Trip to the nail salon...

Because I'm a semi-retired kaladkarin guy, I let a colleague talk me into going with her to Megamall over the weekend.

I'm not really a big fan of Megamall or for that matter, of any place that's really, really crowded. Hehe! The claustrophobe in me gets me all restless and a bit paranoid. Though it's really not the serious kind of paranoia where I hyperventilate. I'm just really not a fan of huge crowds. Hehe!

Anyway, as expected, the mall was packed. But since we were going to a floor that's rarely visited, I didn't have much to worry about. My friend went to see her derma, and I headed to a CBTL to work on the draft of the awards entries.

The atrium of Mega is perhaps my favorite part of that mall. I was surprised to see a huge Fred Perry shop, and there's this nice menswear store 5cm.

After my friend was done with her derma visit, we headed to Nailaholics at the 5F for a foot spa and pedicure. I rarely do this, so after a very comfy 45 minutes at the nail salon, I ask myself why I don't get it that often. Hehehe!

The amusing part though was the nail ladies thought my friend and I were together together. When I asked one of them to take our photo for this blog, she goes like, "Sir, kaunting lambing naman diyan."

Hahaha! Teh, di mo alam sinasabi mo, Teh.

My friend and I were laughing about the whole thing after.

But the biggest laugh trip was after we were through with the foot spa and the pedicure, my friend went into one of the private rooms to get waxed. Ouch!

I, on the other hand, stayed on the couch and took a nap. Every so often, I would wake up just to check that I wasn't drooling (haha!) and to see if she was done. The nail lady who did my legs and my nails kidded me, "Sir, pasok kayo doon, o." referring to the room where my friend was getting her procedure.

I just laughed it off. In my head, I was going, "Teh, gusto mong tumakbo ako palabas ng salon na naghihihiyaw." Hahaha!

Hay, apparently, my black Jack Spade tote wasn't good enough to be my OGT. Hahaha!

Dangerous billboards along EDSA...

I swear one of these days there'll be a major vehicular accident on the northbound lane of EDSA. Particularly in the Guadalupe area.

Hehehe!

Anna Wintour on Letterman...

US Vogue editrix Anna Wintour was on Letterman last night. Above is a preview of the interview. I hope someone will upload the entire interview on Youtube.

It's her first appearance on CBS' "Late Show," and after watching the clip, I couldn't help but wish that the whole interview would be available online. I love it how she keeps her cool and gamely answers Letterman's questions.

I know, I know. But despite everything, I still adore Anna Wintour.

I'm sure one of the reasons for the appearance is to talk about the docu "The September Issue."

I've been buying the September issue since 2000 I think. I could only afford to buy Vogue when I started earning for myself. Hehe! While in the US, you could have a subcsription where each issue costs only $1, here in Manila, the September issue costs about $15!!!!

Anyway, the issues are sitting nicely at home wrapped in plastic. Yeah, that's how OC I get with Vogue and my books and other magazines. Hehe! My favorite September cover still is the one from 2004. It's a gatefold cover (which I love) featuring Daria, Gisele, Natalia and fellow models.

Going back to the docu, it follows the production of the 2007 issue. It's the biggest issue in the magazine's 117-year history, with a record of 840 pages, 727 of them ads, and weighs a little over 4 pounds!!!

Check out the docu trailer above. Hmm, I really, really, REALLY hope there will be a Manila screening.

New Balance Power Run this September...

Though it's still more than a month away, I've already registered for the New Balance Power Run.

It'll be on September 27, and it's going to be at the Fort.

I'm pretty excited because this is going to be my second 10K. Hehe! Since I came out just fine when I did my first 10K at the GIG Run in Diliman, I figured I may try another 10K again. Hehe!

Also, one more reason why I'm really looking forward to this run is that the PA gang is joining. Woohoo! And major kudos to Maver because this will be her first run. The Haligi and the Haligilet are also joining. Woohoo!

The race is also for a good cause. Beneficiaries are the Philippine Cancer Society, The Carewell Community, and icanserve Foundation.

