This Boy's Life

Issues.. Issues

A friend of mine recently attended the baptism of the daughter of his college best friend. This friend of mine and his college best friend had been through a lot, since they've been friends back in college. They've seen each other through stupid class presentations, cutting classes, graduation, breaking up with partners, until the best friend got married and now has a first born.

Weeks before the baptism, another college best friend texted my friend, "Hi Ninong! What gift are we getting for the baby?" My friend replied that he wasn't asked to be a godfather. The other college best friend was surprised by this, and made him wonder why my friend wasn't asked to be a godfather. The three of them are after all best friends, and from the original group, they were the only ones who kept in touch with each other, and stuck together after graduation.

After the baptism, my friend told me that even if he tried to not feel hurt about the fact that he wasn't asked to be a godfather, he couldn't help but feel hurt. To some, it may be such a small thing that shouldn't be taken personally, but somehow, I understand my friend. Was it because my friend is gay and the parents of the child don't want a gay godfather? I don't know. But that's the only reason I can think of why my friend wasn't asked to be a godfather.

Oh well, that's life. I guess I just have to tell my friend to get over it, and move on. I'm not just sure if my friend's relationship with his best friend would still be the same after what happened.

The Party Continues...


Partying in Malate


Angel and Goddess


Partying in Makati

Right after my morning class last Saturday, Hunski fetched me at school and we went to his house. I did some Net surfing and some emails for a couple of hours, and then I slept to get some energy for the night. We had two parties scheduled for the evening. First was the White Party at Malate, and then the Pride party at Government.

As was our tradition, the gang met up at Malate a little before midnight. We were all in white and it was just so great to see all of us looking so immaculate and fresh. Hahaha! But not for long. For some reason, the weather that night was a bit humid, and the huge pack of partygoers contributed to make the temperature hotter and hotter.

A stage was set up at Orosa St. where performers such as Aiza Seguerra, Michael Cruz, and fave singer Bituin Escalante set the party mood for the people.

From Malate, we headed to Government where I had more fun, because of the airconditioning. Hahaha! Just like Malate, Government was packed that evening and it was great to see members of the LGBT community celebrating. Performing for the crowd that night was Anton Diva who made the crowd dance more with her performance of the Regine Velasquez's remixed dance version of Shine. Haha! I swear it's the new gay anthem here in Manila. Once it starts playing, everyone just goes jumping.

It was so much fun! We decided to go home around four in the morning, which was okay. Even as we were bidding each other goodbye, I still had some more energy to party. Oh well, there's always next year.

Happy Pride People!!!

More Partying...


Aaaahhh...Whattah Stage!!!


Does the rightmost guy look familiar???


Icons with an Icon: Scott Bolton


Party People

Originally, our plan was to go to the Preview party after Raymund's dinner. But by the time we left the studio, it was close to midnight so we decided to skip the Preview party, and headed to the first of the three Pride weekend parties - the Ahhhh Manilaaahhh party at Louie's THX.

The party was organized by Circuit Asia people led by Circuit Meister Ding Pastrana. I must say that the Circuit Asia productions have been keeping up with their outstanding productions. The Ahhhh Manilaaahhh party featured the Philharmonic Orchestra playing together with the dance and electronic music of the DJ. It was really innovative and something new! Aside from that, the acrobatics of two Cirque de Soleil (uhm, not sure) guys left the crowd in awe and wanting for more. But the two highlights of the night were performers Scott Bolton and Joe Gauthreaux, who both made the party wilder and much more fun with their performances.

Of course, what really made the party enjoyable for me was hanging out with friends. Joining the partying were Joffer, Jeng, Paolo, Richmond, Edsel and Richard.

While I would have wanted to party more, I had to go home around three a.m. just to get some sleep for my eight a.m. class. Hahaha! Oh well, it was a fun party!

Congratulations to the Circuit Asia people for a great party!!!

It's Pride Weekend!!!


The Amateurs


The Pros


The Pros with the Master

Friday signaled the start of a weekend of lots of fun and partying. We had three Pride parties and two non-Pride parties scheduled to go to for the weekend, but only got to go four because we just couldn't leave at the other parties.

Let's start with Friday.

