Hot, Humid Days; Remembering Maya; Geek Porn and Reunions

1:31 AM. It’s quite humid even at this hour. I already took a shower but I’m still breaking out in sweat. I just came from the nearby 7-11 to buy my current favorite drink. The C2 Cool & Clean Green Tea and Lemon Flavored Green Tea drink variants. I also bought a couple of C2’s competitor’s products just to see what they’re like, Zest-o Corporation’s One Green Tea and Yellow Tea drink variants. I have an industrial fan behind me and one in front beside the computer and it still feels hot. (Maybe I should move the computer back to the bedroom where the air conditioner is).

And now I could start writing…

*****

The last reunion I've been to was a sad one.

Seemed like ages ago when I was still in touch with Reg. It was probably on one of our last phone conversations before I went on 'radio silence' when she told me that Maya was dying. As soon as I got off from work that day, I hurried off to San Lazaro hospital, an institution renowned as a haven for souls afflicted with communicable diseases such as Tuberculosis, Meningitis, Leprosy, AIDS and Rabies. It was the latter that afflicted Maya. And that night when I ran off to the hospital was the night Maya left us. Almost all of our batch mates were there in a happy, yet sad situation. Happy to see each other after a long time yet sad that one of us passed on.

I don’t know if I got my story straight. I probably got it all wrong but I’d put this down anyway. I didn’t really have the time to find out but my version of it goes this way: Maya goes on weekend hiking trip and comes home on a Sunday morning. While she was washing up she gets a “feeling of drowning.” She’s taken to a doctor who diagnoses the incident as a case of “Hydrophobia.” The family takes her to another doctor to get a second opinion. The findings indicate that she was in an advanced state of Rabies. Three days later she passed away. Apparently, a week before she went on that hiking trip, her dog “Alex” died. An autopsy indicated that the cause of death was some liver problem. The dog wasn’t checked for Rabies infection. A few weeks back before the dog died, Maya was scratched by the dog’s tooth while playing. Doctors speculate that when Maya was a lot younger, she got scratched by a dog infected with Rabies but didn’t affect her and became dormant. The virus probably got aggravated when her dog Alex scratched her again and went all-out into her system.

She was 25. She was at her prime. Why God took her away so early is a mystery. Maybe that’s just the way He works.

I miss Maya.

*****

Friday, September 16, 2005. First leg of mph [Mobile Philippines] magazine’s three-day event called Mobile Pilipinas 2005, the country’s largest mobile IT fair goes on it’s second year. It was held at the Expo Exchange, 2nd Floor of Greenbelt I, Makati City. Lots and lots of prizes were given away on hourly raffles, big discounts on all of the state-of-the-art mobile devices on sale, FREE seminars on the latest advances in mobile technology and tech advice from the mph editors and industry experts. The hottest local bands performed for the guests and a laptop computer was given away to a lucky guest on the grand raffle.

mph [Mobile Philippines] magazine's Mobile Pilipinas 2005: L to R: Editor in chief Adel Gabot, Villman Computer Systems Inc President Boyet Villaroman, President and CEO of Hinge Media Inc. Paul Vincent Bermudez and Intel General Manager Ricky Banaag cuts the ribbon and officially opens Mobile Pilipinas 2005. Click on the image to see larger picture.

The first performers of the night were the mph September Issue cover girls namely Hanna Romowac of sessiOnroad, Aia Lucero of Imago and Lougee Basabas of Mojofly. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

And of course, picture, picture with the ladies! L to R: Jayvee Fernandez, Adel Gabot, Aia, Hannah, Poch Bermudez (at the back), Lougee, Art Ilano, Howard Paw et moi. Click on the image to see larger picture.

…and another picture, picture with the ladies and the magazines! L to R: Jayvee Fernandez, Adel Gabot, Aia, Poch Bermudez (at the back), Hannah, Doris Bermudez (at the back), Lougee, Art Ilano, Howard Paw et moi. Click on the image to see larger picture.

The “obligatory” fashion show.

“Japorms ko noh? Like my CPU?” Click on the image to see larger picture.

“Sound trip tayo…” Click on the image to see larger picture.

“O, ha? Ganda ng videoke mic ko ‘no?” Click on the image to see larger picture.

