Oh la la Laiya...

Weekend getaway at Laiya with non-work friends. Fun, fun! :)

Would've posted more photos but I forgot the camera cable. Darn.

How's your weekend? :)

Registered for Unilab Run...

Thanks to my friend I-van, I’m now registered for the 10K of the Unilab Wellness Run on March 7.



Met him after lunch so I can get the race kit.We talked about the next run we could join after Unilab. Hmm, how about the 15K for Globe? Haha!

Anyway, this is my second 10K for 2010.

Hmm, if I get to sustain this, I just might be able to do that 21K by end of the year. Haha!

Here’s Zap (my pilot teddy) with the race kit.



Another shot of the race kit.



And finally, the contents of the race kit - race bib, champion chip, product samples, product samples, product samples.



More info on the Unilab Run United for Wellness race here.

Asana Saturday... just because...

It was one of those situations where you do something just because you have to, even if a huge risk of humiliation may be involved. Hahaha!

A bunch of work colleagues and I climbed a nearby cliff during our Nasugbu beach trip over the weekend. While the rest of the guys walked further to check out what else there is on the other side of the cliff, some of us stayed behind to take photos of where we are.

I dunno what happened. It must be the panoramic landscape, the sentimental afternoon sky, the slow dance of the cogon grass, the sound of the waves hitting the cliff, but the whole situation just seemed like the perfect backdrop for an asana.

Hahaha!

Thankfully, work colleague Judee was game enough to take photos of my stupid attempt to do two poses. Hehehe! She made me promise to post the photos as a “payment” for her creatives. Hehe! The first pose that came to mind was the vrkasana (more popularly known as tree pose) and the most favorite pose by yoga practicitioners and non-yoga people. (Probably because it’s quite easy to achieve.)

I assumed the pose easily (Naks, yabang! But seriously, I dunno anyone who has difficulty with the tree pose.) After checking out the photos, it looked just wrong (read: Masyadong na-highlight ang aking pagka-plus size. Hehe!). The white shirt and the profile shot both didn’t work for me.

So off the shirt went. Hahaha! Kapalan na ng mukha. Anyway, it would be awhile before I go back to that place. Hehe!

The other pose that I was quite comfortable with is the natarajasana (also known as dancer’s pose). Aside from finding the pose a bit easy, I just really enjoy saying the word. Hehe! Try it. Natarajasana, natarasajana.

Judee did a great job taking the photo I think, and directing me so I can hide the chanelya. Wahaha!

It was difficult. The ground was uneven, the rocks hurt my feet. It was difficult to balance myself. Colleague Reena was worried I might fall forward and hit the rocks below.

But I just had to have the photo. Wahaha! The sunset background was really nice. I had to do the pose several times because it was difficult to hold the pose, and I’m just thankful Judee was patient enough to take the photo from different angles. Haha! (When I was checking the other photos, I saw the one photo that Sir Darwin took from where they were.)

So there. And then with a little lighting effects filter from Photoshop, the photos above.

I’ve been practicing yoga for eight months now I think. I’ve still so much work to do. For now, I’m just happy I’m able to reach my toes. Hehe!

My friend Bernice was the one who got me into yoga. We never got to do yoga together before she left for the Netherlands, but it was really her who inspired me to start attending yoga. Check out her tree pose in a Moroccan desert! Awww, I’m envious!

Namaste.

Brought home a "Birkin" last night...

Eat your heart out!

I brought home a Birkin last night. A Birkin and a lady I would happily switch teams for in a heartbeat! Haha!

Work colleagues and I arrived in Manila from Nasugbu around 7 in the. Since I didn't want to go home yet because I was scared of Saturday night traffic, I decided to go see Valentine's Day first. Most of my colleagues already had plans except for Haydee. She was flying back to Davao today . Since her hotel was near the mall, I asked if she wanted to go see the movie.

While waiting for screening time, we hung out at the Fully Booked in GB 5. I haven't been to a bookstore for quite some time now. Before, I used to spend an entire half day in Powerbooks or Fully Booked. I would lose track of time because I would be so engrossed into the books.

