Discovering WikiTravel

This evening, I was busy being the family trip planner. My assignment as of late is to find a suitable, mid-range hotel for our trip to Vietnam this October. I visited the usual helpful travel sites: TripAdvisor and Expedia, comparing rates and checking reviews. I've shortlisted the hotels, and I just need a couple more details before I make our booking. And then I had to think about what we were going to do in Ho Chi Minh City for three whole days. After jumping from one site to another, I discovered WikiTravel ! I'm a huge fan of Wikipedia already.



The site gave a couple of great tips about HCMC! And I think this'll make planning the itinerary a little easier.

Anyway, if you guys have tips about Saigon, let me know! So far, I have the Ben Thanh Market on my list. Hehe.

Good luck Rommel

My brother is living proof of the amazing things the human brain (and body) can do if pushed to its limits. He's been a law school student for four years, pouring over reading after reading after reading. We rarely get to see him during exam week. He's devoted to studying and is determined to become a lawyer someday.

The bar exams will start next Sunday, and he's just psyched! He's been reviewing for the past couple of months. The family supports him completely, and we will be runners at his beck and call next week.



He requested for a family dinner of sorts yesterday, and we all met him at Gloria Maris in Rockwell. He told us review stories and how he's been coping with the stress and the pressure. When we all parted ways, he sent us this really sweet message: "Thank you for supporting me all throughout. I'm very blessed to have you guys in my life. And I thank God everyday for that. I love you all. Hehe." Funny at one point, when he was sending us the SMS that he wanted to have dinner, he felt like crying. "Nababakla na ako." Haha.

Please pray for my brother, that he do well in the bar exams (which will be running the next four sundays of September).

Lots of luck, my bro!

[Music From the Baul] Shining Star

Shining Star
By Get Far

The way you look at me
The way you touch me
The fire are in your eyes
(I swear) Makes me shivers inside
There's nothing I can do about it
'Cause nothing seems so truth
When I'm beside you
And my dream
Of all thing is all in my hand
Naked, perfect, so beautiful
You turn me up and down
I was spinning round and round
You never get enough, baby you don't
You're a shining star

The way you look at me
The way you touch me
The fire are in your eyes
(I swear) Makes me shivers inside
There's nothing I can do about it
You're my soulmate, my summer and my faith
You fill me up with love
Your kisses are better than wine
There's nothing I want more than you, girl

The way you look at me
The way you touch me
The fire are in your eyes
(I swear) Makes me shivers inside
There's nothing I can do about it
You're my soulmate, my summer and my faith
You fill me up with love
Your kisses are better than wine
There's nothing I want more than you, girl
You turn me up and down
I was spinning round and round
You never get enough, baby you don't
You're a shining star

The way you look at me
The way you touch me
The fire are in your eyes
(I swear) Makes me shivers inside
There's nothing I can do about it
You're my soulmate, my summer and my faith
You fill me up with love
Your kisses are better than wine
There's nothing I want more than you, girl
You're my soulmate, my summer and my faith
You fill me up with love
Your kisses are better than wine
There's nothing I want more than you, girl

P/Dimples and Quartz

Fun day today! We attended our first Execs conference at the Makati Shangri-La. We had a "Dow" table and a very sleepy Keysi joined us. The hosts were quite entertaining and everyone held their breath for the interesting announcements in the afternoon. Cocktails was pretty fun. What was left of D Gang chatted and made plans to meet up Tuesday evening. I had three glasses of wine (2 red and 1 white) and was extra chatty the rest of the evening.

After the conference, Cel, Yas, Mike, and I had dinner at Fely J's in Greenbelt 5. I've always wantedto try this resto. So we ate. tilapia, adobo, ginataang shrimps and veggies, and lechon kawali. And we laughed and laughed. About Mike's faux warts, Cel's nagbabarkadahang Ps. Haha. Laughter's the best.

I was feeling under the weather a few days ago. I guess it's a cycle thing. There will be good days, and naturally, there will be a few bad days. I hope there are more happy days ahead. :-)

Under the weather

The past few days of non-stop activities have taken its toll on me. I've been sporting a husky voice the past week (almost). Too much Lindt chocolate and too little sleep maybe.

The usual light and bubbly Schments is on vacay today (and the past few days). A couple of reasons...

