Singapore (2005)

Second travel courtesy of IBM was Singapore - actually, it was Malaysia and Singapore.  Forget about my 1 day stay in Malaysia - didn't get to do anything but just attend a meeting.  Still a good experience, stayed in Le Meridian for 1 night only.

Ok, Singapore - the place is very metropolitan.  This happened last week of March 2005, 9 years ago so you can only imagine that the place is not what you are seeing now. There's no Marina Bay Sands hotel - just plain Singapore.  Stayed in Raffles Hotel, which was really nice.

Sorry but I did not like Singapore as a place for travelers/tourists - it is too expensive, more expensive than Sydney.  Nothing to be seen during that time except the Merlion landmark, it's like a higher level of Manila (in my opinion and based on my experience 9 years ago).  Please don't be mad at me...

I know they have Sentosa which I was not able to visit but I don't think that will be a thought-changer - I will stand by with my opinion.

However, the country is very friendly to commuters.  No plans to go back to Singapore but in case, it will be because of the people I know staying there.

Random Thoughts 082014

I have been a good boy this week in terms of work-out but my left knee hurts.  I don't think I will be able to run the same speed and technique I used to do back in Cayman.  Sad!

Anyway weight is at 178.8, still not good and long way to go.

Had a good catchup with my lovable cousins - time was not enough so I hope we can schedule something before Ate Sha leaves the country.  Work is good to say the least, cannot complain.

All is good.

Random realization:

I guess during our childhood we needed and collected people or relationships to develop our personality, to realize who we really are.  They can be our additional skin - protective layers from the world.  But as we move, we slowly shred these people not because you are done using them but because it is just the delicate fact of life, either you fall out or outgrow each other.

Echos drama!

Happy (Pharrell Williams)

From Despicable Me2 OST (and Pharrell's album GIRL) - the new Billboard number 1 this week - Happy from Pharrell Williams.

Huge thanks to its OSCAR nominations and the song was resurrected and who would have thought that because of that boost, it reaches the pinaccle.

I like this guy and he deserved being on top as a solo artist previously he shared that honor with Robin Thicke and Daft Punk. 

Sydney, Australia (2004)

I think it's about time I put something here - Travel.  I don't consider my self a traveler, more of a tourist with never-ending hunger for getting to different places with matching photograph as an evidence I have been there in that place.

I am lazy too and most of the time, to avoid the hassle - I always opt for day tours.

You know, my curiosity with Geography started during my 5th or 6th grade - influenced by my elementary best buds.  That curiosity turned into a dream, eventually a reality.  Of course there are still a lot of historic landmarks I have yet to visit but for now, let's reminisce where I have been to (not a lot) but still makes me jump for joy.

First international travel - Sydney, Australia!

My first visit to Sydney was October 2004 - 10 years ago.  Thanks to IBM and outsourcing, it was a 2 month business trip.  I almost didn't make it because of the Manila traffic but ha!  Ignorant me, didn't know what to check in and hand carry.  I placed my laptop inside my luggage and have it checked in.  Silly boy!

Was too excited, CX business class - did not sleep.  Stopped over in HK, WOW! they have a train inside the airport.  Lovely.

Swissotel

The cold weather was tolerable, fell in love with Sydney the first day.  We stayed at Swissotel, Market Street - perfect spot I think.

How it goes for a biz travel, is that we always have a per diem to spend (more than enough) and being the Pinoys that we are, we knew how to spend it wisely.  Then come weekends, hello market and buy of course Australian products but made in China.  Hahahaha!!!  Koala magnets, koala stuff toy, koala bag, koala shirt, everything Koala!

You can't expect me to tell you all the places I have been to - may I remind this was a decade ago.

The Sydney Opera House.  Magnificent view - didn't go inside because I knew it will bore me to death.  Add the beauty and calmness of Sydney Harbour (and Bridge) and you will have the "Sydney Trademark".

Help me name this place :)

One interesting place that would be perfect for your weekend is the market called "The Rock".  The market offers interesting items (pastries, antiques, etc.) and services (sketching, palmistry, etc.).

I don't know about this place but I liked it too - very relaxing.

The good thing about Sydney is that you don't need a tour guide nor a transportation - everything can be done by... walking.

We did visit Sydney Aquarium and how can you leave Australia without visiting the... Koalas!

Camera Shy!

I don't have the right words to describe Sydney but I think it will always be my rocky road ice cream.

Why 90s Sounds Are The Best? Don't Let Go [Love] (En Vogue)

Downside of having a good thing is that it will not last, like En Vogue - one of the hottest and best US R&B group. 