The last books I bought were Tommy's Tale by Alan Cumming from Books for Less and Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella from Fully Booked. Yeah, I'm a sucker for LGBT lit and chick lit. Haha! Friend Haydee is also a huge fan of the written world. Every time she's in Manila, she makes it a point to visit a bookstore and she would rarely, rarely leave the bookstore without any purchase.

Last night, she took home Anita Shreve and Maya Angelou. I wasn't really planning on getting any but I decided to browse while waiting for Haydee to finish her book shopping. That's when I saw the two books above. I didn't have any money with me so I'm really happy that Haydee agreed to spot for me.

I'm excited to read both.

I already started with Angie's travel notes. It's an interesting read because the book content was taken from her journals written during her UNHCR trips to Cambodia, Africa, Pakistan and Ecuador. I've always, always loved Angelina Jolie because of her humanitarian work. To some it may appear false. But I believe in her work. Because if she weren't doing it sincerely, she wouldn't do it over and over again. Add to that the fact that some of the places she visits put her at risk - Afghanistan, for example.

The other title, Bringing Home the Birkin, was written by Michael Tonello and is also an interesting read because he recounts his search for the elusive Birkin. "It's not a bag. It's a Birkin." goes one line from an episode of Sex and the City. I've seen another book cover of the title ages ago but I didn't buy it because it was pretty expensive. When I finally had the money and went back for the book, it was no longer there. So now that I stumbled upon the title again (though different cover), I already went ahead and got it. Yey!

I saw some other titles that I want to get but they're really, really bloody expensive. Augh! I want to get In Praise of Women: Anita Magsaysay-Ho, but it's P4,000! I have to save up for it. Huhuhu! It sucks that some of the book titles I want are so expensive. I want a Tom Ford title that came out years ago but the book cost as much as a round trip airfare to Singapore. Ugh!

It also sucks that there is no LGBT section anymore in Powerbooks or NBS. I remember I was really happy when NBS started having a LGBT lit section. It was good that I got to buy several titles for my collection. I kind of expected that the section would eventually be removed. I just dunno if the decision was influenced by anti-gay groups. Hay!

Anyway, reading is something I want to (I have to) do again. I should squeeze in a chapter or two in my daily schedule. I envy people who can read so many titles in a week. Good for them. I wish I could do the same. But I don't think I can give up spinning and Reagan just so I can have Michael Thomas Ford or David Stukas on a Tuesday night. Hehe!

What was the last book you read?

Tagaytay planning...

Big shoutout from Tagaytay.

Planning's going well. Day one was not as toxic as I thought it would be. Haha! The four teams of the group presented their accomplishment for the previous year and the targets and strategies for this 2010. This year is going to be quite challenging, especially because of the elections. But it's good because this will be quite a learning experience. Haha!

Uhm, anyway, we finished on time yesterday so that gave the group a chance to have some bonding time. We headed to the Cliffhouse and had late dessert at Cafe Breton and fray from Fling. Of course, being Public Affairs people, camwhoring was definitely part of the night's activities. Hehe! The restaurant or inn across Cafe Breton had beautiful interior - crisp, clean and white. The couch was gorgeous and it was just perfect for a photo op. Hehe!

After the sweet treat, we went back to the hotel and spent a good couple of hours hanging out and chatting with friends from abroad. Wifi connection was really good so I got to Skype with former colleague Rej (who's in Singapore), and another friend who's in Toronto. Gawd, I just love the Internet. We got to talk for a loooong time for free. Definitely good, huh!

Today, we started quite early. Schedule for this morning include recapping and alignment of programs. Later this afternoon will be the continuation of more quality time for the group. Hehe!

I'm tired and sleepy because I slept at 2AM(!!!), but I'm really glad with how things are going. And again, I'm thankful to be where I am right now. It's challenging, but it's really fun and every day is a learning experience.