The two non-Pride parties were first, the birthday of Icon's Creative Consultant and Fairy Godmother of sorts, Raymund Isaac, and two, the Preview magazine 10th Anniversary Celebration at Mbassy, where the invitations were provided by Shu Man Jigs.

Raymund's private party was held at his studio cum apartment in Makati. The nice thing about his studio is that he can convert it into a party venue for special occasions. Last Christmas, that was where the Portfolio (Raymund's company) party was held. Now, it's his birthday.

Most of his guests were Portfolio people, family and close friends. It's so nice of him to invite Richie, Hunski and me to the party. (Suki works for him.) Food was provided by Portfolio's favorite caterer, Kusinerong Pinoy. The menu included pasta, spring rolls, morcon, seafoods(!!!), lumpiang shanghai, and the most delicious caldereta ever!!! Yum yum yum! There were a variety of desserts, but my favorite was the Carrot Cake from Cena. I think this is the first time I've ever tasted carrot cake and it was just so, so good.

We had a good time at the party. While people chatted away, Richie, Suki, Kate, Pam, Hunski and I played with Richie's camera and took photos of one another. Feeling models!!! Hahaha! Of course, Kate, Pam and Suki were the pros when it comes to projecting. Hahaha! The photos above show it.

Happy Birthday Raymund!

Hermes Turns Away Oprah



I thought that the story wasn't true. Apparently, it is.

Reports from various news websites say that many people's beloved Oprah Winfrey was turned away by luxury store Hermes last week. Some people were saying that Oprah dropped by the Hermes Boutique at 6.45 p.m., to get a gift for Tina Turner, whom she was going to have dinner that night. Although the store's daily closing time is 6:30 p.m., high-end shops usually make an exception for celebrities. However, Hermes stated that a private public relations event was being prepared that night, and this was the reason, the queen of talk was denied entry.

Because of the incident, I can just imagine first, the impact it would have on the image on the storesome, and second, that heads would definitely be rolling on the Hermes side. In an official statement, Hermes said it, "regrets not having been able to welcome Madame Oprah Winfrey and the people accompanying her to give them all the attention and service that Hermes is committed to giving each of its clients in the world. Hermes expresses its sincere regrets for any misunderstanding that these circumstances could have caused.”

Another new site also reported that the CEO of Hermes personally called Oprah to explain the situation, and to invite her to shop again.

I'm not going to take anyone's side her. I leave it to you. There will be people taking Oprah's side. There will be people taking Hermes' side. It's really up to you to examine the matter.

Does this mean we won't be seeing anything Hermes ever again on Oprah's annual Favorite Things?

Click here for more on this.

Pride Weekend Coming Up



It's Pride Weekend.

There will be parties in Malate and in Government, Makati.

Wherever you choose to go, just remember to have fun and be proud.

See you.

Corporate Social Responsibility Expo



I was going through the newspaper today, and this is what I find.

Wooohoooo!

As some of you know, a huge part of my heart really belongs to volunteerism and corporate social responsibility. So events like this are always exciting to me. I really believe that everything would be so much better if everyone just cared a little bit more.

Like we always say in Pahinungod, "you can make a difference."

I've seen the program for the three day event. I wish I could go to all the programs, but if not, the one I'm most interested in is the one on communicating Corporate Social Responsibility. It will be on July 6, 2005, from 2:00 - 3:00 in the afternoon. These are some of the issues to be addressed in this session. How do you communicate your key CSR messages? Discussions on issues within the framework of integrating CSR as a business solution to various social or economic needs. Measuring your CSR impact, advocating CSR, and getting your CSR message across to your internal and external publics are key to sustaining your CSR efforts.

The speaker will be Alexandra P. Romualdez, President of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and the session will be moderated by Dulce R Festin-Baybay of the ABS-CBN Foundation.

For more information, you can visit this site.

A Week of Night-outs

Saturday night was spent at two bars. First, it was at Bed in Malate. The bar is celebrating its second anniversary, and Icon was invited to the celebration. So, the usual suspects - Suki, Richie, Hunski and I - went to congratulate the bar owners (who we didn't see till we were about to leave), have a little drink, and do some dancing. We left around one, when the bar opened to the public, and headed to Makati for our second stop for the night - Government. I wasn't exactly sure why we had to go to Government. Was it because Queer Eye guys Kyan and Thom were there? I dunno. But who cares, it's more dancing and just a little bit more drinking. Joining the fun were Jigs and the boy who just got back from his vacation, Franco. Around three a.m., we all bid each other goodbye and headed home.