** Surfing the crimson wave. The usual excuse. Discomfort = easy irritation.

** Too much of togetherness. The family has been sleeping in the tiny bedroom inside the auxiliary house. There have been a couple of times as of late when I'm wishing (under my breath of course) for some privacy. Sometimes, for a little more independence. The feeling comes and goes. I'm getting old and I just want some ME space (sometimes less meddling).

** What comes up must come down. All the excitement and happiness these past few weeks came to an end last Sunday. Poo. Back to the grindstone.

** Disappointment. I've been feeling disappointed these past few days. Sometimes, I just want an easy "yes" when I ask for help. I think I'm pretty helpful myself, and I guess I make the mistake of expecting the same from people. I guess disappointment springs out of expectations not being met. When I'm disappointed, especially at people who I expect a lot from, my instant reaction is frustration. I don't want to be angry. It ain't healthy. Some people are just built a certain way.

** "It shouldn't have to be an up hill battle," my wise friends had said last Saturday. There's always room for improvement for everyone. But then, when they do improve, they're still essentially the same person. Improving yourself (and the relationship) should not have to be difficult. If it is, then you might want to rethink it.

** So close, but no cigar. The hard part is letting it all go.

I prolly need a fresh perspective. Maybe set goals for myself and really work my way towards them.

[Music from the Baul] Someone to Watch Over Me

Here's an oldie but goodie. I'm feeling kind of sentimental today. Perhaps it's the dreary weather. Or my girlfriends flying back to London and New York after a week in Manila. In our conversations, I've had a couple of realizations, one of them being having someone in your life who will be there for you no matter what. I guess part of it is knowing the other well enough to tell if he or she isn't ok and showing genuine concern.

People come and go in our lives (in both the romantic sense and the platonic sense). It takes so much to share yourself with someone.

Anyway. I'm a little lamb who's lost in the woods and can you tell him please to put on some speed. Hehe.


Someone to Watch Over Me
By George Gershwin

There's a saying old says that love is blind
Still we're often told "seek and ye shall find"
So I'm going to seek a certain girl/lad I've had in mind
Looking everywhere, haven't found her yet
She's the big affair I cannot forget
Only girl/man I ever think of will regret

I'd like to add her/him initials to my monogram
Tell me where's the shepherd for this lost lamb

There's a somebody I'm longing to see
I hope that she/he turns out to be
Someone to watch over me

I'm a little lamb who's lost in a wood
I know I could always be good
To one who'll watch over me

Although I/he may not be the man some girls think of
As handsome to my heart
She/he carries the key

Won't you tell her/him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh how I need
Someone to watch over me
Someone to watch over me

Videoke Queens!

[Music From the Baul] Beyond Rainbows

Finally got our SSC Batch '96 grad song!

Beyond Rainbows

Once more, we reap what we've forever sown
With cherished friends and precious moments
And memories that meant pure bliss
Though we've always known
That time itself will lead us to good bye

And now as we all move along
Remember the time we once sang this song
And when we go our separate ways
This bond we share will go
Beyond time and place.

Look at how far we have come
And still we have a long way to go
So many things we've learned
Yet so many things to know

No more looking out of windows
Let's take courage to face the real world
Society in need
We'll take the first step here

Success is not ours alone
We share it with those who made us who we are
Reality will bring us back together
The rainbows of our lives will still shine through


Thank you PAX! Haha! The complete lyrics on the last page of our year book. I suddenly miss our senior class. 4-C! Remember Mama Hen (Mrs. Se) and Papa Bear (Mr. Aguas). Good times.

Malcolm's Place With Keyce

Keyce and I visited Malcolm's Place once before she left. For our Tuesday impromptu dinner, Keyce and I went to this Salcedo village gem.

We were hungry when we got to the resto, so we quickly finished our first place of ... I guess you'd call them chips. Keyce was amazed how much I appreciate beer now! San Miguel Super Dry rocks.



Malcolm's Place is quite popular for their Wagyu Beef-ridden menu. So I easily said Yes to the waiter when he asked me if I wanted to try the daily special (Wagyu Salpicao and a side order of soup). It was pretty good. The cut of the meat was a little too big for my salpicao expectations. Keyce had Wagyu Sisig and couldn't tell the difference between Wagyu and the normal sisig. Hehe.



It's just nice to be back in super familiar territory. Chatting, unloading, and eating with Keyce! I really miss our weekly sessions. They're therapeutic! Not to mention crazy fun at times.



More dinners to come for sure!

