Monday, January 31, 2005
Whose Queer Eye? Huh?
DR. MARTIN F. MANALANSAN IV is delivering a leture entitled, "Whose Queer Eye? Queer Theory Confronts Neoliberalism". The presentation critiques the celebratory moment in American gay life through a queer reading of popular culture, specifically "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
It will be this Friday, February 4, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the UP College of Mass Communication Auditorium.
Martin Manalansan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He is the author of Global Divas: Filipino Gay Men in the Diaspora and other articles and essays on various issues.
DR. MARTIN F. MANALANSAN IV is delivering a leture entitled, "Whose Queer Eye? Queer Theory Confronts Neoliberalism". The presentation critiques the celebratory moment in American gay life through a queer reading of popular culture, specifically "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
It will be this Friday, February 4, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the UP College of Mass Communication Auditorium.
Martin Manalansan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He is the author of Global Divas: Filipino Gay Men in the Diaspora and other articles and essays on various issues.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Tired...Just Tired...
On my way to Hunski's place this morning, I had a realization.
I'm a tired man.
I've been feeling this way since I don't know when but it's only now that reality is beginning to sink in. And I think it is this new job that I have to thank for that realization. Ever since I took it, I've been having difficulty juggling my time between work, school, the magazine, baking, volunteering at the play. I've been moody. I don't have enough time for the other things I want to do. I'm anxious. I'm restless.
I feel that I am tied down to the four corners of this building and I feel so limited. Of course, the fact that I don't have my own printer and that my stupid computer is not connected to the Internet are complete downers as well. Having a salary that is given to you late also doesn't help. And to top things off, some people are just difficult. And what irritates me is that I'm dealing with people who work in one of the country's top universities. Sigh. All I can say is, excuse me but I'm not going to die young due to heart attack because of a number of hardheaded academics.
I need a break.
That's what it boils down to. I need to handle things one by one. I need to finish one thing before the other, or at the least, have a very good schedule. I need to breathe. And I can't do these if I continue working here. Yes, I would love to help the College but I'm at a point where I need to think of myself first. For the past four years, I have been putting the needs of others ahead of my needs and now, it's all taking its toll on me.
But it's all okay. God knows I would be doing the same thing again once things become more stable. And that's okay. That's just me. That's the flaw in my genetic code, among many others.
I hope I can find another job soon, or at least by the end of March. I just want to finish writing my school papers properly and scholarly, if I may say so. Then I can take another job. Like I said, one step at a time.
Anyway, we'll see. I hope you guys are in a better position than I am.
On my way to Hunski's place this morning, I had a realization.
I'm a tired man.
I've been feeling this way since I don't know when but it's only now that reality is beginning to sink in. And I think it is this new job that I have to thank for that realization. Ever since I took it, I've been having difficulty juggling my time between work, school, the magazine, baking, volunteering at the play. I've been moody. I don't have enough time for the other things I want to do. I'm anxious. I'm restless.
I feel that I am tied down to the four corners of this building and I feel so limited. Of course, the fact that I don't have my own printer and that my stupid computer is not connected to the Internet are complete downers as well. Having a salary that is given to you late also doesn't help. And to top things off, some people are just difficult. And what irritates me is that I'm dealing with people who work in one of the country's top universities. Sigh. All I can say is, excuse me but I'm not going to die young due to heart attack because of a number of hardheaded academics.
I need a break.
That's what it boils down to. I need to handle things one by one. I need to finish one thing before the other, or at the least, have a very good schedule. I need to breathe. And I can't do these if I continue working here. Yes, I would love to help the College but I'm at a point where I need to think of myself first. For the past four years, I have been putting the needs of others ahead of my needs and now, it's all taking its toll on me.
But it's all okay. God knows I would be doing the same thing again once things become more stable. And that's okay. That's just me. That's the flaw in my genetic code, among many others.
I hope I can find another job soon, or at least by the end of March. I just want to finish writing my school papers properly and scholarly, if I may say so. Then I can take another job. Like I said, one step at a time.
Anyway, we'll see. I hope you guys are in a better position than I am.
Friday, January 28, 2005
I'll Miss Lovers in Paris But...
Sigh. Lovers in Paris aired its final episode last night. I have to say I was impressed with the ending ABS-CBN (for friends abroad, this is a local TV network) gave to its viewers. It's SO much better than the one on the DVD itself.
Awww! I especially liked it that they showed several cheesy clips of Carlo and Vivian from the different episodes of the series. Haaay! Park Shin-Yang is just so cute. I'm sorry guys. Clean looking men in a suit and tie just catch my attention. Bonus points if the guy wears eyeglasses. Hahaha!
I wish ABS-CBN would release a copy of the dubbed series, plus the interview of Korina Sanchez (local news personality) with Park Shin-Yang and Kim Jun Eun. I swear I would be the first to order.
I'm going to miss Lovers in Paris but I'm quite sure, Carlo Han would miss me more. Hahaha!