The whole of Monday, I was at Hunski's place doing some Icon work. Early evening, I got a text from the Library's Mamu, Andrew, inviting Icon to the night's show which featured comedian Allan K. It was already the second party that Andrew invited us to, and I felt it would be impolite for us to decline again. It is after all the Library's 20th year anniversary this month, in case you guys dunno. So I texted Richie and Suki, and told Hunski about the party and we all decided to meet up at the Library by eleven. When we got there, the opening act has already started. We had a good time for an hour or so watching people sing, and the wonderful performance of a number of drag queens. I had a feeling the Allan K. show would start much later, and I was right. When we left around midnight, Allan K.'s set still hasn't begun. But it was good we bumped into Andrew. At least, we got to congratulate him. The big celebration party will be next week, I think.

Tuesday morning, I had to finish my registration. When I was done with that, I headed home to get some rest because we had to go to another event in the evening. Jigs invited us to attend a test screening of an indie film at the Music Museum in Greenhills, and naturally, we were all on the go. The film was entitled Compound, and featured John Arcilla, Jake Macapagal, among others. The film was okay. At the end of the movie, we had to answer an evaluation form. It felt like I was taking an exam for one of my media classes. Almost everyone who watched was already out of the theater, but Hunski and I were still there writing and filling up our forms. Haha! It was good. At least, it shows that I am really learning from graduate school. Hahaha! After the movie, I went to Hunski's house, and did some Icon work until about four in the morning.

Wednesday was spent at Hunski's house doing more Icon work. It's crunch time for us, that's why we've all been busy these past few weeks. Hunski and I haven't been spending much quality time either, except for the June 12 celebration. In the afternoon, Richie calls and tells us that we're having dinner with Circuit Asia man, Ding at his flat. Hunski didn't feel like going, so Jigs took his place for the night. Richie, Suki, Jigs and I arrived at Ding's gorgeous unit in Salcedo Village, around eight carrying our present - an equally gorgeous bottle of Moet Chandon. Haha! Ding prepared a wonderful dinner. And everyone present just enjoyed the night talking and drinking Moet, and some wine. Ding's friend, Rene, kept on pouring everyone drinks that by the time we left Ding's at midnight, I already got the buzz. But it was fun. I enjoyed it.

Thursday afternoon, as you would have read in a previous entry, was spent at the Shu Uemura launch in Makati. Richie and I were the only ones who were able to attend because Suki had work, Hunski had something else to do. So the two of us hung out, and people watched, while drinking more Moet(!!!) and some Bailey's. One of the highlights of the launch was an exhibit done by a marketing communications group for the new Sakura Cleansing Oil of Shu Uemura. It was wonderful. The exhibit was very Japanese inspired, with its cherry blossoms origami, and all the stones, and the flowers. What made this day different from the others was that we got home before the clock struck twelve. Haha! I had fun.

Friday afternoon was spent at Gold's Gym. Nope, I didn't enroll (although I'm in terrible need of a workout). There was a shoot for the health and fitness section of Icon, and I was just there to supervise it since everyone's not available. Before going there, I thought, "This would be easy, since everything's already coordinated." Was I so wrong?! The events of the afternoon were so stressful that I would have to write it in another entry. Hahaha! The shoot, which I thought would end at three, ended at seven in the evening. After that, I was just so tired.

Richie, Suki, Hunski and I, along with Jigs, were supposed to go to the birthday party of OUT! boss, Melo, but after the shoot, I told Richie and Suki I couldn't go anymore. However, Suki told me we needed to go because Melo invited us. The next thing I knew, I was already in Quezon City at a restaurant/bar eating and drowning myself in iced tea (for a change!). Melo's guests were mostly his staff from Wish Ko Lang, and Pinoy Abroad, who were also the people behind OUT!, so it was good seing them. JM was there. Avi was there. It felt like a reunion of OUT! hosts. Hahaha! Jigs, and some other guests, sang some songs for Melo, although I wasn't sure whether Jigs' songs were really for Melo. Haha! (Don't kill me, Jigs. Just kidding.)

At the end of the night, I was telling Richie in a joking manner, "Alright! Enough of these parties, okay? We're not robots! Let's get some serious rest!"