Back in Manila tomorrow. Hope you all have a nice Friday.

Some loving for my work colleagues last VDay...

I decided to show a little loving to my officemates during the recent VDay. Hehe! On my way home Thursday night, I saw these red heart chocolate (can anything be cheesier) so I bought for them. And then I just made small notecards to greet the girls in my group. Some random DIY project.

V-Day with people who love what I also love...

VDay was spent with individuals who taught me everything I know about volunteerism now.

Early this year, friend Marian sent an invite via Facebook to Pahinungod volunteers for a get-together at Dr. Menchit Padilla's house. I didn't reply to the message because I knew how erratic my schedule could be sometimes, but I followed the thread of the message. Several Pahinungods replied saying they were going to attend the get-together. That made the simple event something to look forward to since most of the people who said they were attending are people I haven't seen for a long time.

Fast forward to yesterday, the day of the get-together. I met up with Marian at Robinson's Galleria. I got her text that we would all meet up first at Galleria before heading to Dr. Padilla's house. Kamusta naman?! 11AM. It was just me and her. 1130AM. It still was just me and her. Hahaha! Many of those who said yes backed out. While the others already decided to go straight to Dr. Padilla's house.

A little waiting at Dr. Padilla's wonderful home and the cast was complete. I wasn't surprised with the attendees. They were the usual suspects. Hehe! Except for Andy who I haven't seen for a long time, everyone present were people I just saw at Marian's birthday. Hehe! It's always fun to see the group though because a good story exchange always happens. (and because when I’m with Pahinungod people, I am always reminded of how I love volunteering, and how I fell in love with volunteering years ago.)

Yesterday afternoon, the topic was mostly about the recent dramarama episodes of PGH. Obviously, I'm not familiar with what's happening at my former workplace but the stories I managed to hear are "good" enough to be made into a TV series. It'll beat any even the best eps of Grey's Anatomy. Hahaha!

Other than the PGH drama, we spent a good time catching up, talking about former Pahinungod volunteers. It was also nice to see Dr. Padilla outside of the office setting. Yesterday, she was more like Nigella Lawson and not Dr. Bailey. We rarely see that.

Dr. Padilla is one of the country's pioneers in genetics. Did you know that there are only seven (!!!) geneticists in the country??? One of them is Dr. Padilla. And she has done so much in that field.

A lot of Pahinungods look up to her and see her as an inspiration. She's just always full of contagious energy and ideas. Working for her is toxic. You don't know toxic until you've worked for CDP. But it's the good kind of toxic. Seriously, I can’t remember any conversation with CDP where I didn’t leave inspired and bursting with enthusiasm.

It was a good get-together on the day of hearts and love. I didn't have a date, but I did have a nice get-together with people I love because we all share the same love for one thing we really love – volunteering.

Lunch thing at the Cookbook Kitchen...

Who said I didn’t have a date on VDay?!

I was SO looking forward to Hearts Day I decided to have it a day earlier! And I had my date at Cookbook Kitchen, a secret out-of-the-way food place in Mandaluyong.

Just kidding, just kidding about the date part. My straight guy friend Dennis would bop me in the head if he read this. Haha!

But we did have lunch at Cookbook Kitchen. After our short visit to the land of textiles and fabrics that is Kamuning (still for my assignment), Dennis and I decided to have lunch before parting ways. He suggested Cookbook Kitchen because one of his clients brought him there before and he liked it.

The restau is located in a residential community. If not for the signage and for the colorful façade, I wouldn’t know it was a restaurant.

Anyway, we walked to the entrance and when we opened the door, all I could say was, “Okay! Kamusta naman ang V-Day?!”

I couldn’t help but laugh because the place was really prepped for V-Day. The tables were nicely setup with red table covers. There were roses in vases on top of the tables. Near the counter was a huge heart wall accent. I dunno if the food servers are always dressed like that, but yesterday, they looked like they belong to the set of a Sam Milby-Toni Gonzaga movie. And my favorite was my paper placemat had a heart cutout on the upper right corner. Awww! Hehehe!

