Cleaning Time to Make Way for Some Art...

Yesterday morning, I dropped by Gallery Frames to pick up the four pieces I had framed ages ago. I was glad that all pieces were still okay. If you are looking for really high quality professional framing services, go to Gallery Frames. The prices are a bit steep, but you're sure that the pieces are well taken cared of.

Anyway, in the afternoon, before meeting up with Carlo, I got into some "room cleaning" mood since I had about two hours to spare. So I started dusting corners and sweeping the floor and folding my clothes that need pressing. Haha! And then I asked my Dad to help me hang some of the pieces that I had framed.

Now hanging just above my bed are the two Anita Magsaysay-Ho reproductions. Though they're just reproductions, I value them so much because they were signed by the artist herself. Plus, the works above are gifts from former colleagues so that adds more value to it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to have an original work of Nana, so I'm already finding much happiness with the two pieces.

Anyway, this is going to sound weird. Half of my room is newly painted, while the other half still needs painting. I haven't had the time to buy paint because of the new job and I'm just not too happy about shelling out P1,000 for a gallon of paint. Hehehe!

But I should really get the painting job finished, because the other framed artworks are on the floor and waiting to be hung. I don't know though if I have enough wall space to hang the remaining twelve pieces. Eeep!!!

2007 was a year that I really got into the whole "art collecting" thing. Looking back now, I was lucky enough to get several original works from a couple of artists. The last purchases for the year were Claude Tayag numbered serigraphs. (This is why I want the Claude Tayag serigraph from the Love Out Loud auction. I'm planning to make a triptych of Claude Tayag serigraphs.) Next year, I'd like to get a Kiko Escora and Jason Moss, and perhaps, a Maria Taniguchi. If anyone is feeling generous enough to give works of the artists I mentioned, or works by Garibay, I'd be one happy boy. Hehehe!

Looong Friday Evening...

The last Friday of 2007 was a good one.

Met up with some friends whom I haven't seen for the longest time now - Richie, Suki, Edsel, jigs, Vince, Richard, Edmar, Mori, Frances, Yvette for the annual Queermas Party. We hung out at Discovery Suites and it was good to see them. Did some catching up.

I got a Justin Timberlake DVD during the exchange gift. I got a Lost and Found award (because I haven't been around). Uhm, traded the DVD for a Philosophy sampler kit as requested by one. And then, Richie got me some soaps from Lush.

I'm actually happy to have gotten so many products for Christmas. Aside from the Philosophy sampler kit and the Lush soaps, I got some Pinoy handmade soaps from my boss, a shower gel from Marks & Spencer from an aunt, a body spray and hand gel from Zen Zest a colleague. Someone would be smelling nicely as the New Year comes in. Haha!

I bid the guys farewell around 1AM, and then met up with Rhyz, Reena and Nova, who came from their own gimik. We dropped Nova off at her house, before proceeding to Eastwood Libis. Initially, we thought of having the buffet breakfast at Something Fishy, but instead ended up at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. We just chatted for a couple of hours. Got home at 5AM.

Last Working Day for 2007...

It's the last working day of 2007, and even if I want to write a nice "Farewell 2007" post, all I could think of right now is the long weekend. Hahaha! There's not much to do here at the office. The advertorial and press release I've been working on came out today, so that's one thing less to worry about. The other press releases will be attended next week. Uhm, I'm just working on my annual performance appraisal form. An evaluation of the things I've done for the entire year, or to be more correct, the things I've done since I started with the new company last July. I went through the published releases, the post-event reports, photos, among others, and I feel quite happy because it seems to have been a very productive six months. And I'm really glad that I got to be part of this organization, because so far, things are going well.

So that's one thing to be thankful for this year, I guess.

Uhm, other things to remember for 2007, off the top of my head are:

- Nana's birthday party
- Having photos taken with various celebrities (hehe!)
- Getting the phone call telling me that I was hired
- Exhibits at Gateway Mall, Mall of Asia and the National Museum
- First advertorial ever
- Tam-awan village trip
- Chats with DHO and RAU
- Mariano Ching, Geraldine Javier, Jonathan Olazo, and Claude Tayag
- Dec. 22 issue of Philippine Star
- Regularization
- Paul Smith
- Attending the Ad Congress
- Menudo/Ricky Martin performance
- Number 22
- One early Saturday morning of December

Alright, will be going to Tagaytay for the weekend. Might be back in Manila on Jan. 1.

Happy New Year to all!

Love Out Loud Auction...

While going through today's papers, I found an article on an art auction for the benefit of deaf kids. I immediately started reading the article primarily because I was interested to find out who were the artists partaking in this noteworthy endeavor.

The event entitled, "LOVE OUT LOUD," aims to raise funds for the children of the Gualandi School for the Hearing Impaired.

I checked out the website - www.loveoutloudauction.com - and I was pleased to find out that our company is supporting the project. (I'm a bit wondering though why I didn't know about this? Wondering which department is handling this event.)

Anyway, there are several fantastic pieces that are for auction. The artists are all well-respected and I can already imagine that fierce fighting would take place during the live auction this February. Hahaha!