Where to Begin?

Garsh. I dunno how to begin blogging about the past few days. It's been hella crazy with all the reunions! But it's been hella fun. I will try to start it tomorrow. Maybe a weekly highlight thingie. My mind's a blank.

Pinoy Gossip Girl

Homaygad?! I dunno what to say. Haha.

[Kulasas Help!] Batch 1996 Grad Song

Calling all Scholasticans, Batch 1996. Please help me complete the lyrics of our grad song.


Once more, we reap what we've forever sown
With cherished friends and precious moments
And memories that meant pure bliss

Though we've always known
That time itself will lead us to goodbye

And now as we all move along
Remember the time we once sang this song
And when we go our separate ways
This bond we share will go beyong time and space.



Waaah... Wish I had remember more! Help! I know there's a stanza about society in need (then the next line goes, "We'll take our first step here."), and the one about rainbows or stars. Ugh!

Anyway! Help help!

Reunited with Keyce!

FINALLY. I found out at around 12 NN Sunday, that my very good friend (sparring partner) Keysi is here in Manila! Haha! She was very good at keeping her actual arrival date a secret. And when I was chatting with her last Friday, she was actually in Manila already! Haha. Anyway, I was just screaming and jumping when I finally recognized her voice over the phone Sunday noon. I set to have dinner with her later that day.

After Elise's 1st birthday party, along with the freelance photographer we hired to cover the event, I drove back to Makati. Dropped off PJ in Market! Market! and drove excitedly to Somerset Millenium. Keyce's press release was that she gained weight. When I saw her walking towards the car, I quickly told her she looks exactly the same.

Ahhh... I think that might be the theme of the evening. Exactly the same. It seemed she was never away! Keyce shared that she had been gone about 300++ days. I can't believe it was that long, because sitting with her in the car and excitedly talking about whatever, just fast forwarded the 300 days to the present. To some extent though, I'm in disbelief at how I was able to survive a year without Keyce!

I took her to GB5, and the balikbayan took pictures on her spanking brand new iPhone. Haha. She said we have nicer malls here in Manila. We started to think about where to eat. We ended up having dinner at People's Palace, our ultimate favorite place to eat.





After dinner, we had coffee at Seattle's Best (we passed up on Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf because of this rowdy group of people who didn't understand the concept of queueing and manners). It was just sooo nice to relax, unload, and share. I can't help but feel sad in advance, thinking three weeks ahead when she returns to the U.S. Waaaaah.

Happy thoughts for now! Haha! More dinners, coffee breaks, and inuman sessions to come Keyce! We've got a list of restos we need to try out! One year worth of lamon backlog to fulfill!

My Weekend with Irene and Sam

Where to begin?!

The last time Sam set foot in the Philippines was more than 8 years ago. She hasn't been back since she left. So Irene and I excitedly planned for her return. Highlights...

** Crazy-eyed Schmenten. Sam sent her flight details to me, and I honestly thought she was arriving at ten. I was surprised when I received a phone call at around 9 p.m. She had arrived and was waiting for us, basking in the Manila heat. Haha. Despite the heavy rain, the drive from EDSA to Tramo was actually a breeze. I spent more time finding a way to go southbound.

** Friday night dinner at Cafe Francais and drinks at Tides. I took the girls to two of BF's pride. Cafe Francais served European cuisine. We ordered my favorite pasta dish, Carbonara, and a pizza. Irene shared her Marief kwentos for the week. She was just glowing in happiness. This "glow" of course, prompted me to pursue the "Get Irene drunk" mini-project. Haha.



** We went to Tides after dinner for drinks. Sam barely finished her two shots of Red Tide. Irene, on the other hand, happily complied to my gentle 2-shot persuasions. Haha. My mini project was a smashing success! We checked into our nice Deluxe suite at the Bellevue hotel right after. Irene was knocked out cold (but managed to get into her sleeping clothes in the middle of the night). The bed was spacious and I think we all slept soundly.



** Brunch at Bellevue.... Where the girls discussed about Irene's thesis about bi-lingualism in the Philippine educational system. I was constantly zoning out, thanks to work phone calls. Overall, despite the coffee without the kicker, we were pleased with breafkast. The beef tapa was hella good, and my pancake was nice.