But then I remembered, that earlier that night, Frederick Peralta was inviting us to his home for a dinner. Haha!

So I guess this is what it's really like to be in the magazine business, huh? The partying and the dinner will continue.

Intense Friday


Million Peso Babies - Omar and Me

I thought my Friday afternoon would be a smooth, hassle free one. Was I so wrong? It was the end of the week, and things couldn't have been more intense.

Since everyone had work or something else to do, I was assigned to supervise the photo shoot, for Icon's health and fitness section, at one of the gyms in Makati. The instructions were just meet the photographer at the gym, the models will be provided by the gym, the makeup artist will be there as well. I thought, "Hey, that's easy. I can manage that."

Not!

The schedule of the photo shoot was at 1.30. So there I was at the venue at the exact time. The photographer also arrived on time. The models were already there. The manager of the gym introduced me to the models and the trainer who would assist me in the shoot. I needed one since I'm so illiterate when it comes to gym stuff. Haha! Moving on, after the introductions, I told the models that we just have to wait for the makeup artist.

Tension Maker #1

While waiting, my phone rings with the makeup artist on the other line. He says, "I'm so sorry I can't make it. I can't leave the salon right now. Can you just bring the models to another salon in the mall and have them madeup there?"

I ask the makeup artist, "Can't you just ask a makeup artist to come over here at the gym so he or she can do the makeup here?"

I was starting to feel tense and nervous.

The makeup artist replies, "No, they can't leave the salon."

We hang up. I started to get tense, but I thought, "Hey, relax. Everything is under control."

I call Richie and told him what the makeup artist told me. Of course, he gets annoyed and irriated. Several minutes later, he calls me and tells me that the makeup artist will be on his way to the gym.

Thank you, Richie.

Tension Maker #2

While waiting for the makeup artist, the male model goes up to me and says, "Hey, can you call my agency, talk to my booker, and just make sure this whole shoot is okay with them?"

I wanted to faint. What is happening here?! I was told that everything was already set.

Since I've never really talked to a modeling agency before, and I have no idea what to tell them, I had to think who would be the best person to ask and call the agency - Suki.

So I text Suki, "Hi Sukes. I have a BIG f---ing problem." In less than a minute, he calls me and starts to worry about me. I tell him what the situation is and it's a good thing he know the booker of model. Thank gawd Suki works for Raymund! So after what seemed like forever, Suki calls back and tells me that the agency didn't approve the model to do the shoot.

Okay, I thought. Could things get any worse?!

But things were resolved eventually. The makeup artist arrived. The gym trainer had to take the place of the male model, and I think the former was rather thrilled. The photo shoot started...

at three in the afternoon!!!

If you're a schedule freak guy like me, the whole situation would have driven you just as tense, and just as crazy.

We wrapped up at seven in the evening. I was tired, but at least I got to have a photo taken. Hahaha!

The whole thing may have been so tense and crazy, but I must admit I had fun doing it. It was a learning experience. And the scary thing is I'm most probably willing to go through it again. Thanks to Omar, who went to the shoot, for keeping me sane. I owe you one.

Shu Uemura Sakura Cleansing Oil Launch



The entire week has been filled with dinners and events. It's been tiring. So tiring. This is really probably how it feels like to be in the magazine industry.

This afternoon, Richie and I attended the launch of Shu Uemura's newest product, the Sakura Cleansing Oil. It was held at the Drawing Room art gallery along Metropolitan Ave. in Makati. If you're wondering why Richie and I are in the launch of a product for women, it's because we're there to support our friend and Icon's makeup artist/stylist turned Shu Uemura's male makeup artist, Jigs.

I kinda already guessed who the guests would be at the event. The editor of this and this magazine, the host of this and this show, models, celebrities, pseudo-celebrities and mere mortals. Haha! It was actually quite amusing how people never seem to run out of things to talk about, although it's quite sure that they were together the whole morning at work, or the previous evening at some other party.

What was not amusing was when people kept on chatting loudly, even when the Shu Uemura boss already stepped up the mini-stage. I felt bad that not everyone was paying attention. I felt disappointed with the way people, who I thought would be polite, would turn out to be otherwise. Oh well, I guess that's reality. The more you get to know people, the more they are demystified to you.