Pieces that caught my eye were Bencab (naturally), Borlongan, Garibay, Linds Lee, Red Mansueto, Jonathan Olazo, and Lao Lian Ben.

Please check out the site, and bid on the artworks. If it's not too much to ask, can you please bid on artworks other than Lot 89? Haha! I really, really, really WANT that Claude Tayag.

Menudo, Ricky Martin at World Trade Center last Friday...

It's all just a blur now. Everything happened so fast. One moment, I could hear celebrity host Edu Manzano telling the crowd that the CSG group was about to perform. And then I heard the all too familiar opening music of Menudo's Explosion. As I faced the audience, there were just thousands of faces but they were all blurred. It could be because of the lights. It could be because I was nervous. People were screaming to cheer us. I was too focused on not missing any of the dance steps that it didn't even occur to me to try harder to look for my colleagues. I just knew they were there. There were some misses like a late entrance in another segment because of a costume change, but in the end everything turned out well. Before we knew it, the group was in its finale formation already. There was thunderous applause and cheer from the audience. What fifty people, including me, have been working on for the past few week nights was all over in ten minutes.

More photos to follow.

Banglos banca: A Christmas (gift) story...

Here's a shameless plug. Haha!

There's this article that was published last Saturday in the Telecoms section of the Philippine Star on the Banglos banca.

In case you have some spare time or need some distraction from whatever it is you're presently preoccupied, please do check it out.

Read the article here.

Weekend in Quezon...

Though still tired from Friday night's Christmas party and though I got into bed at 2AM, I still woke up at 7AM yesterday. I was waiting for a text message or for a frantic phone call from my colleague Joanne asking me why I still wasn't at the office. But neither the phone call nor text message came. So instead, I got in touch with her to see if she and Michelle pushed through with the trip to Gen. Nakar, Quezon.

And they did.

Though there were some hesitations, primarily the tiredness that I've been feeling from head to toe, I still got up and in thirty minutes found my way to the terminal boarding a van headed to Quezon. The trip took about five hours, but it was worth it because I got to go to the beach and just take a dip in the cold water.

In the evening, I had a few drinks with the local people. We hung out at the multi-purpose hall, enjoying the cool December breeze, and drank local wine called lambanog. We just chatted.

Left back for Manila this morning. Bought some seafood for Reena. The seafood was insanely cheap compared to the Manila prices. Shrimps at P350/kilo is way cheap. Back in Manila by 1PM.

In the evening, I met up with Bernice and we went to Gateway. We had coffee at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Afterwards, it was movie Elixabeth. Dinner at Cafe Bola. I received a call from Carlo who happened to be in the area as well, so I got to give him a big hug and quick chat before going back to Bernice. Finished the night with Fruits in Ice Cream.

Good Saturday and Sunday.

Tonight is the night...

All roads lead to World Trade Center Manila tonight (well, at least for the thousands of fellow employees... hehehe!) for our companywide Christmas party. Tonight, those thousands of employees will see what the five teams have been working on for the past few weeks (on top of their usual workload. Hahaha!) I'm scared. I'm nervous. I'm excited. It's a deluge of feelings. I'm feeling a bit tired, but I hope everything will pick up within the day. It must. It has to. Ten minutes is all we've got to show our best. Hehehe! I guess the key is to have presence of mind and to just enjoy and have fun onstage. Hehehe! The teams we're competing against are doing Madonna, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, and Gary Valenciano. Will the Corporate Support Group bring home the crown this year? We'll see. Check out the tarpaulin design my colleague Monet made for us. Wooo wooo wooo! CSG! Here we go, ole, ole, ole!

Tired... I'm Just Tired...

Been practicing the entire day. It could be annoying, but I guess if we want to win, we have to really, really, really, really, really give it our 150%!!! According to our director/choreographer, it's 150% because 20% will go to butterfiles in the stomach, 10% will go to last minute rushing, and the other 20% I forget. Hahaha! We ended with the practice at 7PM. Started at 9AM. We practiced at one of the company's warehouses, so we had to make do with the setting. Anyway, after practice, I had to go to the mall to look for a turtleneck and a vest for the other numbers I'm part of. Found the pieces I need although they're quite different from what the rest of the team has. Eeep! I hope that's fine. Anyway, I'm going home in a bit. I'm tired. And I want to take a bath. And I want to just sleep. Tomorrow's the big day! Woo woo woo!

"Ricky Martin" in Manila this Friday night...

Two days more to go before our team goes onstage for the company's inter-group dance competition. Eeeep!!! Sorry I had to change the text of the body. Can't divulge our team strategies. Hahaha!

It's (D&G) Time...

Wondering if TVCs like the one above would ever be seen on Philippine television. Hahaha! Waiting for that (D&G) time.

Toxic Week Before Holiday Vacation...

It's the week before the holiday vacation, and for some reason, the amount of work is just up there. Hahahaha! We have an event tomorrow, and then there's that website construction that's already delayed, plus other events. And then, I was volunteered to be part of a dance presentation for the company party this party. Eeep! Yeah, believe it or not, I was volunteered to be part of it. But it's all good. I'm really enjoying, and of course, I love it that I'm meeting new people. Hahaha!