Here is one of their greatest hits (well the best I guess...)

Ginagaya ko sila hahaha - straight ako ha!

Wicked

Finally - Wicked the musical!

My very first time to watch a performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.  It was ok but the place needs a serious renovation.  Sayang naman kung papabayaan just like Metropolitan Theater.

Ex-colleagues and friends Ria and Jen were there also.  A and myself arrived on time, thank goodness, no traffic and there's a parking space.

Saw some celebrities.

We have the perfect seats (IMO).  Fabulous set!

The performace started in time and then there's Galinda.

I was all smiles throughout the show (3 hours including break) with some tears.

It was lovely but I won't be able to compare it with the other musicals we have watched, all were unique and beautiful in their own rights.

Some of the best moments,

• I realized that you cannot understand the whole story by just listening to the soundtrack.
• I listen to the soundtrack and appreciate it more.
• The Defying Gravity moment was OZ-ome and OZ-tanding!
• The casts were great!!!
• The "aaahhhh" moments when you start to connect the scenes to Wizard of Oz.
• I swear, I felt I am listening to Kristen and Idina because of the vocals are exactly the same.
• "For Good" will now have a special place in my heart.

Romulo Cafe

Named after the infamous Carlos P. Romulo - we had dinner last Friday in their Makati branch.  At first, I was taken aback because of the sophisticated interior and the group of people coming in.

Might be expensive as I thought.

But after we sat down and glanced on the menu, very reasonable for a Makati restaurant.  We tried Fried Squid for appetizer, and Adobong Kangkong with Fried Pork, Kare Kare, and Pandan Rice for our main.

For those who don't know me, God gave me boring taste buds so when it comes to taste, don't take my word but for my reviews, I will have to rely with A.

We were not impressed with the taste of the main courses but considering the prices, I guess it's ok.  

One of the areas to be improved is the service, they need to assign somebody in a particular space ready to accommodate.

Definitely will go back and give it another shot.

Website here.

Rustic Mornings By Isabelo

I just cannot stop raving about this place - thanks to my friend Jaymie. This is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Marikina City. 

While I won't be that enthusiased about the food - taste was good, presentation and value for money, much better than the rest of the places here in Manila.

I ordered Boneless Bangus and A had his pancake - very typical of us.  

But what made my Saturday morning more lovely is the ambiance.  I felt I was in an Italian movie.  Absolutely perfect!

I cannot complain the service and attentiveness of the attendants however, the only minor thing they need to improve is the parking space.

Here is their website.

Why 90s Sounds Are The Best? Tha Crossroads (Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)

Pam-pam-pam-pam-pam-pam tell me watcha gonna do... when tumelengnenga ah...

Morbid as it seemed but this was one of a very few songs that explicitly discussed death.  Love the chilling music video.

ABNKKBSNPLAko The Movie (2014)

Ahhh... I expected a lot from this movie pero hindi ko binasa iyong book but I heard maganda iyong book so I am expecting maganda rin iyong movie.

Saan ba nagkamali? Marami sigurong subjects na gustong i-tackle ng film and nawala iyong main conflict.  Sayang ang daming puwedeng bigyan ng pansin especially iyong importance ng education - sana doon nafocus.

But still, better pa rin siya sa other Pinoy movies siguro ang hirap dahil kino-compare ko siya sa Do-Bi-Doo.

 

Why 90s Sounds Are The Best? Waterfalls (TLC)

Why?  Because we had Waterfalls from TLC.

Well crafted lyrics and brilliant composition.  One of those early songs that discussed underground drug dealings, promiscuity, and HIV.

Up to know - hindi ko pa rin makabisa iyong verse ni Left Eye.

Random Thoughts 072014

(1:42am local time)

Minsan naiisip ko ano kaya ang feeling na maging reckless - iyong maging irresponsible sa mga decisions na ginagawa mo.  Of course mayroon din naman ako a few regrettable decisions na talagang pinagsisisihan ko pero iyon nga - masarap kaya iyong feeling ng ganun?

Iyong tipong dahil lang sa isang simpleng dikta ng emosyon - gagawa ka na kaagad ng bagay na hindi mo iisipin kung ano ang magiging implikasyon sa iba or sa sarili mo paglipas ng panahon.

Ang sarap sigurong maging iresponsable.  Siguro naisusulat ko lang ito dahil nakakapagod maging responsable at maging rasyonal sa bawat desisyon.

Gusto kong lumipad kahit sandali lang...