By the way, you get a 15% discount on New Balance stuff until September 30 when you join the race.

Good, eh?!

My target this year is to do about 5 runs. The New Balance Power Run will be my fourth. Yeehhhaaa! And then we're already planning to join another run in Subic this October and the Shake, Rattle and Run Halloween Run, also in October.

Meant to be a kabit (?!)... hehehe...

I'm starting to wonder if I am meant to be a kabit.

Don't laugh, don't be quick to judge, and don't stone me when you see me along Ayala Ave. because this is all just random blah blah, alright? Hehe! Neither am I a kabit right now or planning to be one soon.I'm steady lang with being single. Hehe!

Since 2009 came in, the people I've met and liked are the reasons why such a thought came to mind.

I've noticed a recurring cycle in the romance department of my life this year. I meet someone. I like the person. I flirt. The person flirts back. We flirt. And when I suggest dating on a regular basis, the person tells me he's in a relationship. WTF?! I think about befriending the guy, but I choose to back off instead. I end up beating myself for liking the guy, for assuming he'd actually be single, and for subjecting myself through this.

And it sucks because one of them I really, really, really liked. And I'm sure he felt the same way. You know, you just know, when you mean something to someone. I had to tell him that I was backing off because it was the right thing to do (at least that's what I think), and so that we won't get into any trouble. He, on the other hand, completely cut me off. Nalaglag ako sa upuan ko. Hahaha! I don't know. Bruised ego probably? But I did like him a lot. Anyway, that was the end of that.

I back off because I was taught that when someone says he's in a relationship, I should respect that and immediately forget any thoughts of his & his Tiffany bracelets, random secret escapes out of the city, and "Honey, I'm home" moments. Haha! While there was mutual flirtation at the start, as soon as I find out that the guy's taken, I go on auto-pilot and back off. I thought that was the rule of the game.

When the guy continues to flirt even after admitting he has someone, I still stick to my age old belief in relationships. Taken? Hands off. This leaves me in a somewhat pathetic predicament. The other guy goes on with his whatever, I'm left somewhat emotionally wounded.

With SG Dude, Paseo Vague Man, and Ice Man, it was like this. When I recognized this pattern, that's when certain questioning in my head took place. I swear, the ability of the human to rationalize is both a gift and a curse. Hahaha!

The thought of having a change of perspective re: guys in a relationship who continue to flirt with others came a couple of weeks ago when I was hanging out with one of my best friends, talking about relationships.

How about not feeling sorry, and instead turning the tables on the other person? The next time I encounter another SG Dude or Paseo Vague Man or Ice Man, what if I actually go for it? Think about it. Between me and the other guy, I'm really in a more advantageous position. I get my dose of romance (if you can call it that) and maybe something more, and then I decide I don't want to do it anymore and just drop the guy before he drops me. I wouldn't bother thinking how he'd explain everything to his partner. In the first place, if he were in a relationship, the only hand he should be holding is his partner's, right? I can be a "complete straight guy" and not show any remorse and just say, "Dude, pare, you wanted this, too. Sorry ka na lang, you have a boyfriend." And then walk away and move on.

Such a meanie, yeah? But remember, this is all hypothetical talk, alright? So please don't bitch slap me. Hehehe! Deep inside, I know that I'm still a cheesy, romantic person, a one-man man, and the vice-president of fans of fidelity and faithful partnerships.

I just had the thoughts above because of the recent circumstances I found myself in. TBH, I get scared that I even have these thoughts about being a kabit. I've had friends who've been cheated on, and when I think about the pain their partners have caused them, oh boy...

Plus, I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I'm quite sure I'm not kabit material. This wouldn't sound good but I'm a little - just a little - clingy (a little lang naman... hehe) that I'd want to be around the hubby (if there was one) when possible. Hehe! Heck, I even dream of being a Stepford Husband, of being a male Bree Van de Kamp (sans the ultra craziness). Hahaha!

So, right now, no. I still choose walking the other way, when I meet another SG Dude or Paseo Vague Man or Ice Man. I don't think I'm ready to give up just yet and join the ranks of Anne Boleyn, Camilla Parker Bowles, Monica Lewinsky, and "other women".