Aaahhh! The madness before Christmas!!! I'm not even done with my Christmas shopping. Eeeep!

At the World Trade Bazaar

Standing in line right now waiting for the bazaar to open. There's a super, super, super long line stretching from one end of the World Trade Center to the other end. Plus, twelve buses of high school students just arrived. Apparently, bazaars are now included in educational field trip destinations. Hahaha! I imagine this would be a warzone later. And I'm not psyched for it. Eeep!

I'm Just Glad...

I'm just glad it's already Friday. I've been going home late these past few nights because of dance practice. Haha! Yeah, dance practice. To Ricky Martin's music. Hahaha! It's for this event next week. Anyway, I'm so sleepy right now, and I'm just looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight and a good weekend.

Oh wait, there's dance practice again tomorrow afternoon.

Should I Say Goodbye?

I am thinking of disposing two or three of my bags.

One, because they're quite used already (although still very much functional and quite presentable). There are also some flaws that could be fixed I guess. A little drycleaning, replacement of zipper.

Two, because I think it's going to be a "beautiful Christmas" and I just may be able to update my bag collection of sorts. Gawd! When I think about it, I have already started "updating" this year - Mexx, Zara and Paul Smith. Eeeep!!!!

Anyway, couple of years ago, I didn't think I would actually consider disposing my bags because I love them. But now, I realize that yes, every now and then, change (of bags) is good. (Over the weekend, I gave a messenger bag I haven't been using to my youngest brother. Hehe!)

So I don't know what to do with the bags I want to say goodbye to. Hand them down to my youngest brother? Give them to a man on the street? Try selling them and see anyone would go for it?

The bags I'm referring to are:

1.) my ultra favorite Fino messenger bag - I super love it because it's gotten so many compliments. Hahaha! And because it's Coach-inspired. But seriously, Fino is one company I super, super, super love! It's Filipino owned and the bags are just truly world-class! I'm so proud of it.

2.) an Adidas bowler bag - Bought it as a birthday present, but haven't used it for some time. The flaw on this one is on the lining of the handle. I don't know what the material is, but it's starting to chip off.

3.) a Jack Spade messenger bag - Uhm, I think this was my first Jack Spade. And I super love it too. It's roomy enouvh for all my stuff. And it's simple. The flaw on this is on the zipper. Needs to be replaced. Plus, I had it drycleaned once but I think it wasn't handled pretty well, so it's now a bit slouchy.

4.) a GAP brown canvas backpack - Again, a favorite. Compliments have been given to it as well, so I like it. The flaw is one buckle is missing. I lost it when I went to Palawan not too long ago. I don't know where you can get one. But if only I can get another buckle, then that bag is still fantastic.

So, if it's going to be a "good Christmas," I'd probably get some stuff to replace the ones above, if I do decide to dispose them. Hehehe! If all goes well, I'm eyeing Fino (naturally), and possibly, possibly, a Rafe.

Let's see.

New Issue of T&C...

Hey, hey. The new issue of Town & Country is now on the newsstands. Saw it when I was buying some stuff at the bookstore over the weekend. Of course, I had to get a copy. Nina Huang looks gorgeous. And I was in for a treat. Check out the Reader's Mail section. Hehehe! Can't wait to read the rest of the new issue!

Two More Photos...

Spent Saturday night at the grounds of the iMax parking area at the SM Mall of Asia for a concert.

Went there for work though. Had to cover the event and prepare post-event publicity stuff for it.

It was fun though.

Arrived at SM Mall of Asia around 5PM. It seemed like the entire country were in that mall because it was SO, SO crowded. Ack! By 7PM, I went to the concert venue and met up with the organizers.

Stayed till the concert ended at 1AM. There was a good lineup of performers. They were all really good!

Highlight of my night was having the photos above taken. Two more photos to go to my "Celebrity/Fan Pic Wall" project. Hahaha!

If You Missed the First One, WHYNOT? Make Sure You Don't Miss the Second One...

Yup, yup. It's time for Why Not? Forum 2.

See you there!

Celebrity/Fan Pic Wall Project...

I'm thinking of making one of the bare walls in my room into a "Celebrity/Fan Pic Wall" to give it some character.

While going through some old photos over the weekend, it dawned upon me that I now have enough fan pic to frame and hang on a wall. Hahaha!

Photos with various personalities, from (almost) National Artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho to celebrity hunk Sam Milby to Hollywood actor/director Quentin Tarantino, would be nice to hang on a wall, right? (Even if it's just me who's going to see those pics. Haha!)

Hmm, I started having these fan pics taken when my friends and I started on the magazine. But even before I've always been a "fan" of sorts. Haha! Initially, I was a shy to ask for fan pics because I'm too proud and vain. Hehehe!

But then, when you realize that you could probably never see that person again. Perfect example: when will Quentin Tarantino be in Manila again? What are the chances of bumping into him at an exclusive cinema, right?

So my rule now is whenever there's a fan pic opportunity, go for it. Just go for it!

Winter 2007 Time Style & Design is here...

Woohoo! Look what's on the bookstore shelves already?