** Shopping in ATC. Jesamyn rediscovered the local brands in ATC! She got a few dresses in Kamiseta, sleeping shorts in Branded for Less, and a few unique wooden carvings in Balikbayan Handicrafts. Schmenten is proud to report that she was able to suppress her shopping impulse!




** Drove to Serendra to attend Camille's 13th birthday party at Fridays. Irene and Sammo went to Market! Market! in the meantime, sharing more musings about relationships.





** We then picked up Kars in Makati and headed off to Eastwood (Schmenten was a super drivams!). 4C girls!! Haha. The drive to Eastwood was fun because we started reminiscing about our senior class and our winning class song (which eventually became the batch song). We couldn't remember some of the stanzas. We had dinner at Heaven and Eggs. Kars and I shared a Monte Cristo. Walked aroung the mall a little, and Sam got a nice blouse at Plains and Prints, which I have to say, carry a lot of great tops for power dressing.



** We dropped off Irene at her Sikatuna home where Tita Beth merrily greeted us. Then we dropped Kars off. Then Sam and I headed for Starbucks BF, where she was meeting her uncle. We still wanted to fill the missing lyrics of the batch song. Sam pointed that she and I remember the rationale behind the stanzas because we steered the class in working on the song together. She was the class president, and I was the vice. It was just so fun to reminisce. We ran into Risa, Nicole, and Trina at Starbucks! It was a fun, brief reunion.

I drove home at around 10:30 pm, Saturday. Tired but happy for spending time with good friends. I'm amazed at how much we all remember, and how much we have forgotten. Haha. More bonding moments this Wednesday when we go on our pampering day!

Goodbye, Grouchy-mate!

Last Friday was quite a momentous day in the Australian history. The soon-to-be Aussie Immigrant, Grouchy, bid our beloved project farewell. She's been counting down to this day for quite some time now, often dubious if it was pushing through. Her home team dressed up the project area the evening before. Pink balloons and signages greeted Grouchy when she arrived Friday morning. Kung Fu Panda didn't miss his chance in singing, "Hindi Kita Malilimutan". Grouchy haughtily said, "Ililibre ko ang kung sino man ang makapagpapaiyak sa akin" (I will treat the person who will make me cry)






Mike and I wanted to give Grouchy a scrapbook. Or rather, Grouchy explicitly asked for a scrapbook with pictures and messages from everyone. Haha. Luck was not on our side however. When we went to the photo shop to have the pictures developed, the great developing machine broke down. Poo.

A little past 4 p.m., we all gathered around for merienda. Grouchy's request. Spaghetti and the best-selling Goldilock's mocha cake. And BBQ, ice cream, puto pao, and pansit! Twas certainly a feast! When everyone had their fill, we started the mini-program. We showed the funny pics of everyone in the project (Thanks to MacMacMac's Photobook application). Then a few peeps gave their messages to Grouchy. My personal favorite was Welmer's. A few of our onshore counterparts wrote to me as well, and I read those outloud. I hosted because I purposely did not want to speak. Haha. If I had given a speech, I would have cried and that would be the end of my (ahem) toughie image. Jewel, Jude, and the Siebel team created a wonderful and funny video! It was a huge hit.




My favorite part of our little program was Grouchy's speech. She was teary-eyed already because of an email from Mr. Duffy and her chat session with Mr. Joffe. When she was speaking through the microphone, she said, "I thought I'd be closing Focus". Then she started crying and laughing and crying. Haha. It was bittersweet.



I will, without a doubt, miss Grouchy. She's been an integral part of the project. I don't think we could have won the first AO deal without her impressive performance. We've learned a lot from her as well. And best of all, I'm just glad she and I have become pretty good friends. :-) I don't want to write too much here, as it might give away my scrapbook message. Haha.




I will miss this classic Grouchy scene. Pooohoohoo...

I Heart Balikbayans

I was supposed to write about this yesterday, but I was too beat (and too enthralled by James McAvoy) to organize my thoughts and but them down on the blog. Now, my foot's half way through the bathroom door, and I'm just happy. One word. Balikbayans!

Sam, Irene, and I spent Friday night and the whole of Saturday together. Soooo soooo fun! I will post pics. We've been friends for a pretty long time, and we look alike too. It was fun reminiscing about high school. More about this later!

I received one of the best phone calls ever an hour ago. Keyce finally officially told me that SHE IS HERE! Haha. We're seeing each other tonight and I am excited as hell!!!

More things to write about later! Haha!