“palmOne Life Drive, mmm…” Click on the image to see larger picture.

Metallic models…. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

And so I conclude my day one of Mobile Pilipinas 2005. Now off to Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, Makati City…

*****

Later that evening, Arnold Arre launched a Special Collected Edition of one of his earlier works which was originally published as a four-issue miniseries, “The Mythology Class.” It won the National Comic Book Award for Best Comic book in 2000—the first one that won in that category. It was held at Fully Booked at the Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

The Mythology Class Special Collected Edition. Click on the image to see larger picture.

Recognize the “shaman-esque” character? :) Click on the image to see larger picture.

My autographed copy :) Click on the image to see larger picture.

I’ve been waiting to read this book for a long time now. During the time the four-part miniseries came out, finding individual copies was like looking for a needle in a haystack (or I probably just didn’t look hard enough :)). I’m just glad Arnold decided to come out with just one book. I know that four-part thing was just some marketing ploy to make readers hang on a bit longer and wait for the consequent release of the other issues. The original publisher probably thought at that time that Arnold couldn’t generate a steady fan base that would flock to newsstands as soon as the next issue comes out. At least that’s what I think. I guess he thought wrong. :) I think I became a fan myself, ever since he gave me a signed copy of his other work, “Trip to Tagaytay,” (a bit mushy for my taste but then the guy’s very much in love so that’s forgivable) as well as his other (mushy) work, “After Eden.” :)

Admirers of Arnold Arre’s work. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

Professor Emil Flores reads a message of praise for Arnold’s work. Click on the image to see larger picture.

Arnold talks about how he consciously missed an opportunity of a lifetime to come up with his own comic book masterpiece. Click on the image to see larger picture.

The publisher hands a copy of The Mythology Class Special Collected Edition to Arnold. Click on the image to see larger picture.

Book signing… Click on the images to see larger pictures.

The launch turned into a sort of mini-reunion. Lots of U.P. Fine Arts people turned up and we hung out after “Kaiser” Arnold was done signing up autographs for his fan boys and fan girls. Ah, the price of fame… Reminds me of a story that Sarah McLachlan shared in her VH1 Storytellers video about the song “Possession” which was about people sending her fan mail, a small percentage of which were bordering on “psychotic.” I just found out Arnold had his share of a’la “Misery” fans. No, he didn’t get kidnapped and got his legs broken and forced to write a graphic novel the way his loyal, yet crazy fan wanted it. At least it wasn’t as extreme as that. His legs are still intact. :)

The Arre’s with Reg. Click on the image to see larger picture.

Reg, moi and Arnold. Click on the image to see larger picture.

Sam, Bia, moi and Reg. Borrowed this photo from Arnold and Cythia's phlog. Click on the image to see larger picture.

The Macasaets. Click on the image to see larger picture.

Bia’s bunsoy. Click on the image to see larger picture.

multiply.com’s poster boy :) Click on the image to see larger picture.

Reg was there. So was Bia and the rest of the Macasaet family, and Coco… oops, he’s now known as Sam, I keep forgetting. Multiply.com’s poster boy, Carlo and Niña. Dulzzi and Lizza. Terry came by and so did Juliet. Ang saya saya!

We should do that again soon.

*****

More photos from day 2 and 3 of Mobile Pilipinas 2005.

Ala Paredes performs with Hiraya [She looks a bit like Ruffa Gutierrez, don't you think? :)].
Click on the images to see larger pictures.

Chicosci. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

An overview of the exhibition area. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

The entrance to Mobile Pilipinas 2005. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

Nyoy Volante and our Host/DJ from Wave 89.1. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

Wunjo. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

At the registration area. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

The winner of the Viper VPC laptop with representatives from Villman Computer Systems Inc. and mph [Mobile Philippines] Editor-in-chief Adel Gabot. Click on the image to see larger picture.

The crowd waits for Mojofly to perform. Click on the image to see larger picture.

Mojofly. I really love Lougee. ['Di ba obvious? :)].
Click on the images to see larger pictures.

Till next year’s Mobile Pilipinas!

P.S.
The latest issue of m|ph magazine is out! Get it at your favorite newsstands.