The Winter 2007 issue of Time Style & Design.

I was at National Bookstore yesterday with my colleague, Monet. We needed to buy some paper for invitation cards. Of course, as soon as we stepped in to the bookstore, I drifted towards the magazine section. Hahaha!

When I saw the Time magazine with the free supplement, I couldn't be more happier. Gawd! As I've complained in previous posts, it's so hard to get hold of the Style & Design supplement. It's only published four times in a year and I don't know when it comes out. Boohoo! Plus, I've noticed that the Asia edition is different from the US issue. Another boohoo!

Just kidding. I love, love, love Time Style & Design.

In fact, I haven't even opened the issue I just got. I'm going to read it over the weekend.

P.S. What also made me happy when I went to NBS was I found several LGBT fiction books in the bargain bin. Woohoo! 50% off. I just wish those books would still be there on Monday. Hehehe! And for the selfish reason that I want to get those books for myself, I'm not going to mention which branch of NBS I'm talking about. Hehehe! Sorry, but we're talking about LGBT fic lit here, so no Mr. Nice Guy. Haha!

Christmas is just around the corner...

Christmas is just around the corner and I haven't started shopping yet. With the way things are going, it looks like I'll be doing some last minute shopping this year. Hehehe!

Some Thoughts on Dating...

Twice my friends have been trying to set me up on a date. And twice, I have said, "No, thanks." And it's not because I'm feeling egotistical or too self-confident.

It's actually the opposite.

After the breakup two years ago, I was sort of feeling less enthusiastic about getting involved again, or even just dating, for that matter. Did I really want to do the whole dating game again? Did I really want to stand on the edge of an emotional cliff once more?

Hmm, the answer is yes. I would love to go out on a date again. And it doesn't have to be because I want to get into a relationship again, but if only to feel that "mushy" feeling again, I would go out on a date.

Though I must say that I sort of have a new perspective on dating. People should really "just go as they are."

Yeah, yeah, people would always say, "That's the basic rule. Go as yourself." But seriously, how many people do that? Hours before you meet your date, you find yourself taking a little more time in the bathroom, spending couple minutes more finding what to wear, squeezing out a little more hair product to get your hair to look better, spritzing more than the usual of your favorite cologne.

What I'm saying is we should probably just stop keeping Dr. Jekyll inside the closet and let him have a cameo during the date. If you're the flipflops kind of guy, why show up in dress shoes? If you're the vintage tee, torn jeans kind of guy, what's the point of showing up in tjuzed shirts and designer jeans? What I'm saying is I'd already like to see my date's Dr. Jekyll side on the first date. And the date would also get to see my own Dr. Jekyll side.

It's a bit risky, because the first date is usually meant to impress the other person so that there'll be a second date. But sersiouly, isn't seeing the "flaws" of the other person on a first date something to be thankful for already?

Maybe then we'd even appreciate our date's honesty and transparency. Maybe then there would be less "surprises" when the two of you do get into a relationship. And maybe the chances of knowing whether you really have a chance of getting into a relationship with this other person becomes easier to assess.

Does this make me appear too cynical?

Some Ad Con Photos...

I didn't get to listen to all the Ad Con sessions, even if they were all interesting, because the main reason why I was part of the team that was sent to the Ad Con was to cover the company's participation in the huge event.

We had a lot of promos for the delegates. We had two booths that featured the newest products and services of our company. There were several model-esque promo hunks and babes roaming around the convention center talking to people and introducing our newest products and services. There were a bunch of Brazilian models who did the same thing. We had a raffle where people won iPods, laptops, Philip Stein watches, to name a few. There was also a yacht party for invited guests. Not bad, eh?

When we were on the road to Subic, the highway leading to the province was lined up with banners of our company. Community stores, houses, machine shops, markets along the highway carried our company's banner. One blogger described the whole thing as something "...like a presidential campaign trail." Hahaha! I have to admit that I am just in awe of how great our local merchandisers are. And seeing all these tarpaulins lined up along the highway just made me feel proud to be part of this company.

Back at the convention, I got to bring home several loot bags from various companies. From toothpaste to body wash to notebooks and ballpens to shirts and caps to CDs and USB sticks to chocolates and chips, there were a bazillion things that were given out for free to all delegates.

On my way back to Manila, my luggage was even heavier because of all the free goodies. I just loved the event. Haha! I wish I would still get to attend the next Ad Con in 2009.

Trick...

Uhm, here's one of many favorite movies. JP Pitoc and Christian Campbell were great here, I thought. I used to have a copy of this movie, but I made the mistake of lending it to someone who accidentally lost the DVD. Augh! I've been searching for this since in local video stores, but I haven't found one yet. Sigh.

Lazy Thursday...

Hmm, perhaps it's because tomorrow's a holiday. I haven't been feeling that inspired. I know, it sucks. What does one do when inspiration seems to be lacking? Augh! I hate this feeling.

Close Encounter with Tigers...

After we were officially done with all of our work for the Ad Con, we went to the Zoobic Safari. Since we were Ad Con delegates, we got a 20% discount. Woohooo!
The best part was the close encounter with the tigers. We took a ride on these jeeps that had steel railings, and the tigers walked close to the jeep to say hi. One tiger even jumped on top of our jeep.