Sigh. Lovers in Paris aired its final episode last night. I have to say I was impressed with the ending ABS-CBN (for friends abroad, this is a local TV network) gave to its viewers. It's SO much better than the one on the DVD itself.
Awww! I especially liked it that they showed several cheesy clips of Carlo and Vivian from the different episodes of the series. Haaay! Park Shin-Yang is just so cute. I'm sorry guys. Clean looking men in a suit and tie just catch my attention. Bonus points if the guy wears eyeglasses. Hahaha!
I wish ABS-CBN would release a copy of the dubbed series, plus the interview of Korina Sanchez (local news personality) with Park Shin-Yang and Kim Jun Eun. I swear I would be the first to order.
I'm going to miss Lovers in Paris but I'm quite sure, Carlo Han would miss me more. Hahaha!
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Five Things...
Five Things You May Not Know About My Time in School:
1. I had a crush on this PE teacher back in elementary school.
2. I wished I went to another high school. (No offense to my high school classmates.)
3. I got a conditional grade of 4.0 in Natural Science and Algebra. I cried.
4. My classmates forced me and a female friend to join a Mr. and Ms. contest and we both won first runner up. Later on, my friend admitted to me she is a lesbian, and I admitted to her I am gay.
5. I’m going to take my Ph. D. in another country, by hook or by crook. I’ve had enough of UP. Hehehe!
Five Things You May Not Know About the Job/s I Have (or Had):
1. I had my practicum at Ayala Corporation and I loved it. (And I’m hoping to be part of it again.)
2. I only lasted for about a month in my first job, right after college.
3. My job with the UP Volunteer Program opened my eyes to several social realities.
4. Once during my stay in a remote, Norther province, the military accused me of being a rebel organizing the community.
5. I taught for a semester in UP. And I want to teach again.
Five Things You May Not Know About My Online Life:
1. I can last an entire day sitting in front of a DSL powered computer.
2. The websites I always visit are Pinoypride.org, Pinoyexchange.com and Style.com, my blog and blogs on my blog list.
3. I have two email addresses – one is personal and another one for business.
4. I got addicted to chatting for about a year. Now I think it’s a waste of time, unless it’s with my friends.
5. I won one of my most prized possessions – an autographed copy of Private Joyce – was from an online auction.
Five Things You May Not Know About My Home Life:
1. I enjoy rearranging and cleaning my books, magazines, clothes, CDs and bed.
2. I have a collection of souvenirs from my various trips.
3. I haven’t changed my bed since my parents gave it to me when I was in high school.
4. I enjoy cooking and baking.
5. I used to share a room with my brother but he went through my stuff and found some incriminating evidence, so I moved out of the room.
Five Things You May Not Know that I Desperately Want:
1. PowerBook G4
2. Canon Cybershot
3. Prada BT6671
4. A 3-Bedroom Condominium
5. My own book
Five Things You May Not Know About My Time in School:
1. I had a crush on this PE teacher back in elementary school.
2. I wished I went to another high school. (No offense to my high school classmates.)
3. I got a conditional grade of 4.0 in Natural Science and Algebra. I cried.
4. My classmates forced me and a female friend to join a Mr. and Ms. contest and we both won first runner up. Later on, my friend admitted to me she is a lesbian, and I admitted to her I am gay.
5. I’m going to take my Ph. D. in another country, by hook or by crook. I’ve had enough of UP. Hehehe!
Five Things You May Not Know About the Job/s I Have (or Had):
1. I had my practicum at Ayala Corporation and I loved it. (And I’m hoping to be part of it again.)
2. I only lasted for about a month in my first job, right after college.
3. My job with the UP Volunteer Program opened my eyes to several social realities.
4. Once during my stay in a remote, Norther province, the military accused me of being a rebel organizing the community.
5. I taught for a semester in UP. And I want to teach again.
Five Things You May Not Know About My Online Life:
1. I can last an entire day sitting in front of a DSL powered computer.
2. The websites I always visit are Pinoypride.org, Pinoyexchange.com and Style.com, my blog and blogs on my blog list.
3. I have two email addresses – one is personal and another one for business.
4. I got addicted to chatting for about a year. Now I think it’s a waste of time, unless it’s with my friends.
5. I won one of my most prized possessions – an autographed copy of Private Joyce – was from an online auction.
Five Things You May Not Know About My Home Life:
1. I enjoy rearranging and cleaning my books, magazines, clothes, CDs and bed.
2. I have a collection of souvenirs from my various trips.
3. I haven’t changed my bed since my parents gave it to me when I was in high school.
4. I enjoy cooking and baking.
5. I used to share a room with my brother but he went through my stuff and found some incriminating evidence, so I moved out of the room.
Five Things You May Not Know that I Desperately Want:
1. PowerBook G4
2. Canon Cybershot
3. Prada BT6671
4. A 3-Bedroom Condominium
5. My own book
Monday, January 24, 2005
Busy Week So...
The coming week will be very busy. Augh! I've got to work on the souvenir program for the street kids's play. I've got to finish a report for my Director. I've got to finish a report for school. I've got other things n my head.