Surely, there must be another single (cute, smart, cheesy and charming... yaman din lamang nag-enumerate na tayo ng qualities) person out there who's going to sing (and dance) to me, "I want nobody, nobody but you..." Hehehe!

John Lloyd bromance... Chris Tiu too... haha!

Have you seen these TVCs of Greenwich?!

Hot bromance of John Lloyd Cruz with Lloyd Zaragoza.

There's also one with Chris Tiu and JC Intal. Hahaha!

I love Nico Salva's cameo in 0:22.

Mapapa-Greenwich ata ako for lunch. Hahaha!

Showdown kung showdown... hehehe

One of my dance classmates recorded our last session for Black Eyed Peas' Showdown.

I know I'm not as gifted in this area as the other people in the class, but I keep on attending because this is my happy meal every Tuesday and Thursday night. I get a good sweat from attending the class. The teacher - Philippine All Stars' Reagan Cornelio - is fantastic. And I have to admit I get some kind of fulfillment when I'm able to dance along with the entire class.

I know I'm not the only one who has these thoughts. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a full class every time. Just to prove how popular it is, people have to be outside the dance studio several minutes before the class starts. Or else, you either end up at the back of the studio or you irk someone because you're invading their personal space. Haha! Some folks and I have already claimed certain areas in the studio, and I'm now beginning to understand why there are those who get anoyed when someone else takes up their space. Haha!

Oh well, just watch the video. Find the struggling guy somewhere in the third row. Hehe!

The Dude, Pare Dilemma...

Every so often, I get myself into the "Dude, pare" dilemma.

Unless you're an ultra stone butch lesbian who has issues being identified as a man, I doubt if you ever get into such a situation.

What am I talking about?

For a couple of times already, whenever I attend certain events/activities and it's time for introductions, I would often get a, ", pare, nice to meet you" right after I shake hands with the guy.

And after that comes a whole string of Dude, pare situations. "So dude, pare your dept. often gets to go on trips because of community work, ah. That must be nice." or "Dude, pare, you look like you're into a lot of sports. You play bball?" or once in a while, "TOL, can I take a look at your camera, TOL?"

I don't really get bothered with the use of "Dude," "Pare," and yes, even, "Tol." Use "Dude, pare, tsong" on me all the time, and I couldn't care less. The two Carls in my life call me "Bro" and I call them "Bro" too (because that's what they are to me).

But sometimes it kind of gets unmanageable. Hehe!

The most recent "Dude, pare" situation I was in, it reached a point when we were talking about girls. Unless we're talking about a chic girl's dress or handbag, I would be a totally useless person in that kind of conversation (save for one pathetic attempt to tell a girl that I liked her a lot. Hahaha!) This new friend was telling me, "Dude, pare, next time we party. Just point the girl you like in the room and I'll help you meet her." I just replied with a courteous smile. In my head, I was going, "Dude, pare ka diyan. Halikan kita diyan. Makita mo?!" Hehehe!

What I'm concerned with the most is that these straight guys asssume that I'm, well, playing for their team, too. It's a concern because I don't like them to think that they've been sort of misled when they do they find out that well, I play for the other team.

I mean, what am I to do the next time I get into this kind of situation. Just blurt out the info. "Hi, my name is UP Boy. And by the way, I'm the dept's resident homo."

I don't usually do this. A couple reasons? Well, 1.) it's not exactly the first thing I say to people I've just met, 2.) it still is a bit of a private matter, although I will say the truth when asked, 3.) uhm, I still live in Manila (although this is really the least of my concerns).

As you can see, this is somewhat a damn if you do, damn if you don't kind of thing. Andsurely, I'm not the only one who gets into this kind of situation. Hmm, to those who encounter the same situations, how do you usually handle this?

Otherwise, I would probably start considering getting a pink triangle tattoo on my forearm. The Nazis tattoed homo prioners sent to the concentration camps with that mark.

Party of one... thanks...