Week II of my Quasi-Vacation

Pinay Fräulein Goes Back To Germany

Gaye and Carol. Click on image to see larger picture

Unita Gaye Galiluyo or Ünita, as her German theater ballet troupe friends fondly call her (we call her Gaye), flew in to our shores a few days ago to perform at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was a good thing that she was able to meet up with us, her high school buddies, despite her busy schedule. :D

Gaye and Carol. Click on image to see larger picture

It was a sort of despedida-slash-reunion sort of thing since i haven't seen or heard of/from these guys for like an eternity. We didn' thave time to prepare for it since we met on a Friday and she's supposed to fly to Germany the next day in the afternoon and it won't be for another couple of years till she comes home again. Caroline Boncodin (who is now Mrs. Santos) was there, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Therese Honrade and Venny Lex Santos and his girlfriend (sorry, I forgot her name). Michael Jeffrey Tomaneng was supposed to join us but I think he had a family thing going and Vinia Pamplona was performing with Douglas Nierras's Powerdance that evening.

Mr. & Mrs Honrade and Mr. & Mrs. Santos to be? :D. Click on image to see larger picture

It was a fun night though, catching up on everything I missed, who got married to whom and how, what everybody was doing in their lives. Especially me, having missed some major reunions since I was sort of lost in my very own Twilight Zone (which wasn't necessarily filled with monsters or demons or the undead). Anyway, Unita will surely be missed. Unless I save up and start a "travel fund" of sorts. I would love to go on a Eurotrip and maybe visit Gaye on one of the stopovers. That's an idea... Especially now since I have my passport.

My passport. Click on image to see larger picture

I've never needed one. Or my parents thought I never needed one since they're probably thinking that I won't be travelling anywhere outside the Philippines in this lifetime. But I decided that I DO need one and went out and got myself one. Easier said than done, however, especially with the "brilliant" system that our very own Department of Foreign Affairs has got installed. Applying for a passport in 2005 was like stepping into a time machine considering the process was so... medieval in a way... for lack of a better term. Line upon long lines to windows with nary a computer in sight, it kind of reminded me of the days of enrolment in the university where everything was written by hand (considering that everyone's benefitting from the beauty of technology today with online registration, you can probably tell that that was X number of years ago, hehehe). Anyway, to cut to the chase, (and I did cut to the chase literally by paying a little extra to have my passport delivered to me instead. I mean, what's 200 bucks compared to the toxicity of going back to that... that... ah well, you get the picture.) I now am a proud owner of a Philippine Passport. (cue dramatic, triumphant swell of music here).

And what better time to go get myself one as I might (or should I say WILL) be needing it soon due to the very good possibility of my getting a job in Singapore (I have my fingers, my toes, even my eyes crossed for this one). I strongly feel that I need a change of environment. If I had my way—not to mention abundant resources—I would go out and see the world. So far I've been only able to do that via Discovery Channel. Though I'm usually content with that, the prospect of working in another country and the possibility of earning a lot more than the lousy excuse for a salary that they're giving me here, is getting to be more attractive by the minute. Plus, the idea of having a "travel fund" is not at all impossible. (*Sigh*) Wish me luck...

Hot Loops Donuts. Click on image to see larger picture

On a lighter note, Hot Loops Donuts came out with a couple of new flavors. Loco Cola and *somethin* Root beer (sorry, I should be paying more attention to details next time). The Root beer variant does taste like the drink which is kind of weird since you're munching on it instead of chugging it down. Root beer-flavored candy is fine but root beer... pastry? Not that it's bad or anything, after all I did like it. I just found it a bit weird. Same goes for the Loco Cola variant. It just felt weird.

My curiousity was piqued thanks to a vertical banner with the larger than life donut visuals and the names practically leaping out at you (thank god for Marketing!) Doesn't help that I've always had an affinity for soda--or rather the smell of it. I used to patronize this perfume line from Beauty Bar (yes, you heard that right. I shop at Beauty Bar. Metrosexual, anyone?) called "Smell This." They actually have crazy names for the different variants such as "Fresh Clean Laundy," "Beach Smells," "Piña Colada" "Peach Iced Tea," and other equally kooky scents. The one I liked in particular was called "Soda Pop Fizz" which smells like you sprayed Sprite or root beer all over you—without the sticky feeling hahahahah. People have complimented me saying that I do smell yummy! Too bad Beauty Bar doesn't carry that product anymore. *sniff*

The Machinist.