So I don't really have the time to write at the moment. But who knows, I may be inspired to write tomorrow or the following day. Haha!
In the meantime, here are some pictures from the Tagaytay weekend.
Me and Hunski having lunch before the wedding
Newly Weds Erika and Elvis
The Gang at Leslie's
The Gang at Caleruega
That's it for now.
The coming week will be very busy. Augh! I've got to work on the souvenir program for the street kids's play. I've got to finish a report for my Director. I've got to finish a report for school. I've got other things n my head.
So I don't really have the time to write at the moment. But who knows, I may be inspired to write tomorrow or the following day. Haha!
In the meantime, here are some pictures from the Tagaytay weekend.
Me and Hunski having lunch before the wedding
Newly Weds Erika and Elvis
The Gang at Leslie's
The Gang at Caleruega
That's it for now.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
The Dress of the Year
Melania in Dior via Style.com
We don’t get to see the wedding, but at least we see THE dress. Melania Knauss, tied the knot to Donald Trump yesterday in a private wedding at Mr. Trump’s luxurious villa in Palm Beach, Florida. Initially contemplating of accepting NBC’s offer to broadcast the wedding, (“That’s $25 million dollars in advertising,” he said) the plan was vetoed by his 34-year old Slovenian bride. So I guess we all have to be contented with the Christian Dior Haute Couture gown which Melania wore down the aisle yesterday.
Personally, I was thrilled to see Melania with the dress on the cover of the February issue of US Vogue. (I don’t really care who wears it. I just want to see how magnificent the craftsmanship of the dress is.) Sally Singer penned a fourteen page article for the magazine to tell us how the dress was chosen – from the advices given by Andre Leon Talley, to the Paris trip to attend the Haute Couture shows, to the fittings and the decision making.
But let’s now talk about the dress.
It was a white duchesse satin Dior creation, made from almost 300 feet of material, accompanied by a 13-foot train and a 16-foot veil. Also adding elegance and beauty to the dress were The dress took 1,000 hours to make and 550 hours to embroider. With the amount of fabric and the number of stones embroidered on it, the gown turned out to be quite heavy for Melania. From what I read, she was advised to be well rested a day before the wedding lest she wants to faint while walking down the aisle.
And now, here's something to make us faint. The price of the dress. Though the actual price was not disclosed, rumor has it that the price was between $150,000 to $200,000!!! Sounds crazy, huh?
When you spend that much on a dress, I think no one in his, or in this case, her, right mind would not want the world to see that dress.
Plus, it's a Dior, my friends. It's a Dior.
Melania in Dior via Style.com
We don’t get to see the wedding, but at least we see THE dress. Melania Knauss, tied the knot to Donald Trump yesterday in a private wedding at Mr. Trump’s luxurious villa in Palm Beach, Florida. Initially contemplating of accepting NBC’s offer to broadcast the wedding, (“That’s $25 million dollars in advertising,” he said) the plan was vetoed by his 34-year old Slovenian bride. So I guess we all have to be contented with the Christian Dior Haute Couture gown which Melania wore down the aisle yesterday.
Personally, I was thrilled to see Melania with the dress on the cover of the February issue of US Vogue. (I don’t really care who wears it. I just want to see how magnificent the craftsmanship of the dress is.) Sally Singer penned a fourteen page article for the magazine to tell us how the dress was chosen – from the advices given by Andre Leon Talley, to the Paris trip to attend the Haute Couture shows, to the fittings and the decision making.
But let’s now talk about the dress.
It was a white duchesse satin Dior creation, made from almost 300 feet of material, accompanied by a 13-foot train and a 16-foot veil. Also adding elegance and beauty to the dress were The dress took 1,000 hours to make and 550 hours to embroider. With the amount of fabric and the number of stones embroidered on it, the gown turned out to be quite heavy for Melania. From what I read, she was advised to be well rested a day before the wedding lest she wants to faint while walking down the aisle.
And now, here's something to make us faint. The price of the dress. Though the actual price was not disclosed, rumor has it that the price was between $150,000 to $200,000!!! Sounds crazy, huh?
When you spend that much on a dress, I think no one in his, or in this case, her, right mind would not want the world to see that dress.
Plus, it's a Dior, my friends. It's a Dior.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Style for Men
Good news. Good news. For all male species regardless of sexual preference. Style.com just recently launched its counterpart for men who love fashion.
You can check it out beginning today at this website.
Thank you Conde Nast!
Good news. Good news. For all male species regardless of sexual preference. Style.com just recently launched its counterpart for men who love fashion.
You can check it out beginning today at this website.
Thank you Conde Nast!
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
How Are You Doing?
I had a late lunch today because I had to meet up with some people.
Shortly before I ate, someone asked me, "How are you doing?" I said, "Good. I'm good."
But I guess the look that I had on my face was more than enough to tell the person that I was not telling the truth.
So the person says to me, "No, I don't believe you. I sense something different in you." And the person continues, "You can tell me. Just between us, girls."