I was itching to go to Malate last Saturday.

The last time I went to Bed was... I can't even remember!!! That's how long I've been out of the scene. Hahaha! As far as Government is concerned, the last time I felt like going there, I read on Facebook that it already closed.

There's a part of me that feels like I'm done with this party phase, but I must admit that once in awhile, I do like to go out on a weekend night, have a really, really good buzz, but still head home at a sane time so I can hit the gym without any terrible hangover the following day. Haha! I still get to go out and party, but I miss being among "my people," so to speak. Haha!

Uhm, I haven't really had any party buddies since the Great Divide a couple of years ago. The couple of times I was invited to go partying, I was in a recluse phase and I think people just got tired of inviting me out. Oh well.

Going back to last Saturday, I was really raring to go out and revisit Bed just to make sure that I'm still "one with the group." Haha! I've been spending way too much time among straight people that I need a heavy dose of "happiness." Haha!

After going through the contact list on my phone and messaging people who I thought would sure be painting the town pink that night, I ended up still staying at home. For some reason, that was the night that people decided to skip Malate because they had something else to do. Roy had a social activity. I-vanchy had a family thing. Carlo wouldn't be up for it. Engel was going home to Cavite. Imo was nagmamatanda. Even Jofer, whom I haven't talked to for the longest time, was also somewhere other than Malate that night. I was tempted to drag Tey, but she had her own party with the bugoys in LP.

For a moment, I was tempted to head out by myself. I've done it on my last trip to Iloilo. I went to my favorite MO2 with a colleague, but I ended up being on my own because she neither felt like dancing nor drinking. And that turned out to be quite a nice gimik night, even though I was on my own. Met some people. And even if one of them turned out to be a complete jackass, I still found some sense of empowerment from being out on my own that night.

But I also know that Manila is not Iloilo. I've never gone to Malate solo, and I have a feeling it wouldn't be as "friendly" as the Iloilo crowd. Call me paranoid but this feeling isn't groundless. I know how vicious the Manila scene can be. Harhar! And I just wasn't sure if I was ready to be out in the jungle by myself.

Don't get me wrong. Doing things on my own isn't something new to me. I'm actually quite independent, especially when my usual buddies are busy. I don't mind seeing a movie by myself. I don't feel conscious eating at a nice restau on my own. I actually enjoy shopping without any companion. And most of the time, I can say "Just one" without having any feeling of self-pity. Hehe!

But the bar/club environment is much different from the mall environment, I suppose. And I have yet to learn how to survive on my own in the former. I mean, what do I do? Just hold a bottle in one hand and dance without any worries. That I can do. Strike a conversation with the guy next to me. That I have to work on. I'm not really a fan of small talk, and when I do engage in small talk, the overanalyzing wheels in my head start to turn and I pray, "Man, I hope he's not thinking that I want to get into his pants."

Perhaps the problem is I still care what the other person might think. I should stop being overly analyzing and just do whatever. If the other person would be feeling ultra pogi because I'm trying to talk to him, so what? I've got nothing to lose anyway. As far as I'm concerned, I'm just being friendly.

Hmm, I should just really learn to let go of things and go ahead, yeah? This is one of the reasons why I can't wait to turn thirty. I just have this notion that thirty gives one an image of authority and independence, while still keeping his right to be young and a bit playful since he just got out of the 20s age bracket.

I'm hitting the big 3-0 this October. That's still a couple of months to go. What if the next the Malate itch comes before that, and there’s no one to drag with me again? Just take three deep breaths, put on my fave shirt, and say, "F*k it, I'm going to party tonight."

Looking forward to watch this...

Looking forward to watch this. I have a feeling it's going to be really good. =)

Happy weekend with Faura friends...

The demise of a former president had to happen for us to find the time to actually meet up and hang out again.

Okay, that's being OA.

Actually, it is John who should be thanked for doing a text brigade for us to have a get-together. We've been planning to meet up for the longest time to celebrate Ella's and Tey's birthday, as well as Trengie's, oh and also Mel's, but we were all just so busy with work and all.