While I'm writing this, I'm watching The Machinist starring Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Ironside. It's a complete mind-fuck and I love it. Yes, I glory in these kind of films, the ones that fuck with your mind. :-D

The Synopsis:
Trevor Reznick, a machinist, has lost the ability to sleep. But this is no ordinary insomnia. Trevor has not slept in a year. Fatigue has led to shocking deterioration of his physical and mental health. Suspicious of his appearance, Trevor's co-workers first shy away from him, then turn against him after he's involved in a shop accident that cost a man his arm. They blame Trevor for the accident. He has become a liability to himself and to others and now they want him out. Plagued with guilt, Trevor's shame becomes suspicion, then paranoia, when it appears that his co-workers are conspiring to have him fired—or worse. First he finds cryptic notes left in his apartment. Next he is told that a mysterious co-worker involved in the accident does not exist. Are these mysteries part of a plot to drive Trevor mad? Or is fatigue that is robbing him of his reason? Determined to find an answer, Trevor investigates the strange occurences that are turning his world into a sleepless nightmare. Yet the more he learns, the less he wants to know.

Sounds cheesy, right? I know. That's why I rarely read synopses.


They're kind of old but here are a couple of DVDs of note: VH1 Storytellers: Sarah McLachlan and Tears for Fears Scenes from the Big Chair

What's for lunch today?

Roasted 'Tender Juicy' Balsamico Salad

Click on image to see larger picture.

Ingredients:
2 pieces Jumbo Purefoods Tender Juicy hotdogs (sliced 1/2")
2 cups Green Leafy Lettuce
1/4 cup Cucumber (sliced)
1/4 cup Tomatoes (sliced)
1/4 cup Croutons
1/4 cup Cheddar cheese (grated)
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette salad dressing

Directions:
Heat the two pieces Jumbo Purefoods Tender Juicy hotdogs for 3-5 minutes in an oven toaster (five minutes will do especially when the hotdogs came directly from the freezer). You could also fry them but then you'd have to use cooking oil or some similar oil to heat them in but if you're okay with that, go ahead. (You could also use other sausages in place of the hotdogs, just replace the name of whatever sausage you used instead of 'Tender Juicy').

While heating the hotdogs, you could prepare the other ingredients in a large bowl. You could do this which ever way you like since you'll toss it up anyway before eating it but this is the way I do it. I layer the bowl with the green leafies first and then top it off with the cucumber and tomato slices and then the croutons. (You may also add black olives and sliced green and red bell peppers but since I dont have that at the moment, these would do). Top it all off with the grated cheddar cheese (mozzarella would be better or cottage cheese even if you're not on a budget).

Click on image to see larger picture.

By this time we're done heating the hotdogs. Slice them in half-inch thick discs and put all those on top of the bowl. Just toss them all up and voila! Lunch is served. Enjoy it with your favorite drink and mine at the moment is C2 (Cool & Clean) Green Tea variant. (I apologize for that slight product placement :-D) Yummy! Now, I'm off to the mall...

December 31

Your Birthdate: December 31

Your birthday suggests that you are a good organizer and manager, an energetic and dependable worker; attributes often showing success in the business world. Serious and sincere, you have the patience and determination necessary to accomplish a great deal. Your approach can be original, but often rigid and stubborn. Sensitivity may be present, but feeling are likely to be repressed. You are good with detail and insist on accuracy, but at times scatter energies. You're a practical thinker, but not without imagination. You love travel and don't like to live alone. You should probably marry early, for responsibility is necessary for your stability.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Roight...

Ford Models' Super Model of the World Philippines and the Sony Cyber-shot T5 launch

Ford Models' Super Model of the World Philippines with CalCarrie's, Runway Productions and Sony Philippines presented the ten Philippine finalists and launched the newest in the Sony Cyber-shot line of digital cameras, the T5. It was held at the Rockwell Tent, Rockwell Center, Makati City yesterday, Wednesday, August 31, 2005

I just love digital photography. I took over four hundred photos last night! Of course I'm not going to post them all here. These are just thumbnails. A hundred-and-something of them. If you would like to see the bigger photos, click here to visit my Multiply.com gallery.