I didn't look at the person because I know I would probably break into tears. I could already feel the tears welling up my eyes. I told myself that I shouldn't cry and that there is no need to cry.
Mustering all the effort I could to keep my composure, I told the person once more, "It's alright. I'm okay."
Still not believing me, the person left.
Before I continue, I'd like that person to know that I appreciate the gesture of asking me how I was. It's a bit comforting. But that person has to understand I can't just easily tell how I feel, primarily because that's the first time we met. Unless the person was a priest or a shrink, you can't expect me to just say what's inside of me. I've learned my lesson already and I know I should be a little bit more careful.
But the more important thing that I guess people would want to know is how I really am.
Well, folks, I was a bit frustrated because of certain things. (Take note of the word "was". But after sitting down and enumerating the things that need to be done, everything clears up and I realize that there's no need for me to look so down.
I guess things are well again. I just hope the Big Boss up there heeds my prayers already.
I had a late lunch today because I had to meet up with some people.
Shortly before I ate, someone asked me, "How are you doing?" I said, "Good. I'm good."
But I guess the look that I had on my face was more than enough to tell the person that I was not telling the truth.
So the person says to me, "No, I don't believe you. I sense something different in you." And the person continues, "You can tell me. Just between us, girls."
I didn't look at the person because I know I would probably break into tears. I could already feel the tears welling up my eyes. I told myself that I shouldn't cry and that there is no need to cry.
Mustering all the effort I could to keep my composure, I told the person once more, "It's alright. I'm okay."
Still not believing me, the person left.
Before I continue, I'd like that person to know that I appreciate the gesture of asking me how I was. It's a bit comforting. But that person has to understand I can't just easily tell how I feel, primarily because that's the first time we met. Unless the person was a priest or a shrink, you can't expect me to just say what's inside of me. I've learned my lesson already and I know I should be a little bit more careful.
But the more important thing that I guess people would want to know is how I really am.
Well, folks, I was a bit frustrated because of certain things. (Take note of the word "was". But after sitting down and enumerating the things that need to be done, everything clears up and I realize that there's no need for me to look so down.
I guess things are well again. I just hope the Big Boss up there heeds my prayers already.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Weekend in Tagaytay
Last Friday, I couldn't wait for the clock to strike five. I couldn't concentrate on my work. I kept looking at my watch. I was feeling restless. I was feeling excited. The reason for this was, as I have mentioned previously, that I was going on an out of town trip to Tagaytay.
Whooooppppeeee!!!
After a couple of more minutes, I carried my two bags and left the offfice to meet Hunski. (Thanks Hunski for picking me up.) We then went to Greenbelt in Makati to meet up with our other friends - Wesley, Michelle, Lisette, and Ting. We were all going to Tagaytay to attend the wedding of our friends, Erika and Elvis. (Thank you Erika and Elvis for inviting me.)
We left Manila a little before ten and arrived at Tagaytay by eleven or so. I knew I was no longer in Manila when the air I inhaled as I stepped out of the car was toxin free. But what really made me feel that I was already out of the city was the very cool weather of Tagaytay. It was freezing. (For friends in the US, don't think of the winter-type of freezing. You know I live in a tropical country, so what may be freezing for me may be not to you.)
Anyway, we went to Villa de Oro where we will stay for the night and where the bride and the groom were staying along with their families. It was already midnight but people were still up and very busy. We greeted Erika and Elvis, who I must say were both looking very relaxed, and spent about two hours or so chatting before hitting the sack.
The following morning, I wanted to just stay in bed. It was so cozy and comfortable because of the cool weather and it's just one of those days when you wish you don't have to get up. But I had to. It was the big day of Erika and Elvis. So while the bride and the groom got more busy with preparations, the rest of us went out to have lunch. Tagaytay has changed since the last time I visited it. More restaurants and cafes were popping up along the highway that gave a great view of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. It was so refreshing and relaxing to be out of town.
At one thirty, we all headed back to Villa de Oro to prepare for the wedding. The wedding was at three in the afternoon. While we were preparing, a fashion emergency broke out, not for me but for Hunski. I'll write about the matter separately because I think others can learn something from it. But just to tease you, let's just say that the matter would have initially made Lauren Ezersky ashamed of me but in the end, she'd be proud. Haha!
The wedding turned out to be nice. The whole gang looked very beautiful. But the real star of the hour was the bride, Erika. As she walked down the aisle, all eyes were on her. She looked very immaculate in her gown and the veil.
Following the I dos, everyone went back to Villa de Oro for the party. The food was really great and the venue was just fantastic. The tables and chairs were set up in the huge garden of the villa and everything just looked so elegant and beautiful.
What a beautiful wedding it was.
After all the guests have left, the real party began among us. Wesley's dad was very kind to get us rooms at one of the golf country clubs in next town, Nasugbu so we all had very good accommodations. I personally enjoyed it because Hunski and I shared one room and it felt like we were also having our honeymoon. Hahaha!