Anyway, I have to say congratulations to Jigs and to the Shu Uemura team for the successful launch of your new product.

And thanks for the Moet! Haha!

Beauty and the Beast in Manila



Calling all musical fans. Read this.

Atlantis Productions will be staging Disney's Beauty and the Beast here in Manila.

Two ladies will be alternating for the role of Belle. First, KC Concepcion (for friends abroad, she's the daughter of actress/singer Sharon Cuneta) be taking a break from her studies in Paris to play the lead role. The musical marks her return to the stage after a couple of years of absence. The other "Belle" will be Karel Marquez. This will be her professional stage debut.

"Beauty and the Beast" was nominated for nine 1994 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The musical has been enchanting audiences in cities all over the world, including New York, London, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo, Madrid, Sao Paulo and Kyoto.

The Manila production begins on June 16th for a limited Engagement at the Meralco Theatre.

Directing the production is Bobby Garcia. Together with him are Choreographer Andy Alviz, Costume Designer Mio Infante, Lighting Designer Jay Aranda, Sound Designer Bobbit Jacinto, Assistant Director Chari Arespacochaga and Visual Illusionist Eric Mana.

For ticket inquiries or reservations, please contact Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Ticket prices: P1500, P1300, P1100, P1000, P600, P500.

See you at the Meralco.

So Many Books, So Little Time




Books To Be Read

All the magazine work has been taking away my reading time.

Waaah!

When I get home at night, I'm just dead beat that I'm already to tired to pick up a book, and read a few chapterrs. And to think that I have four new books in line waiting to be read.

Another Waaah!

The first book is Letters to Montgomery Clift by Filipino author in the US, Noel Alumit. It was a present from the Zand Man, for a very small favor. He didn't even have to give me the back. But I'm glad he sent one to me, because it's not available locally (Augh!!!). Another thing, the copy he got me was an autographed one. Woohoo!

The other three books were anniversary presents from Hunski. I hope I didn't pressure him into getting them. Hahaha! I gave him the newest Tori Amos and Coldplay CDs. I'm so clueless when I was at the music store, that I had to go to Customer Service to check if I was indeed buying the right CDs. Hahaha!

About the books, I've heard of Armistead Maupin but I dunno why I've never picked up his books, when I heard it's supposed to be part of Gay Literature 101. Chari has complete series, I think, and if I do get to enjoy Tale of the City, I'll most probably be borrowing the others from Chari. Are you reading this Chari? Hahaha!

Bergdorf Blondes, as many would know, is written by Vogue contributor Plum Sykes. I bought a copy late last year, but I still haven't read it because I was reading The Devil Wears Prada, and Shopaholic and Sister. After reading the latter, I felt I'm having chick lit overload. Hahaha! But now, looks like I'll pick up my Bergdorf Blondes and start reading it.

Lastly, He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo was inspired by one of the episodes of Sex and the City, where Jack Berger explains to Miranda and the girls why men don't call back sometimes. As Hunski said, this one goes to the Angelomilco Counseling and Virtual Crisis Center for Troubled Gay Friends. Hahaha!

So many books, so little time...

Wuv Ooski, Hunskipooski!

As I have mentioned in my last entry, yesterday, June 12, was a special day for me and Hunski because we celebrated our third year together. Applause! Applause! Hahaha!

We celebrated yesterday by going on a day trip to Tagaytay. We left around eleven in the morning, and got to our date place - Breakfast at Antonio's - a little after one. I must say that the place is really a favorite. It's just so relaxing. The huge white countryside cottage architecture, the nice garden, the veranda, the fantastic view of the Taal Volcano and the Taal Lake. How can that not be so enjoyable and romantic?

After a good lunch of omelettes, bread, and pancakes (more like breakfast, eh), we headed back to Manila. Hunski wandered around the mall, while I went to church to hear Mass. We then met up again afterwards and proceeded to the moviehouse to watch Mr. and Mr. Smith? We both enjoyed it. Some of our friends told us that it wasn't good, but we found it to be enjoyable. It doesn't surprise me because most of the time, Hunski and I enjoy the movies other people don’t. Is that weird?

There’s this one really nice scene towards the end, which was one of my favorites. Brad and Jen…oooops, wrong name…Angelina where having a gunfire
exchange with twenty or so other assassins and the execution of the scenes was just so fantastic. It was in slow motion, there was salsa music playing as the background, and the wholescene appeared as if the two were actually dancing.