We got our table and ordered quickly because I was really hungry. Got the Chef’s Salad and Aglio Olio. Dennis got grilled chicken dish. The service was fast. I was still checking out the interiors of the place when our food server was already bringing the salad.

The food was good. Even you had to pay about 300 – 400 pesos/head, it was worth it. Each dish came in generous servings, so Dennis and I got to share the salad. I got to taste the grilled chicken he ordered, and he got some of my pasta as well. We didn’t have dessert anymore because he had to rush to another appointment, while I was off to a haircut appointment. Hehe! But Cookbook Kitchen has an interesting dessert lineup.

Must definitely go back to try the desserts (and the other dishes on the menu). But I hope the next time I got there, it would already be for a real date date. Hahaha!

Cookbook Kitchen is located at Socorro Fernandez St near Shaw Blvd. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’ll be difficult to find the place. I didn’t even know the name of the street is that.

Here’s how to get to Cookbook Kitchen. Got this from OurAwesomePlanet.com:

If you are coming from Shaw from the Edsa end, you have to turn right on Torres St along Shaw Blvd before reaching 9 de Febrero. Turn left in Araullo treat and left again immediately in the Socorro Fernandez st. If you are coming from Greenhills, It is a lot easier since you just need to pass P. Guevarra st. in Wilson towards Shaw Blvd along the Luna Mencias st. Turn left to Socorro Fernandez st and you will not miss it.

Cookbook Kitchen
8 Socorro Fernandez St., corner Luna Mencias St. (near Shaw Blvd),
Mandaluyong City
Tel. +632 724 3595
Mobile: +63 916-2765257

Farewell, beloved bad boy of British fashion...

RIP Alexander Mcqueen. Alexander Mcqueen found dead. Farewell Alexander Mcqueen.

These were a few of the Twitter posts that greeted when I did a last visit to Twitter before I slept.

It was shocking. It seemed so untrue.

It can't be. Mcqueen was still young and had so much to offer the world.

But it is true. When I finally found the time this morning to read up on what happened, that's where I read that Alexander Mcqueen was found dead in his own home. There are news reports of suicide.

So hard to believe. And such a tragedy, both for his family and the industry.

His designs were nothing of the ordinary. That shipwreck dress Debra Messing wore to the 2002 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards - Mcqueen. The lobster claw shoes Lady Gaga wore in her Bad Romance video - Mcqueen. His designs are definitely not for the faint of heart. The same is true for his shows. More than his clothes, I like the guy for staging really theatrical shows. There was one season where he put on a ring of fire on his runway. There was another season where he asked the models to dance. One of my favorites was the season where he ended the show with a hologram of the gorgeous Kate Moss.

I know I don't know know the guy, and I don't own any of his pieces (I can't afford them. Hehe!), but the death of Mcqueen is saddening (and really shocking) for anyone who loves the world of fashion (whether as a spectator or as a member of that world).

Gawd, si Mcqueen pa lang iyan. Paano na kaya kung si Lagerfeld, Galliano or Mrs. Prada?! I shudder at the thought of these fashion masters not being around.

Gilas boys visit the Tower...

A visitor dropped by my cubicle last Friday, and I wasn't there to welcome him.

You probably don't know the guy. Unless you're a UAAP fan or a SMART Gilas fan. Haha! Anyway, that guy is Dylan Ababou. Along with the rest of the SMART Gilas team, they paid a visit to the Tower last Friday.

The boys just won a tournament abroad and one of the reasons they dropped by the Tower was to present the trophy to our main man MVP. The other reason they were there was so that employees would get to know them more. We've already met the TNT Tropang Texters last year. It's the turn of the SMART Gilas team now.

Unfortunately, I missed the event. I was in UP Diliman for a training. Damn! But best friend Tey was super thoughtful to take photos of Dylan. Hahaha! I had a big smile on my face during the training when I got an MMS from Tey that showed Dylan in my cubicle. Woohooo! As for the other photo above where he says he wishes I were there, he obviously doesn’t know that that photo is for a guy. Wahahaha!