But before the things that cannot be written down, Hunski and I prepared food in our room (as if we weren't stuffed enough from the party). Wesley also had a mahjong table brought in for the mahjong people. And when the gang came in, we all just had a nice relaxing time talking, watching TV, playing mahjong, eating and laughing. It was great.
The following day, after enjoying a morning walk and looking if any of the Korean hotel guests look like Park Shin-Yang, we packed our bags and left the country club. We visited the nearby beautiful church, Caleruega. Afterwards, we all had a very nice lunch at Leslie's. It's one of the local restaurants that serve mouthwatering Filipino dishes. Afterwards, we stayed on for a little while to take some group pictures and just enjoy the view.
Around four, Hunski and I kissed everyone goodbye as we needed to go back to Manila. It was surprising that the traffic wasn't bad at all and we got home early.
It was such a very nice weekend. I had a great time with everyone and it was really fun. Congratulations to Erika and Elvis!
Last Friday, I couldn't wait for the clock to strike five. I couldn't concentrate on my work. I kept looking at my watch. I was feeling restless. I was feeling excited. The reason for this was, as I have mentioned previously, that I was going on an out of town trip to Tagaytay.
Whooooppppeeee!!!
After a couple of more minutes, I carried my two bags and left the offfice to meet Hunski. (Thanks Hunski for picking me up.) We then went to Greenbelt in Makati to meet up with our other friends - Wesley, Michelle, Lisette, and Ting. We were all going to Tagaytay to attend the wedding of our friends, Erika and Elvis. (Thank you Erika and Elvis for inviting me.)
We left Manila a little before ten and arrived at Tagaytay by eleven or so. I knew I was no longer in Manila when the air I inhaled as I stepped out of the car was toxin free. But what really made me feel that I was already out of the city was the very cool weather of Tagaytay. It was freezing. (For friends in the US, don't think of the winter-type of freezing. You know I live in a tropical country, so what may be freezing for me may be not to you.)
Anyway, we went to Villa de Oro where we will stay for the night and where the bride and the groom were staying along with their families. It was already midnight but people were still up and very busy. We greeted Erika and Elvis, who I must say were both looking very relaxed, and spent about two hours or so chatting before hitting the sack.
The following morning, I wanted to just stay in bed. It was so cozy and comfortable because of the cool weather and it's just one of those days when you wish you don't have to get up. But I had to. It was the big day of Erika and Elvis. So while the bride and the groom got more busy with preparations, the rest of us went out to have lunch. Tagaytay has changed since the last time I visited it. More restaurants and cafes were popping up along the highway that gave a great view of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. It was so refreshing and relaxing to be out of town.
At one thirty, we all headed back to Villa de Oro to prepare for the wedding. The wedding was at three in the afternoon. While we were preparing, a fashion emergency broke out, not for me but for Hunski. I'll write about the matter separately because I think others can learn something from it. But just to tease you, let's just say that the matter would have initially made Lauren Ezersky ashamed of me but in the end, she'd be proud. Haha!
The wedding turned out to be nice. The whole gang looked very beautiful. But the real star of the hour was the bride, Erika. As she walked down the aisle, all eyes were on her. She looked very immaculate in her gown and the veil.
Following the I dos, everyone went back to Villa de Oro for the party. The food was really great and the venue was just fantastic. The tables and chairs were set up in the huge garden of the villa and everything just looked so elegant and beautiful.
What a beautiful wedding it was.
After all the guests have left, the real party began among us. Wesley's dad was very kind to get us rooms at one of the golf country clubs in next town, Nasugbu so we all had very good accommodations. I personally enjoyed it because Hunski and I shared one room and it felt like we were also having our honeymoon. Hahaha!
But before the things that cannot be written down, Hunski and I prepared food in our room (as if we weren't stuffed enough from the party). Wesley also had a mahjong table brought in for the mahjong people. And when the gang came in, we all just had a nice relaxing time talking, watching TV, playing mahjong, eating and laughing. It was great.
The following day, after enjoying a morning walk and looking if any of the Korean hotel guests look like Park Shin-Yang, we packed our bags and left the country club. We visited the nearby beautiful church, Caleruega. Afterwards, we all had a very nice lunch at Leslie's. It's one of the local restaurants that serve mouthwatering Filipino dishes. Afterwards, we stayed on for a little while to take some group pictures and just enjoy the view.
Around four, Hunski and I kissed everyone goodbye as we needed to go back to Manila. It was surprising that the traffic wasn't bad at all and we got home early.
It was such a very nice weekend. I had a great time with everyone and it was really fun. Congratulations to Erika and Elvis!
Friday, January 14, 2005
Gone for the Weekend...
I'll be gone for the weekend. Tonight, Hunski and I will be going on a road trip together with some of his friends from college. One of them is getting married tomorrow and it will be held in Tagaytay (a vacation spot just outside of Manila).
I can't wait to get on the road, although I'm quite sure traffic would be really bad since it's a Friday. But that's okay. I've been so vacation deprived for the longest time, I would do just about anything just to get out of the city.
Enjoy your weekend boys and girls!