Warning! Semi Self-Indulgent Entry: Hair Survey

I've been thinking about getting a hair cut. Might get my chance next week when Sam, Irene and I go on our pampering day (Salon and Spa). I'm not exactly a risk taker when it comes to hair. I don't really have the luxury of a Gretchen-Barreto perfectly chiseled face which goes with any hairstyle.

Over the past two years, I've sported a couple of 'dos. Check them out. Let me know which one works best.

2006:
I See Korean Red!


Layered


2007:
Babangs:


The Mariel cut:


The Kiddie Look


The Tikwas Look



2008:
Curly Sue!


Let me know!

Things a changin'

A few several entries ago, I made a bold prediction that something big was coming. I didn't know exactly what it was, but I had a feeling it will change a lot of things. The realization of my prediction is slowly making its way in. Today, it had its a foot in the door. It is exciting because of the novelty. At the same time, it is scary because it will prove to be very challenging. I wonder though, if this is what I've always wanted. I don't think I'll have the answer to that question just yet. Maybe in a few weeks, or maybe in the next few months.

I also had another realization as of late. I realized how taxing and close to exhausting it is to share so much of yourself. I had exposed myself and become vulnerable. I wasn't forced into it. I had willingly given a lot of myself. And when certain things didn't work out, I was frustrated and angry. Right now, I'm just tired. I ask if I brought this unto myself. I know I still have it in me go through it all over again someday. Perhaps when the time is right.

For these changing times, stress and overthinking can consume a person. But then it's just comforting to know how some things remain the same. Like today. I've been in and out of meetings, adding items on my ridiculously lengthening to-do list, working (and not finishing) some tasks... On the drive home, I was thinking about how I can do things better. Delegation, organization, and priorization. So many things were bothering me. Then I went to Casa Marias for Camille's 13th birthday. It was just what I needed! It took my mind off things for about an hour and a half, and I felt sooooo much lighter when I left. Camille refused to blow her beeday cake without me around (sniff, sniff), which put a huge smile on my face.

Oh well. What's life without the new exciting flavors? Let's just see how it goes.

Tagaytay with mah girls

[Joy in the Little Things] August 10, 2008

** Gym with the Dela Ramas and Grouchy last Thursday. Suzie is a part-time fitness trainer. She designed a program especially for Grouchy. Of course, being Grouchy's pro-bono wedding consultant, I tagged along. A few minutes on the treadmill, and a couple of rounds on the muscle building machines. We proved last Thursday night that if Grouchy wears the "Tabang Hangin" crown, I wear the "Tabang Muscle" proudly on my head. After the workout, Grouchy and I rewarded ourselves with a filling dinner at Galileo, this nice Italian resto along Pasong Tamo. We were really in search for Lambrusco wine, but we ended up chatting and chatting (and being our dirty-minded selves). I'm a sucker for dinner with a glass of red wine and great conversations. Thanks Pao, Suzie, and Grouchy.

** Kare Kare, Pizza, and Ice Cream. Had a lamon day last Saturday. Spent it mostly with Ate My, helping her with the preps for Elise's 1st birthday. We had lunch at Tito Mar's. Kare Kare with veggies on the side. And for dessert, three pieces of Almond Rocca. Perfection. For merienda, I treated the folks at home to two large pizzas from Shakey's. I've always loved their thin crust pizzas. There's just something joyful in eating good, comforting food.

** Conversation with Irene last 08-08-08. Arief just arrived from Jakarta then. She and I have had several conversations about relationships, and I'm just happy that my pep talk (when we had dinner at Banana Leaf the first time I saw her) wasn't all B.S. She said she'd fill me in, and she just plain loves me for talking some sense into her.

** Lola's teary thank you when I handed her flowers. Ate My visited Lola last Saturday. She recently suffered from a mild stroke, and we visited her. She appreciates the little things. We got the flowers in one of the flower shops in Las Pinas. I can't remember now what sort of flowers they were. They weren't Malaysian Mums, and they smelled awfully nice.

** Tagaytay Sunday with Ate Love, Ina, Iris, Yssa, Tito Mar, and Tita Alda. Lunch at Taal Vista, then went to see animals in Residence Inn and Paradizoo, then merienda at Rowena's. My girls are all grown up now. Ina's as fashionable as the girls in "Babaeng Tsismosa", Yssa is thinking about her gown for her junion prom, and Camille.... Well. She's still our baby. Haha. We've started planning for more activities in the future. Wall climbing and a post-Christmas trip to Baguio.