It was a good experience. But at the same time, I felt bad for the tigers who were locked up in cages that were small for them. When we visited one bunker tuned into a row of tiger cages, several of the tigers looked lonely because of their situation. There two who just kept on going in circles. It wasn't difficult to see that the poor creatures were restless.

Some of the other animals, particularly the ostriches, looked sick. Several of them had "bald spots." Their feathers weren't looking healthy either. Unless you see the central cord of a feather is healthy, then those birds were sick. The feathers aren't growing.

I know that this issue of keeping animals in a zoo is a big debate between animal rights activists and those who run businesses like the safari. I guess there could be some sort of compromise. Since the company is earning from the visitors, perhaps they can do something about ensuring that all the animals are healthy and in good condition. To do that, the safari has to have regular visitors.

So go and visit the Zoobic Safari. It's really worth the trip.

Google Guy Derek Callow at the Ad Con...

While I missed some of the sessions, I made sure that I got to attend the Friday afternoon sessions. Primarily, because the topics were related to my line of work and the company business, and I was sure I would be able to pick up several things. Our Marketing head was also one of the speakers that afternoon. He talked about mobile advertising.

One of my favorite speakers though was Google Southeast Asia's Derek Callow. I first listened to him during the SEO Conference last October, and I was sort of kicking myself for not approaching him then to congratulate him on his talk and to have my photo with him taken.

When I saw on the program that he was going to speak that afternoon and he was to speak before our boss, I couldn't be happier. It was perfect. I could listen to his speech. I can have my photo taken with him. And then I can go back to the forum hall to listen to and cover the speech of our boss. And that's what I did.

Most of my colleagues occupied several of the front row seats of the forum hall because we knew our boss was going to give a talk. But when they saw Derek Callow on stage, I heard several whispers of excitement. Clearly, I wasn't the only one who found Derek interesting. Great! I thought to myself, "Now I can ask one of them to go with me to take the photo."

My accomplice was Abbie from another department. She also attended the conference and she is also a fan of Mr. Callow. So it wasn't hard to convince her to go with me and wait for Mr. Callow outside the forum hall so we can get our photos taken.

When Derek said his parting words, Abbie and I immiediately headed out of the venue. We went to an "Authorized Personnel Only" area and patiently waited for Derek. After about ten minutes, we saw him walk towards our direction together with Google Philippines' people. When he was near already, I walked up to him and asked if we could have our photo taken with him. I first prodded Abbie to stand beside him but she said she was shy. So I ended up standing beside a slightly surprised Derek and had our photo taken. I even asked for a second shot. It was fantastic. I thought about asking for an autograph but I didn't want to scare the guy. What I should have done but didn't do though was give him a business card. Who knows? He might need an assistant or Google might need a Corporate Communications guy. Haha!

After getting our photos taken, I thanked Derek and shaked his hand. Then I walked back inside the forum hall and surprised my friends by showing them my photos with Derek Callow. They were all green with envy. Hahaha!

Getting that photo was one of my main highs from the Ad Con, I must say.

Oh, wait. Here are the main points of Derek's speech:

- Branding platforms are evolving and proliferating (eg.g outdoot -----> mobile)

- Consumers are the new brand managers

- Google Insights on Online Marketing
- Online platforms expose deep connections with consumers
- Leverage consumer behavior inyour brand
- Offline and Online ads should be integrated
- Marketing constantly embraces new platforms
- Creativity on the digital platform has only just begun.
- Leverage all of your accounts because you can.

Ad Congress Virgin No More...

Yup, yup. I'm no longer an Ad Congress virgin.

As I've said last week, I was lucky enough to be sent as a delegate to the recently concluded Ad Congress in Subic last week. The four-day event was held at the Subic Bay Convention Center. The venue was a really good one. The food was also great. The tons of freebies given to delegates was fantastic. Haha! And the event itself was filled with learning. Of course, I'm not sure if the previous Ad Cons were similar to this one. (I hope I get to attend the next one in 2009. Hehe!)

The VVIP (as in very, very important person) at the Ad Con was Neil Gaiman. Uhm, save for Coraline, 300 and Beowulf (the movie), I don't really know much about Gaiman's work. I knew about Sandman, but I haven't read it.

Even so, I got to pick up several notes to keep in mind from his talk. His topic focused was about imagination. Gaiman underscored the importance of imagination and creativity not just for writers, but for every person on this planet.

He said that it was important to constantly ask, "What if it doesn't have to be like this?" To do this, "someone had to imagine." He also mentioned that escape is good, whether it's through traveling or some other activity, because it allows a person to gain new skills and perspectives.

Gaiman said, "The best part is the return because the place you get back to isn't the place you've left." The reason? Because of all the new learnings.

Several weeks ago, I attended the "Why Not? Forum." The forum gets people to start asking, "Why not?" in an effort to get them to take some action. Gaiman's recommended question was, "What if?" or "Wouldn't it be interesting if...?"