2014 EE BAFTA (Winners)

Here are the winners of the EE BAFTA for the year 2014.  No surprises...

Best Film - 12 Years A Slave
Outstanding British Film - Gravity
Director - Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity)
Leading Actor - Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave)
Leading Actress - Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Supporting Actor - Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)
Supporting Actress - Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle)

Complete list of winners are here.

Random Thoughts 062014

Old habits die hard.  Terrible week in terms of working out - nada and as expected weight soars to 182.2 level.  Pakshet!

Anyway, Happy Valentines Day!

What else worth mentioning?  Ah, A already resigned from his company - he felt good and free so that is very ok with me.  Well Mariah released her latest single this week, one of the things that perked my week.

Life's a little boring but I am cool with it and could not complain anything - grateful for all the things happening so far.

My List: 20 Mariah Carey Songs (Unreleased Commercially)

I am a certified LAMB.  Lady Gaga is to Little Monsters ; Mariah Carey is to Lambs, get it?

In celebration of the release of her latest single, "You're Mine (Eternal)" - I would like to share my list of her 20 underrated but greatest songs that were never commercially released or happened to be on the B-side.

20. Sunflowers for Alfred Roy (Charmbracelet)

19. I'm That Chick (E=MC2)

18. Vanishing (Mariah Carey)

17. Reflections [Care Enough] (Glitter)

16. There For Me (B-Side of Never Too Far/Glitter)

15. My Saving Grace (Charmbracelet)

14. When I Saw You (Daydream)

 

13. Slipping Away (B-Side of Always Be My Baby/Daydream)

 

12. Migrate (E=MC2)

11. Music Box (Music Box)

10. Looking In (Daydream)

9. The Roof [Back In Time] (Butterfly)

8. Underneath The Stars (Daydream)

7.  Languishing [Interlude] (Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel)

6. Melt Away (Daydream)

5. Close My Eyes (Butterfly)

4. Fly Like A Bird (Emancipation Of Mimi)

3. Betcha Gon' Know [The Prologue] (Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel)

2. Outside (Butterfly)

1. Rainbow [Interlude] + Petals (Rainbow)

You're Mine [Eternal] (Mariah Carey)

After the disappointing "The Art Of Letting Go" comes a potential chart topper hit from my queen, Mariah entitled "You're Mine" (Eternal).

I still prefer the Motown-ish #Beautiful over this, as in my own opinion this is generic, targeted to be radio friendly and reach the charts.  Again, I am all up for reaching lambs' dream to have the 19th #1.  

She's still the best female vocalist, after all!  You don't believe?  See for yourself

I really hope the album will be released on May 6, it has been loooooooooong overdue!

Oh! Here is the link where you can hear the song.

Random Thoughts 052014

Nuninuninu - nothing new last week, did some running had some self discipline :) - it was a breeze but not easy.  Had some work interviews, not serious though from my end since I have my work but it is getting boring day by day.

There are two things that I always wanted to do. 

1. Walk out
2. Why would I choose your company?

Accomplished! LOL!!!  Fun!!!

Weight - 178.8 

RoboCop (2014)

Alex Murphy: Dead or alive, you're coming with me!

I have watched the old Robocop film franchise and all films are so blurry.  Know the story, conflict and that it was good, only it did not make me a huge fan of the cyborg.  A bit hesitant watching the film since I don't think it will offer something new (hence the Lego movie).  I was wrong - the film's storyline was coherent and consistent, fast and dark - one of the best reboots.

America The Beautiful

Coca Cola has done it again, causing a stir with the American people with their 2014 Super Bowl TV Spot where the song America The Beautiful was sung using different languages.

I don't get the main issue here, like what one of the tv commentators has mentioned, regardless of the language being used - America the beautiful is still America the beautiful.

Sometimes, little things like this will make you realize that while we have gone far in terms of equality and harmony, there are still a lot of work to be done.

I really applaud the giant soda company not only for including Tagalog and having LGBT representation but for being inclusive and promoting diversity.  

The Lego Movie (2014)

Batman: Relax, everybody. I'm here.
Emmet: Batman? Awesome! Could you make one of these in orange?
Batman: I only work in black. And sometimes, very, very dark gray.

It goes without a saying that all animated films have their own lessons to be learned, Lego movie was not an exception.  It has a heart.

It was a dream of mine during childhood of having "real" Lego toys/sets but damn they are so quite expensive.  All I had were cheap building blocks but then again, it helped developed my imaginative side (as if I have one).

The movie, though it's good, for me it failed to engage me and the others that I have watched with unlike Frozen.