Oh, but Dylan is just a distraction. I’m still Team Yousif (Haha! May ganito talaga?!) … even if he's no longer with TNT. Hahaha!

Anyway, looking at the photos from the event, it seemed that everyone else was screaming for Chris Tiu (that’s why there’s a photo of him above). I dunno if it's because they genuinely like the guy or if it's because he's the one who's the most visible among all the players. Hehe! He seems like a good guy though, pero they can have him. Hehe!

Congrats SMART Gilas! Tuloy ang pagpapaktiang gilas!

Condura Run 2010 was superrrr...

My first run for 2010 happened yesterday, and boy was it super!!!

I signed up for the 10K run of the Condura Run 2010 Run for the Dolphins and yesterday was the big day.

This is my third 10K, and I think that with constant practice I could do a 15K soon and a half-marathon by the end of the year. Yeeehaaa!

Anyway, the Condura Run was definitely a success! There were thousands of runners and being at the Fort at 5AM on a Sunday was more than enough to make me be grateful to be alive. Just being there along with thousands of fit, healthy and zestful individuals made me want to really keep this (most of the time) healthy lifestyle. Hehehe!

It was a really good run. The organizers really prepared for it. There were all these gimmicks to make the runners psyched and excited for the run. The race route animation before the gun time was impressive. The Bounce girls dancing to BEP's I've Gotta Feeling got everyone raring to go. There were a lot of water stations. There were marching bands and cheerers that helped push runners to really finish the race. Boards with inspiring running quotes were found along the race route. Marshalls were present everywhere. The route was well-planned out. Even with the race kit distribution a couple of days ago, I have to applaud the organizers for the orderly and efficient conduct of the claiming of the race kits.

It was my first time to run on the Buendia flyover so that was definitely a high point. It just sucks that I don't have a photo running there. I did bring a camera the whole time so I have photos of other runners. Hahaha! It was good that I was wearing my short Adidas shorts so the camera didn't swing while it was in my pocket and I was running. The camera slowed me down because I was taking photos for this entry. Hehehe!

As with other runs, what made Condura really good was being there with friends. My thinspiration Ryse and Arlyn were there (and I am always grateful to them because they let me dump my stuff in their car during runs). Maver did a 5K! Woohooo! Her Haligi did the 10K and finding out that he's now doing a sub-60 for the 10K makes me want to do better. Bfast buddy Grace did her first 10K! Woohooo! I thought she didn't push through with the run because we couldn't find her. So I was really happy when she saw me along the Buendia flyover on our way to the finish line. Her husband and gym mate Elgin was also there. He's also another inspiration to run faster because the guy is good with his run time.

Other people I saw were Benj, a friend from Couchsurfing, and Ivan, a friend from my ICON days. It was SO good seeing Ivan and we promised to run together in the next run. The Condura Run was special for him because it was his first 21K. WOW! Congrats, Ivan! I hope to do that too soon. I didn't see Twitter buddies - @Misterhubs, @jamiedavinci and @john_stan - but I knew they were there. (We congratulated each other on Twitter. Haha!) Next time, I hope @outednarnian, @iandmac and @MkSurf8 would be there too.

The other highlight of run was the big breakfast afterwards. Our colleague Rhyz went with us, and we all had a really good breakfast. Camwhores that we are, we had several photos proudly showing off our finisher's medal. Wooohooo!

My time was around 1:18. If it weren't for the times I stopped to take photos and had I lessened my walks, I'm quite sure I would have a better running time. Hahaha! I'm expecting the run time results that will be published will be different. There were several runners by the time I reached the finish line so it took awhile before I was able to get the bar code on my bib tagged. But I checked the race clock and I saw 1:17:50. I'm happy with the time because I did a 1:16 in my last run. The next goals are to do a sub-60 for a 10K and to have my first 15K. Woohoooo!