Gaiman said that it is important to look at things you've seen for a thousand times and then looking at it for the first time, to see something new. He also added the importance of dreaming big. "Think huge. Walk towards what you want to do. Walk towards the mountain, and keep the hugeness of all the things that one wants to do."

Naturally, Gaiman's speech was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

Thank you, Neil Gaiman, for all these inspiring words.

Neil Gaiman Poetry...

Too tired to post entries about the Ad Congress, although it was a really, really good experience. So for now, let me post the poem which Neil Gaiman beautifully read during his talk last Thursday.


The Day the Saucers Came

That day, the saucers landed. Hundreds of them, golden,
Silent, coming down from the sky like great snowflakes,
And the people of Earth stood and stared as they descended,
Waiting, dry-mouthed to find what waited inside for us
And none of us knowing if we would be here tomorrow
But you didn't notice it because

That day, the day the saucers came, by some coincidence,
Was the day that the graves gave up their dead
And the zombies pushed up through soft earth
or erupted, shambling and dull-eyed, unstoppable,
Came towards us, the living, and we screamed and ran,
But you did not notice this because

On the saucer day, which was the zombie day, it was
Ragnarok also, and the television screens showed us
A ship built of dead-man's nails, a serpent, a wolf,
All bigger than the mind could hold, and the cameraman could
Not get far enough away, and then the Gods came out
But you did not see them coming because

On the saucer-zombie-battling gods day the floodgates broke
And each of us was engulfed by genies and sprites
Offering us wishes and wonders and eternities
And charm and cleverness and true brave hearts and pots of gold
While giants feefofummed across the land, and killer bees,
But you had no idea of any of this because

That day, the saucer day the zombie day
The Ragnarok and fairies day, the day the great winds came
And snows, and the cities turned to crystal, the day
All plants died, plastics dissolved, the day the
Computers turned, the screens telling us we would obey, the day
Angels, drunk and muddled, stumbled from the bars,
And all the bells of London were sounded, the day
Animals spoke to us in Assyrian, the Yeti day,
The fluttering capes and arrival of the Time Machine day,
You didn't notice any of this because

you were sitting in your room, not doing anything
not even reading, not really, just
looking at your telephone,
wondering if I was going to call.

Nice, eh? Will post about the Ad Con tomorrow. I'm now off to the mall to relax. Maybe I'll go see a movie, Beowulf perhaps.

Derek Callow is about to speak...

Yep, yep. Waiting for Derek Callow to go onstage for his talk. Got to listen to this guy during the SEO Conference last October, and he's interesting. He seems a bit serious, but every now and then, small doses of humor are injected in his talk. Alright, I know this talk would be good. I wonder if I can have a photo with him taken. Hehehe!

Waiting for Neil Gaiman...

So here we are at the Subic Bay Convention Center. Uhm, we're at the main convention hall. Right now, we're waiting for Neil Gaiman to go onstage for his talk. Apparently, there are a lot who are also looking forward to Gaiman's talk because we're now seated far away from the stage. Hehe. Okay, the lights just dimmed so I guess Mr. Gaiman is about to begin.

Excited for This...

I was informed at the last minute that I could take the slot of a colleague for the Ad Congress. My colleague had to stay behind because of a much more urgent task. The good thing is she's not so psyched to go to the Ad Con in Subic, so I don't feel that guilty. I'm really excited to go because this is my first time to attend the Ad Con, and I'm looking forward to all the sessions. Woohoo! Plus, Neil Gaiman will be speaking at the conference too.

Subic, here I come.

One More Chance...

I watched the newest cheesy movie from Star Cinema last night - One More Chance. Watched with colleagues Tey, Rhyz and Reena at Greenbelt 1. I thought it was good. I think this is the third "John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo" love team movie that I watched. (The other two were "Now that I Have You" and "Close to You"). Hehe! I think the two young actors are among the best in the local film industry at the moment. Of course, the major reason why I watched the film was because I knew it's going to be really mushy. Haha! If that's a sin, shoot me now. Hahaha!

Another Monday...

Just another normal Monday. Paperwork, paperwork, more paperwork. Haha! I love.

Friday Night at Cyma...

Met up with friends from my old workplace. It was the birthday of Sam. We had dinner at a restaurant I've been wanting to try out for the longest time - Cyma. So it was really great that Sam chose that restaurant for our get-together. Haha!. We had Saganaki-Flaming Cheese, Roka Salata, Chicken Souvlaki and Lamb souvlaki, Pastisado, and Eggplant Moussaka. The food was great. The service, uhm, they can do better. But this doesn't mean I wouldn't want to eat at the restaurant again. I would go back if only to have a taste once again of the wonderful dishes. Of course, aside from the food, I really enjoyed the company of Tita Babes, Tita Zen, Grace, Sharon, Norman, and the celebrant - Sam. I haven't seen them in such a long time so we all had a good time just catching up on each other. It was a good Friday night.

On a Field Trip We Went...

I went on a field trip the other day. It was just around the city but it was really fun and filled with lessons.

One of the things about my new workplace is that the HR department has all these activities that are really enriching for the employees. I was already impressed with the group when I attended the new employees orientation months ago, and after being part of the field trip the other day, I feel even prouder to be part of this group.