I'll be gone for the weekend. Tonight, Hunski and I will be going on a road trip together with some of his friends from college. One of them is getting married tomorrow and it will be held in Tagaytay (a vacation spot just outside of Manila).
I can't wait to get on the road, although I'm quite sure traffic would be really bad since it's a Friday. But that's okay. I've been so vacation deprived for the longest time, I would do just about anything just to get out of the city.
Enjoy your weekend boys and girls!
Party On...
As promised, here are some pictures from the Icon Launch party last Wednesday.
Green Light Means Go. People tearing up the dance floor. Of course, you don't see the people very well. Lol!
Some of the Men Behind Icon. Managing Editor Suki, Creative Man Edsel, Icon Friend Jofer, Editor-in-Chief Richie and Webmaster Hunski.
More Icon People. Marketing Lady Frances, You Know Who and Layout Artist/Comic Artist Extraordinaire Carlo.
More photos to come. Thank you Edsel for these photos!
As promised, here are some pictures from the Icon Launch party last Wednesday.
Green Light Means Go. People tearing up the dance floor. Of course, you don't see the people very well. Lol!
Some of the Men Behind Icon. Managing Editor Suki, Creative Man Edsel, Icon Friend Jofer, Editor-in-Chief Richie and Webmaster Hunski.
More Icon People. Marketing Lady Frances, You Know Who and Layout Artist/Comic Artist Extraordinaire Carlo.
More photos to come. Thank you Edsel for these photos!
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Now Ready for Your Devouring...
Icon Magazine's Second Issue. Images of Love. Out within the week.
Go get a copy.
To all the people who attended the launch, thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.
Recount and photos of the launch soon.
Icon Magazine's Second Issue. Images of Love. Out within the week.
Go get a copy.
To all the people who attended the launch, thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.
Recount and photos of the launch soon.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Vote for Me...Vote for Me...Please...
Wait a minute. How come that blog name looks familiar? Ah, I know. That IS my blog. Hahaha!
Wayne just told me about this. Thank you, Wayne. You're so sweet!
So go cast your vote here.
Wait a minute. How come that blog name looks familiar? Ah, I know. That IS my blog. Hahaha!
Wayne just told me about this. Thank you, Wayne. You're so sweet!
So go cast your vote here.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Susan Mayer...
Congratulations! You are Susan Mayer, the divorcee and single mom who will go to extraordinary lengths for love.
Which Desperate Housewife are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Susan Mayer??? I like her because she's funny and she gets in the most hilarious situations, plus she also gets to have some action with Mike Delfino.
But the one I really want to be with is... Bree Van De Kamp. Haha! I want to prepare cuisine for my family every night, and to have that sewing kit in my bag in emergency fashion cases, and to be always looking prim and proper in her attire. Hahaha!
Anyway, I just finished watching the first ten episodes of Desperate Housewives over the weekend. I can't wait to watch the next episodes. Haha!
Your turn to take the quiz.
Congratulations! You are Susan Mayer, the divorcee and single mom who will go to extraordinary lengths for love.
Which Desperate Housewife are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Susan Mayer??? I like her because she's funny and she gets in the most hilarious situations, plus she also gets to have some action with Mike Delfino.
But the one I really want to be with is... Bree Van De Kamp. Haha! I want to prepare cuisine for my family every night, and to have that sewing kit in my bag in emergency fashion cases, and to be always looking prim and proper in her attire. Hahaha!
Anyway, I just finished watching the first ten episodes of Desperate Housewives over the weekend. I can't wait to watch the next episodes. Haha!
Your turn to take the quiz.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Welcome the New Ladies who Lunch...and Shop...and Cook...and Raise Kids...and...
I am currently loving Desperate Housewives.
I think Hunski was able to download the first ten episodes from the Internet and after watching it, told me that I would probably like it. Guess what? He's right.
I got to watch the first two episodes last night at Hunski's house and I have to say that I can't wait to watch the next episodes. Now although I know friends from the US would tell me that Desperate Housewives was so 2004, let me just write about the series for my friends and readers here in the Philippines.
Desperate Houewives is a new dark comedy about the lives of four housewives in an American suburb. Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher) is a divorcee and a single mom. Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman) is the ex-careerwoman who gave up the corporate world for motherhood, Bree Van De Kamp (Marcia Cross) is the lost member of the Stepford Wives, and Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria) is the former model married to a very rich husband.
The story begins when the ladies' friend, Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong), commits suicide in her perfect home, or at least, that's what people thought. Now that Mary Alice is on the other side, she gets to see the perfect lives of her friends (that's what she thought) and tells it to the audience.
Hunski described the series as Sex and the City meets Murder She Wrote, while my initial reaction was "These are the Sex and the City girls several years after they all got married."
I swear I keep on seeing Carrie in Susan, Miranda in Lynette, Charlotte in Bree, and Samantha in Gabrielle. Oh well, it's too early to give a better description of the TV series.
What I'd like to know is how queers who watch the series are reacting to it? Now that Sex and the City is over and Desperate Housewives is here, would we stop wishing we were Sex and the City girls and start wishing we were Desperate Housewives ladies?