** 2008 Olympics. What a show. What a sight. It's just nice to see that everyone can actually get along well. And it's quite a thrill to be playing for your country, I could only imagine.

08-08-08

On this very special day of 08-08-08, I was out the office. Our capability group had our planning session in MMLDC in Antipolo. I've been a while since I last participated in a TCoE activity. The last time I attended a meeting was before my April vacation. Being deployed to the project (particularly our beloved project), is quite consuming. I sometimes feel like there's nothing more I can give. Haha. Anyway, the planning session was pretty good! Although we started late, we got a lot done. Lito gave some good news and congratulations went around. After the planning session, we went to Lito's house for dinner. It was nice to meet his family! I've always liked Lito. He has a commanding presence about him, and he's quite the charmer.

Random thoughts on 08-08-08...

** I really wanted to end the momentous day with something social. But all my friends had their own gimiks, so I ended up just going home (second time in a row). I saw parts of the Olympic opening ceremonies, and it just spectacular! I missed out on the opening numbers, but the firewworks show (you know how Schmenten loves fireworks) was awesome. I think most people who have seen it can easily say it's nothing they've ever seen before.



** There are somethings which you think, when they finally come your way, will do a world of difference. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't.

Schmenten's Guide to Being Healthy

Lately, I've taken an interest in fitness (hence entries about running). I've been cringe-y and blue lately, but I've assured my friends that I'm actually still happy, generally speaking. Now my thoughts wander around overall health and well-being. Here's my personal list of things I do (errr, for some, "try" to do) to stay healthy...

** Keep a sunny disposition. Look for the silver lining in every situation. Think of the goodness in people. Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt.

** Live in the now and worry not about things you cannot change nor control.

** Engage in some physical activity. In other words... Exercise! Haha. At least twice a week. The body is the vessel of the soul/spirit, and we experience life's greatest and simplest pleasures through it.

** Eat! Eat something delicious at least once a day. Eat just right.

** Have an outlet! Be it blogging, painting, boxing... There are certain emotions we keep bottled in, for whatever reason. As Mr. Love Notes famously said, "Letting it out can make a big difference."

** Forgive. Forget. Let Go.

** Have your fair share of girlie bonding moments (this entry for girls). Girlie friends double as therapists. Talking (ranting or raving) or just being there for each other on a regular basis, will do wonders for your sanity.

** Spend time with family. They'll love and be there for you no matter what.

** Nurture your spiritual relationship. Hear mass, attend service, go to temple. It's your personal relationship with Him. Work on it as well.

** Share your joys with someone.

** Continue to learn new things. Make new friends.

** Love yourself! If you know you can do more, push yourself. But cut youself some slack at times.


Hmm... This could be a growing list. :-) This is all I have for now.

Sprawled on the extra bed and wishful thinking...

My head tells me that I should be shutting down MacMacMac to catch some zzzs and be in the office early tomorrow morning. Of course, I was able to argue with myself that I need to check my Multiply account and blog about today's fun happenings. Hehe. I will do so by starting with "I wish..."

** I wish I could have recorded Paolo's classic comebacks to Grouchy's usual complaints. Hehe. We had dinner at Cibo Rockwell(well, Yas and I did) with Suzie and Paolo, my voices of reason. Tonight, Suzie played the role of fitness consultant and OB-GYNE. Paolo was silently listening as us three girls talk about losing weight. My favorite hirit was when Grouchy whined about her arms and said she had stored fat in them. He said, "Panis na taba yan." (Fat gone bad) We will all work together to see Grouchy be the sexiest she can be for her wedding! We will be joining the Dela Ramas for a trial session at Slimmers Trafalgar this Thursday. Teehee.

** I wish I could have gotten a 30 minute foot massage on top of my 1 hour body massage. After dinner, Grouchy took me to the famous Island Spa along Jupiter in Makati. I had the Swedish massage while she had the foot massage. My massage was pretty good! I didn't feel too oily afterwards. I wish I could have extended the massage though. The place is pretty relaxing. At the end of the session, I just wanted to stay and sleep.

** I wish I could be like Sam and not have any questions. Sam sent an email today which was just beautifully written. Essentially, she talked about facing something she actually dreaded and then realizing that she was ok.