Anyway, on the the field trip. We started out really early - 730AM. Together with around twenty or thirty other newbies, we learned more about the organization. We were grouped into three teams. I got assigned to the fun red team. The first challenge of the day was thinking of a choreography for the field trip theme song. Most of my team mates where shy and for some reason, I and one other team member ended up choreographing. Haha! It was really nonsensical, but it was amusing.

Afterwards, we hopped on the bus that took us to down south Parañaque where we visited the site which has the servers and all these other equipment which handle the SMS, phone calls, among others, of our almost 30M customers.

I tried my best to understand the technical jargon. The guy giving the tour tried his best to make us understand the technical jargon. And by the time we left, I was close to having a nosebleed because of the technical lessons but it was okay. Hehehe! At least, I learned something.

Then came the most exciting part. We headed to a busy neighborhood somewhere in Quezon City, where we had to get people to buy the company's products. It was fun because I got to experience how it is to be an agent even for an hour. My buddies and I were running in the streets carrying a banner, going door-to-door to ask people if they were interested to become product retailers. We got quite a number of people to say yes.

Last stop was our customer care office still in Quezon City. We went around the different departments that handle calls from customers. I really salute the people who have the patience and the passion to do this job. I don't know if I can. So I really look up to people who can handle irate clients.

When we ended the trip, it was almost nine in the evening. We had a great dinner at one of the local restaurants. And by that time, my team mates and I had already established a good rapport. We were a little bummed out that we didn't emerge as the overall champion from the day's challenges (just first runner-up) but still, it was great because the camaraderie and the friendships formed during the activities were more invaluable.

I've always believed that experience is the best teacher. And by being part of this one-day field trip, I learned more not just about the company I work for, but also about the people and the work they do. I'm really impressed.

No wonder people say that we're "simply amazing" and that we have "the power to lead!" Hahaha! *wink wink*

The Angels Have Landed...

It's the time of the year again when the "angels" grace us with their presence.

The Victoria's Secret ladies have landed at LAX a couple of days ago for the annual show. The taping of the 2007 show will be Thursday evening and it will air on CBS on Dec. 4.

Latest news reports say that the Spice Girls are performing.

Hmmm, can't wait for this. Wonder what's new this year. So far, my favorite show (in terms of the stage design) was the 2005 show.

Zsazsa Zaturnnah...

Got this from the Zsazsa Zaturnnah Multiply site.

An eight-minute video teaser of Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Komiks series from Filipiniana.net

Awards, Business Proposal and Starbucks

Just came from the Philippine Quill Awards at the Mandarin. Our company got 10 awards so we're all quite happy. Next year, we're going for more I'm sure Actually, the program wasn't over yet when I left but I had to sneak out already to meet up with Norman and his friend. From Mandarin, went to Greenbelt. It's been quite some time since I last went to Greenbelt on a weekday evening, and I didn't know that it could get crowded even on a late Wednesday evening. (Or maybe because it was raining.) Met up with Norman and his friend, Ralf, who's offering some stuff which could probably be sold online. Had a grande Peppermint Mocha. My favorite Starbucks Christmas drink. Another late night for me. Hay! Tomorrow I have to be at the office by 730AM for a field trip. Yes, a field trip.

Blogging On the Road...

I'm somewhere in the province of Laguna as I write this entry. I'm on the road to Lucena, Quezon for work. We have this project with a microfinance institution and we're going to support the orientation for the members regarding our project. Anyway, it'll probably take about two hours more before we get to our destination. Not sure if the cell signal would be as good later, so I'll post this now. Haha! Will be back in Manila in the evening. I just love 3G and my Nokia E61i.

Sleep All Day...

Woke up late. Had breakfast. Back to bed again. Read a couple of chapters of this new book. Fell asleep. Just dead tired. Dragged self out of bed in the afternoon. Went to the mall with Andre to buy his school stuff. Met up with Joi and Karen. Watched a movie. Went home and now getting ready to sleep again.

Another Exhibit...

We have another exhibit tonight. It's at the National Museum. But we're not really the star of the evening. We're just one of the "side shows." But still, I'm really happy because it's at the National Museum. Hehe! Plus it's a black tie event (that's what I was told) so I can't wait to see what people will be wearing. Hehehe! Alright, I'm off to the venue to set up the exhibit.

I Would Probably Enjoy...

I stumbled upon this article on New York Times about a lady who makes a living as a "personal manager."

From the article:

"Looking for someone to curate your life? Need a personal concierge whose expertise is not picking up dry-cleaning but helping chose your wardrobe, your tastes, your friends? Ms. Storr calls herself a personal manager, but her duties go far beyond that. Her clients, all of them men, pay monthly fees of $4,000 to $10,000 to have her be their personal decider in nearly all things lifestyle-related."

I think this is something I would probably enjoy doing. Hehehe! I wonder if there are people in Manila who do the same kind of thing.

Read the article here.

One out of Ten...

Amusing TVC for an Argentine Spanish beer.

I've always known about that "One out of ten men..." theory, but I'm not sure how much I believe in it. Or maybe, because of the blurring of genders, that theory has already evolved. Could it now be, "Two out of ten men are gay, three would be bisexual, the other three would be bi-curious, one would be questioning, and only one would really be straight, in the strictest sense of the word."