I am currently loving Desperate Housewives.
I think Hunski was able to download the first ten episodes from the Internet and after watching it, told me that I would probably like it. Guess what? He's right.
I got to watch the first two episodes last night at Hunski's house and I have to say that I can't wait to watch the next episodes. Now although I know friends from the US would tell me that Desperate Housewives was so 2004, let me just write about the series for my friends and readers here in the Philippines.
Desperate Houewives is a new dark comedy about the lives of four housewives in an American suburb. Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher) is a divorcee and a single mom. Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman) is the ex-careerwoman who gave up the corporate world for motherhood, Bree Van De Kamp (Marcia Cross) is the lost member of the Stepford Wives, and Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria) is the former model married to a very rich husband.
The story begins when the ladies' friend, Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong), commits suicide in her perfect home, or at least, that's what people thought. Now that Mary Alice is on the other side, she gets to see the perfect lives of her friends (that's what she thought) and tells it to the audience.
Hunski described the series as Sex and the City meets Murder She Wrote, while my initial reaction was "These are the Sex and the City girls several years after they all got married."
I swear I keep on seeing Carrie in Susan, Miranda in Lynette, Charlotte in Bree, and Samantha in Gabrielle. Oh well, it's too early to give a better description of the TV series.
What I'd like to know is how queers who watch the series are reacting to it? Now that Sex and the City is over and Desperate Housewives is here, would we stop wishing we were Sex and the City girls and start wishing we were Desperate Housewives ladies?
Saturday, January 01, 2005
So Long 2004...
Here's a recap of the significant things that happened in 2004.
I embarked on what turned out to be a rollercoaster ride for six months - my very short stint with Convergys Philippines. The first few months at the esteemed company was a joyride for me. I met new friends from different walks of life. I was introduced to American culture and history. I memorized the fifty states of America and their exact geographical location. I became technical as I studied how to solve DSL connection problems. I became a member of the Employee Engagement Team. I even wrote the cover article for an issue of the company newsletter. All these new things I found to be extremely enjoyable.
But just like the actual rollercoaster ride, I started to get dizzy with each loop that the ride made. At first, it was exciting. But eventually, I just wanted to do one thing - get off the ride.
And that I did.
With rainbow flying agent statistics (these are grades of the agents), I bid farewell to what I thought would be my new family.
Resigning from the company didn't sink in that fast to me as a bigger event took place - my second anniversary with Hunski. This year's celebration was different from our first year together. No out of towns this year. We just had a romantic dinner, an exchange of gifts and a reaffirmation of our love for one another.
After the highs of my second anniversary, I slowly descended back to planet earth. It felt different to be unemployed. All of a sudden, I was spending more time with Hunski, trying to look after his needs. I would fix the bed in the morning. I would be making breakfast and cooking dinner. I would be doing groceries. I would be having coffee with my girlfriends in the afternoons.
In short, I was a notch away from being a Stepford Wife. My only flaw was, that I didn't and to this day and for the next few years, wouldn't, clean the bathroom.
It didn't take long before I got myself into two new projects.
The first one is something that I should have finished by now - my graduate studies. But when you're much younger and you think you could get that scholarship abroad, you just seem to not focus on your schooling. That's what happened. After enrolling for a semester in UP Diliman, I went on unofficial leave for two years and now, I've returned again. This time, I'm much more mature. I know because this time, I'm more determined to finish, and I swear I will, my graduate studies. Add to that the fact that the grades I got in my three courses for the first semester were all flying high.
The other project that I got myself into is something that I thought of doing before, but didn't really have the time and resources to do it. But now that I've met several other people - my friends - who also shared the same dream, we soon found our schedules get more hectic than before as we prepared for the first issue of Icon. And to actually see the magazine displayed in newsstands almost everywhere, to actually see people buy the magazine, to actually read letters praising the magazine, it made me float again.
However, an empty wallet would drag you back to the ground in a split second. My unstable financial condition has begun. I had to let go of a grande and switch to a regular at Starbucks. I had to think twice whether I should eat at that chic restaurant. I had to think thrice whether I really needed to buy that Fino tote bag. I wept when the reminder to buy the Prada I set on my phone a year ago rang on my birthday.
But being the person that I am, I managed to look at the brighter side of things and was even grateful for the trials that came my way. It was a wakeup call for me - to actually fix my financial situation and to work my way to freedom - freedom from financial unstability.
There are three important souls I will be forever grateful to for helping me in my times of despair and for continually being there for me, these are my Mom, Hunski and God. My Mom has been supportive even if she herself was having some problems. Hunski has also been another source of strength. He was and continue to be my voice of reason in times of confusion. And God. God just does wonders. During the many times where I found myself grasping for direction, He just appears into the picture and helps me get through.
