave her a lower reading. And she got the glasses a week ago. My friend measured her eyes again and the reading is just WAY off. Just wanted to share.

oOo

Grace dropped by and gave me a tub of Indonesian lulur. As in genuine Indonesian lulur wth the Indonesian words and stuff. It's different from the scrubs we buy for some reason. Just works better. I bought a tub home when I flew back from Jakarta to Manila. Ran out so getting it is cool.

oOo

Gino had VTR in Makati for a commercial. He feels he won't get it 'cause he has to learn how to play ping pong. He is SO not athletic. Anyway, he's in Makati so we're having dinner later.

What I need to do: Finish that sideline and get the laundry picked up. Maybe call for an at home massage.

What I know will happen: I'll have dinner, stay out late, go home and fall asleep instantly.

Tell No One (Ne le dis à personne)

How do you combine a love story with a thriller and not bungle it? This movie has done it. Amazingly well. The New York Times describes it as "“Vertigo” meets “The Fugitive” by way of “The Big Sleep.” An understatement, but describes well what to expect--or not expect. Believe me when I say you will have a hard time predicting what comes next.

One of its many movie posters has copy that goes: "8 years ago, Alex's wife was MURDERED. Today... She e-mailed him."

Oh I promise, you will love it. Watch it! I wish I watched this earlier (it was released in 2006). I thought "Juno" was the best I've seen this year but this is just amazing, I'm changing that. THIS is the best movie I've seen this year.

Every second is unexpected, every situation an important factor in the unfolding events. Gripping and unpredictable UNTIL THE VERY END. Get a copy at MCS. Now.

Gino Reaches Semi-Finals in UK Songwriting Contest

From over 6,200 entries worldwide, 2 songs entered by my good friend Gino Torres (naks am so proud and happy for you!) earned two Semi-Finalist Awards in the "Pop" Category for his compositions, "When You Smile" and "Tell It to My Face", placing at the upper top 15%.

Click here for full article and visit http://ginotorres.multiply.com to listen to the songs.

Top Searches: Google vs. Yahoo

Just out of curiosity, I checked Yahoo's top searches for today:

Today's Top Searches
1. Sarah Palin
2. Elin Nordegren
3. Christina Ricci
4. 2010 Honda Insight
5. Sony VAIO
6. Hells Angels
7. Bangkok Dangerous
8. Histoplasmosis
9. Kwame Kilpatrick
10. Daunte Culpepper

Compare it with Google's "Hot Trends" today updated 33 minutes ago as of this writing:

1. roberta mccain
2. mccain speech
3. pork barrel spending
4. john mccain acceptance speech
5. barracuda lyrics
6. fred allen
7. vitas gerulaitis
8. obama o reilly
9. how old is cindy mccain
10. john mccain s first wife

I draw two conclusions: Yahoo searchers are younger and are less politically inclined. Either that or more journalists and reporters use Google more and have a more adult user base from the US.I do this randomly to check what concerns the world currently. What do you think?

Visionare Goes "Pop!"

Exciting! Issue #55 of high-caliber creative zine Visionaire has a "surprise" concept. So they designed the issue as a "pop-up." Can't wait to see how that turns out.

Shown here: Guido Mocafico for Visionaire #55 "Surprise"

DIY Fashion

Socks with holes? Wear them with pride! Especially if they're the kind sold by New York-based label SANS.

Aren't they cool?

And while we're at it, they also sell 'patterns' of their famous "square t-shirt" at their website.

Oh they also have cool finished clothes. Love love!

Von Teese Teaser

Teaser of Dita Von Teese's new film, "The Science of Sexy":

Slow Day

Recently, I....

.... ate at Petra and Pilar. I was there dinner time and they ran out of the San Moreno pastry so wasn't able to try it. We had Beef Mushroom Kalitiran, Bangus Embotido and a tasty Kansi with Langka (the white one?).

Definitely not Jollijeep prices but a good everyday lunch-dinner place for the PUP (Poor Urban Professional). Grabbed 2 cans of their premium corned beef (P100/can) to take home and a bottle of an interesting looking dressing called Rosemary and Caperberries (P250/bottle). Very nice interiors! I know Urban Zen is so last year, but this is pretty well designed than most restaurants.

... showed Grace around my new playground, Waltermart. She initially wanted to go to Ikea to buy storage/furniture but decided to check out Abea at the top floor of Waltermart. We walked around looking for furniture and house stuff....and I ended up buying a Solar Charger at CDR-King! Kainis.

So far, it works wonderfully. I haven't had time to test the solar function 'cause it was dark by the time I got back to the office but the electric charger works fine (you can charge it with electricity or through the car lighter socket if there's no sun available). This will be handy when I travel. For P880, not bad. Flimsy body but hey, you get what you pay for.

I found out from Googling, though, that it will take about 3 to 5 days for it to fully charge through solar energy. Given the cost of solar panels, this ain't bad. In emergency situations, one to three hours charging will give you about 10-15 minutes talk time---say if you're stuck somewhere in the mountains or in the middle of a highway with a flat tire.

In the meantime, it can work as an extra battery power source that you can charge in 3 ways. What's great is it can charge a number of gadgets with its various connectors.

... got my passport renewal documents picked up by Filipinaserv/2Go Courier. Quick and easy. Recommend this route to everyone. For P1,300.00, think of it as buying time and convenience.

... Revised one storyboard's copy. Need to revise one more, I think.

... Helped make flash cards for a special ed class.

... Started routing my Clearance form here at work. Only the accounts, finance and the ExCom left.

Still so much to do. I.will.not.panic. :) Off in a while.

Hate Going Through Customs?

For around P5,760.00 a year (US$128), you can get this fast pass through airport security: The Clear Card!

Members are pre-screened and given the high-tech card that allows them to access designated airport security fast lanes in 20 airports throughout the US. Sorry, not available globally yet. In these post 9-11 times, that will be a bit difficult to make happen.

Clear members pass through airport security faster, with more predictability and less hassle--about 90% faster than going through all the shit of removing your shoes and your belt with the metallic buckle and your jewelry. Ha.
Great for frequent US domestic travellers.

I wonder if they can start a service like this in the Philippines? If the people at customs can be bribed into doing many things, why not make it legitimate and just charge for it upfront?

Before I Leave...

I know I will miss Pinoy food so I will...

...try other items at Basilio's.

... finally try to have lunch at Petra and Pilar, , which is like, 15 minutes away from my apartment.

I'm hungry na duh.