Hehehe!

You're Such a Girl...

Hehehe! This was what my very, very good friend Thea told me the other day.

We were catching up with each other since we didn't get to see one another for a couple of days because of the long weekend. She visited some friends in Singapore, while I was trapped here in Manila.

Anyway, our conversation somehow led to relationships. Told her about this person who's sort of been hinting about the possibility of pursuing something. However, this person and I sort of crossed paths through an unusual way (one that I won't mention for now). And that's why I'm not returning any hints. Though it is a reason that seems to be so simple and small, I just can't.

I told Thea, "Just imagine. When I introduce this person to you, I would tell you, 'Tey, meet . How did we meet? ' Can you imagine yourself doing that same thing?"

Nope, heartbroken I may be (or have been), but I'd like to think that beneath all the emotions left by the breakup, there is still some small ounce of cheesiness and romance.

I'd want my own story to be filled with mushiness close to fairy tales. I'd want my own story to have sweet nothings whispered, small tokens of affection exchanged, heartfelt emotions expressed.

And by the time I ended my sentence, that's when Thea said. "Anj, you're such a girl."

I wonder how many guys would also welcome that remark (which I took as a very nice compliment)?

One Night Only (And Yet The Stress)...

Our group is sponsoring this exhibit on Saturday at the National Museum. Since we're a major sponsor, we were given the privilege to have our own exhibit. So now, I'm trying to think of how to present the driftwood sculptures which we'll showcase.

I already had initial plans in my head how to go about this. But after a consultation, those plans fell through and I'm now faced with a much more challenging situation. How to make the new "material" look appropriate for the National Museum. Been tossing and turning in bed last night thinking how to make this mini-exhibit happen without getting my head chopped off.

I already have a solution in mind but it requires careful study. While this solution would work, there's this danger of overdoing it. And if that happens, the exhibit might look like it's appropriate somewhere else other than the National Museum. So I'm really crossing my fingers and I'm putting all my faith in a supplier, which I'm still trying to get along with.

How can something that's only going to take a couple of hours be so stressful? Hehehe!


Today's Kabbalah tune up is most appropriate though:

One of the things we strive for is to awaken an inner realization that we cannot achieve anything of substance in this physical world with out the help of the Creator (Light, God, Allah, the Divine, etc.) It's an understanding that nothing of value comes from us alone. Yes, we have to work our butts off to make things happen, but we are not alone in this work. The Creator's hand can always be found. Today, reach out and grab that hand. It just may be the thing you've been looking for.

Reach out for that hand.

Hello, Zara Man...

Here's what I got myself for my birthday. Hehehe!

Thea and I were in the Zara store at the SM Mall of Asia, when I saw this handsome thing staring at me from one of the top shelves. At first, I tried to ignored it knowing that it would probably cost more than what I'd like to pay for it. But it just called on me so I decided to check it out to admire its beauty. What a weakling! I take it from the shelves and start to examine it. Soft fabric. Nice stitching. Ample trimming. Just enough pockets. The drop was just right. It was perfect for shopping trips or for meeting friends on a lazy afternoon or even for casual Fridays at the office. It was the right replacement for the black bag from Magsaysay. Best of all, it's Zara.

The last thing I check was the price tag, and that's when I really knew that that bag was meant for me as a birthday treat. Hehehe!

I still couldn't believe at how lucky I was to have found that bag. And I still couldn't believe at how "affordable" it was. Hehe! Happy birthday, indeed.

There was another similar bag, but I thought it didn't appeal to me as much as the one I got.

Aside from the bag, I couldn't help but admire Zara's fall collection (both the menswear and the women's wear). I want a nice coat and a couple of shirts. And I want a suit too. Augh! Santa, are you reading this?

Trapped in the City...

Man, I've been bored since yesterday. I've already arranged my digital files a million times. I've watched The Devil Wears Prada, Mambo Italiano, Latter Days, The OC a million times. I've slept more than enough. If it were possible, I would have gone to the office to do some work. Haha! Gawd, I'm so envious of coworkers and friends who flew out of the country (or took an out of town trip) for this long weekend. Haha! Thankfully, Noreen stayed in the city and she was kind enough to go see Ang Lee's Lust, Caution with me. Two of her friends, Kareen and Bats, who were also trapped in Manila joined us. It was a good get-together. Tomorrow, I'm going to the office to do some work. I'm sort of psycehd to go to work because I have a brand new PC. Woohooo! Wait till you see it!

Hot Vampire...

Watched 30 Days of Night with some coworkers last night. I'm not a big fan of horror movies, but just for fun, I decided to go see the movie. Hmm, what can I say? Even as a vampire, Josh Hartnett is something.

More Birthday Photos...

Okay, here are more photos from the birthday party.

Birthday Photos Part 1

Here are some more photos from the birthday celebration with the kids of Young Women's Christian Association last Oct. 20. Celebration was two days early but it was okay. I'm just happy that several friends from way back were able to join the party. And I'm even happier to be with the kids once again. It's a three-peat party with them already.