Through the small baking business Hunski and I have, and through the contractual job I found before the year ended, I felt that these were few of the many ways God has let His presence felt to me. The baking business has been going very well. In addition to the regular supply we bring to my Mom's canteen, Hunski and I doubled, even tripled the amount of baked goods we bake during the holiday season, thanks to the people who ordered from us. The temporary job, on the other hand, is a job that I am relatively unfamiliar with although I'm quite enthusiastic about it. But I have to admit I'm thankful that it is only a three month contract, because I wouldn't have signed if it were a one-year contract. Does this mean I have no plans of staying long with this temporary job?
I can't answer that right now because I still don't know the answer. We'll see how things would go. Right now, I wouldn't want to set up a lot of expectations. I've learned so many lessons during 2004 and one of them is to try to be more spontaneous and just go with the flow. Then maybe I wouldn't be so disappointed or frustrated when things don't go my way.
For now, so long 2004, I'm glad you're over now. And welcome 2005, you better be a damn good year! Hahahaha!
Here's a recap of the significant things that happened in 2004.
I embarked on what turned out to be a rollercoaster ride for six months - my very short stint with Convergys Philippines. The first few months at the esteemed company was a joyride for me. I met new friends from different walks of life. I was introduced to American culture and history. I memorized the fifty states of America and their exact geographical location. I became technical as I studied how to solve DSL connection problems. I became a member of the Employee Engagement Team. I even wrote the cover article for an issue of the company newsletter. All these new things I found to be extremely enjoyable.
But just like the actual rollercoaster ride, I started to get dizzy with each loop that the ride made. At first, it was exciting. But eventually, I just wanted to do one thing - get off the ride.
And that I did.
With rainbow flying agent statistics (these are grades of the agents), I bid farewell to what I thought would be my new family.
Resigning from the company didn't sink in that fast to me as a bigger event took place - my second anniversary with Hunski. This year's celebration was different from our first year together. No out of towns this year. We just had a romantic dinner, an exchange of gifts and a reaffirmation of our love for one another.
After the highs of my second anniversary, I slowly descended back to planet earth. It felt different to be unemployed. All of a sudden, I was spending more time with Hunski, trying to look after his needs. I would fix the bed in the morning. I would be making breakfast and cooking dinner. I would be doing groceries. I would be having coffee with my girlfriends in the afternoons.
In short, I was a notch away from being a Stepford Wife. My only flaw was, that I didn't and to this day and for the next few years, wouldn't, clean the bathroom.
It didn't take long before I got myself into two new projects.
The first one is something that I should have finished by now - my graduate studies. But when you're much younger and you think you could get that scholarship abroad, you just seem to not focus on your schooling. That's what happened. After enrolling for a semester in UP Diliman, I went on unofficial leave for two years and now, I've returned again. This time, I'm much more mature. I know because this time, I'm more determined to finish, and I swear I will, my graduate studies. Add to that the fact that the grades I got in my three courses for the first semester were all flying high.
The other project that I got myself into is something that I thought of doing before, but didn't really have the time and resources to do it. But now that I've met several other people - my friends - who also shared the same dream, we soon found our schedules get more hectic than before as we prepared for the first issue of Icon. And to actually see the magazine displayed in newsstands almost everywhere, to actually see people buy the magazine, to actually read letters praising the magazine, it made me float again.
However, an empty wallet would drag you back to the ground in a split second. My unstable financial condition has begun. I had to let go of a grande and switch to a regular at Starbucks. I had to think twice whether I should eat at that chic restaurant. I had to think thrice whether I really needed to buy that Fino tote bag. I wept when the reminder to buy the Prada I set on my phone a year ago rang on my birthday.
But being the person that I am, I managed to look at the brighter side of things and was even grateful for the trials that came my way. It was a wakeup call for me - to actually fix my financial situation and to work my way to freedom - freedom from financial unstability.
There are three important souls I will be forever grateful to for helping me in my times of despair and for continually being there for me, these are my Mom, Hunski and God. My Mom has been supportive even if she herself was having some problems. Hunski has also been another source of strength. He was and continue to be my voice of reason in times of confusion. And God. God just does wonders. During the many times where I found myself grasping for direction, He just appears into the picture and helps me get through.
Through the small baking business Hunski and I have, and through the contractual job I found before the year ended, I felt that these were few of the many ways God has let His presence felt to me. The baking business has been going very well. In addition to the regular supply we bring to my Mom's canteen, Hunski and I doubled, even tripled the amount of baked goods we bake during the holiday season, thanks to the people who ordered from us. The temporary job, on the other hand, is a job that I am relatively unfamiliar with although I'm quite enthusiastic about it. But I have to admit I'm thankful that it is only a three month contract, because I wouldn't have signed if it were a one-year contract. Does this mean I have no plans of staying long with this temporary job?
I can't answer that right now because I still don't know the answer. We'll see how things would go. Right now, I wouldn't want to set up a lot of expectations. I've learned so many lessons during 2004 and one of them is to try to be more spontaneous and just go with the flow. Then maybe I wouldn't be so disappointed or frustrated when things don't go my way.
For now, so long 2004, I'm glad you're over now. And welcome 2005, you better be a damn good year! Hahahaha!