** I wish our renovations finish soon. I kind of miss sleeping on a bigger bed. Or having more personal space. Don't get me wrong. I love my family more than anything, but I guess at some point, I miss my space. I would like to sleep without desparately trying to shut out Mama and Papa's snoring.

Tonight with Rick and Dick

I'm borrowing this entry from Aissa, who borrowed it from her friend Eunice.

Roderick Paulate gets the treat of a lifetime, sharing the stage with Rick Astley.

Time and Clarity

Amazing how clearer things are with time. I did a search of the word "clarity" in my blog and found a couple of entries, dating a few years back. I wished for clarity, and I think I'm getting it. There is a comfort in knowing that you are at that point in your life where you're looking back and saying to yourself how obvious some things are, the mistakes you've made, and the lessons you've learned. Some things seemingly of the present and a could-be future, now rightfully belong to the past. It's sad, but then it's necessary.

A lot of the things happen in a particular order. There are reasons why some things didn't work out in the past, why there are low scores after much effort given, and why people who have left our lives as strangers. Whatever happens though, I've come to realize that friendships are the lasting relationships, worthy of keeping and nurturing. There are people who you never thought you'd be close to. It's just surprising how you can affect their lives and how they can change yours.

I am getting a hair cut soon. To mark a new beginning. And to celebrate friendships and faith in knowing that there is definitely more new things to come.

Harry Potter, The Half Blood Prince Teaser Trailer

Probably one of my favorite Harry Potter Books (Of the 7, my favorites are "The Prisoner of Azkaban", "The Half Blood Prince", and "The Deathly Hollows"). They've just released the teaser trailer and I am excited! The Harry Potter movies just keep getting better and better each year. Check it out.

Project Runway & Chori Lloydi

For the past two evenings, I've been getting my fill of Project Runway. I read from Arnie's blog that the wonderful Project Runway fans have posted season 5 episodes on You Tube. So I clicked to check it out. Then I ended up watching the 2 of 5 clip. Then the 3 of 5 clip. Then the 4 of 5 clip. Then the 5 of 5 clip. Haha. And then I saw from the related videos that episode 2 was available as well. Curses! I ended up sleeping at 2AM! They aired episode 3 in the US this week, so I'm guessing I'll be seeing that very soon.

Surprisingly, while I was channel surfing a few hours ago, I stumbled upon the first five minutes of Project Runway Philippines! Apparently, this pilot episode aired a few days ago. I ended up watching the entire episode, pleased with how well they've adapted the show locally! I'm reading from the forums that this one is far better than Philippine's Next Top Model. Their shots of Manila, the editing, and the location of most of shots (SOFA and Amorsolo Mansions?) are actually pretty good. Teresa Herrera, the host, is trying her best to emulate Heidi. I laughed outloud though that in the end, instead of hearing " Auf Wiedersehen", I heard the host say, "Ingat" (which is "Take Care" in Tagalog). Hehe. We got a couple of talented designers! Makes me proud.


So how, you may ask, did Schmenten spend her Friday evening? Two words. Choriburger. Lloydi. Haha. After dropping Luz off at Sucat, I contemplated on how I'd like to spend my Friday night. Dinner and a massage, I said to myself. So I went to Bun on the Run and ordered a Choriburger and a rootbeer. It was a good meal. While I was pulling away from BOTR, I realized that I was too full to get a massage. A "Now That I Have You" viewing sounded nice. When I got home, I changed, popped the VCD on the player and spent the next two hours laughing and being kilig again. Haha. Watching these local romantic comedies is certainly my guilty pleasure.

[Movie Shmovie] A Very Special Love

I gave into the calling of my jologs genes and saw "A Very Special Love" on its second day of screening with Irene. We caught the 4:50pm show at Shangri-La Mall. The movie house was far from packed. This worried me of course, because my giggling will obviously echo and bounce around the room. Anyway, I had no idea what the movie was about prior to watching it. I am a fan of Lloydi. I've seen most of his movies, and he's quite talented. The verdict?? If you want to laugh out loud, be kilig, and forget about your woes for two hours, see this movie! I now have a bigger Lloydi crush. Sarah Geronimo's a natural actress (for this type of movie). My only comment though was I didn't really have a buy in to the development of the relationship. He's this hard core workaholic. I think it might take more than being taken cared of (when that person is sick) to turn such a guy around. Otherwise, I'm melting with Loida when Miggy intensely looks at her. *Sigh*