But last weekend, all the forces of the universe seem to have conspired for our get-together to push through. Hehe! So despite the typhoon and despite the sad news of the passing away of PCCA, the afternoon meriendacena with Tey, Ella the wife, Gino, John and Ella the girlfriend finally took place. Unfortunately, Tsin wasn't able to go. Her hubby and one of the kids were sick and needed her TLC. So did Mel, who just messaged us that she was already at LSGH waiting for PCCA. We didn't catch Trengie online either.

Still, it turned out to be a really fun and nice afternoon tambay. It was our first time to meet Ella the girlfriend. She's really nice and cute, and I love her job!!! Haha! And then it was great catching up with the rest of the gang. Ella and Gino are both doing well - really well - with their careers, so that's great. John's career is also great, but he and I share some the same thoughts on certain things. Haha! Tey and I see each other everyday at work.

Everyone brought food. Ella and Gino prepared puto pao, siomai and buco pandan from Nathaniel's. They also ordered pizza from Napoli. John and Ella brought ensaymada and ice cream. Tey and I ordered the really, really delicious apple turon from Cow King (P40 for three pieces.... super sulit na, right?!).

The hours passed by with us just talking about the death of PCCA, fraternities, fights, careers, chismax on our classmates, and so on. Hehe!

It's always great to see classmates from college. Before, I still got to hang out with Kendi, Leah, Eden and Charmy quite regularly and that was good. But then Eden left the country. Charmy left the country. And most recently, Kendi left the country. Leah is in Manila, but we hardly see each other. Thank heavens and Mark Zuckerberg for Facebook! I found my classmates again. Haha!

Most people say that high school was the best years of their lives. Not for me. For me, it is college. So much of who I am now is a result of the experiences I've had and the people I met during those four years in Padre Faura.

Anyway, really great weekend afternoon.

Farewell, PCCA... Thank you...

This should have been posted last Monday, but as I've said in my previous blog entry, I've been swamped - really swamped - with work.

So I had to delay writing about the recent events, and (try very hard to) focus on work stuff. I certainly don't want to be jobless, especially with the economy and all. Hehe!

Anyway, the photos above were taken last Monday. I wasn't really planning on doing any coverage on the event. However, the Bossingerzie popped in during our team meeting and instructed us to cover the event. The next thing I know I was already on the streets of Ayala Ave. waiting for the cortege to pass by the building.

It was really quite an experience. I was still in prep when the whole EDSA thing happened, so I don't really have any vivid memory of the events then. It also doesn't help that I'm allergic to politics, so I never really follow the lives of our political leaders.

But after two hours of standing in Ayala Ave. and seeing the number of people grow, there is only conclusion - Pres. Cory Aquino was really loved by the people.

It was very hard not to get emotional as her cortege neared our building. There was that historical music playing, confetti was in the air, people were shouting "Cory, Cory!", and the crowds just applauded as the hearse carrying the remains of PCCA passed by.

Because the crowd was starting to get wild and there was a fight for space to get good shots, I just held up the camera and kept on clicking. Bahala na whatever photos come out. I'm glad I got some good photos. I haven't uploaded them yet on Facebook though.

Anyway, about the photo with the late Mrs. Aquino above. I met her only once. That was taken during a meeting with her foundation, and our company presented the initiatives it was doing in the microfinance sector. I was there to just cover the event. But the good thing was I was the only one from the group who got to have a solo photo with her.

I remember after taking the bosses' group photo with Mrs. Aquino. I had to boldly ask one of them to take my photo with her. It was stupid not to. How often do you get to meet a former President? Apparently, not that often. That was the first and only time I got to be up close with her.

Rememberin her charisma and her positive aura on that day, I must say that she did leave an imprint on me. One that I will remember for a long time.

Farewell, PCCA. Thank you.

Swamped with work...

A tree planting campaign. About two exhibits to setup. A couple of press releases to write. Admin work. And so on.

Reasons why I haven't been able to blog lately. I've some thoughts in my head to write about, but still haven't found the time to sit down and put them into words.

Sorry.