Haha! I dunno how many other people felt that way.

After the movie, we headed to Oody's at Greenbelt 3 for some Thai cuisine. Hunski enjoyed his phad thai. I enjoyed my seafood curry. Yum!

To cap the celebration, we met up with best couple friend Suki and Richie, and had a little chitchat over dessert.

It was such a nice day. At least, even for a day, Hunski and I got to relax and spend time alone.

Happy Anniversary, Hunskipoo! Wuv wuv oo!

Party People

Saturday night was spent drinking and dancing at the two hottest (and only...Hahaha!) gay dance clubs here in Manila.

It was the second anniversary of Bed, and Icon was invited. There was a Circuit Asia event at Government, and Icon was also invited. What are we supposed to do? Pick one over the other. That wouldn't be fair. The owners of both clubs are Icon's friends, and we don't want them to think that we have favorites. Hahaha!

So at eleven in the evening, Richie, Suki, Hunski and I headed to Malate for the Bed party. Since it was their anniversary, the club was only open to invited guests from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. I thought that was good, so that when the doors open to the public at 1 a.m., we could already move to Government.

The four of us reached Bed around 11:30. We bumped into contributor writer Paul, and we also met up with Richie's...uhm, what's the appropriate term for it...padawan, Franco. The five of us had some drinks and began with the dancing, until a little after midnight.

From Bed in Malate, we moved to Government along Makati Ave. As we were entering the club, Fab 5 guy Thom Filicia was just exiting. Yes, he and Kyan are in Manila for a couple of days. But of course, I didn't realize it was him until he's already left.

At Government, we met up with Suki's new padawan, Luis. I'm not putting the guy's name by which people know him, since he's a newbie. Anyway, what's up with these padawans? Was it because Star Wars just recently hit the Manila cinemas? Or is having a newbie padawan the "hot" thing these days? Hahaha! Wasn't it just yesterday when I myself was a newbie? Does it mean that we've been out for so long that we already have these newbie friends?

We partied at Government until past three in the morning. It was such a fun night! I needed the partying myself since I've been (we have all been) stressed from Icon work these past few weeks. So a little dancing, and a little drinking helped us unwind and relax even for a night.

It was also a special early morning since it was our third year anniversary! Woohoooo!

Bag Addicts


Left: Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag Right: Prada BT0171


Left: My Jack Right:Suki's New Jack

If there's one person who appreciates fashion as much as I do, or perhaps even more, it has to be Suki. When we met each other, I knew the guy and I shared the same wavelength in when we both got excited by the word "Prada." Lately, we've both been actively discussing Lauren Weisberger's "The Devil Wears Prada," to the amusement (or more probably... annoyance) of our partners.

Hahaha!

This appreciation for fashion, however, sometimes drives our men crazy. Hahaha! Perfect example. Suki just recently bought two tote bags from a trip to Singapore. Richie also bought two tote bags. Hunski has one. When Suki got back, he asked his sister to buy him a Jack Spade tote. While there is a Jack Spade here in Manila, the style that he wanted wasn't available. By the way, newsflash: messenger bags are not that hot anymore. Tote bags? In a Paris Hilton voice, "That's hot!" Hahaha!

Recently, when Suki, Richie, Hunski and I had coffee, Suki mentioned to me that he already ordered the Jack Spade. Naturally, I got excited for him. I saw the style he bought and immediately, I told him how nice the item was. I told him that the structure of the bag was great, and the fact that it was reversible was like buying two Jack Spades for the price of one.

While Suki and I animatedly discussed his new tote, Richie and Hunski both asked, "How many bags do you need?" And Suki's and my reaction was like, "It's good to have a variety of bags to choose from," or something close to that.

Hahaha!

Arguing with our boyfriends about the importance of bags is not really a good idea, since we all have different views on fashion.

Anyway, can't wait to see your new bag, Suki.

And since we're on the topic of bags, the new Balenciaga motorcycle bags are really gorgeous. Gawd! I swear, I would buy one and proudly carry one of those babies if I could afford it. Hahaha!

But the one bag I'm still saving and dreaming for is the Prada BT 0171 Messenger Bag. Awww! I wish I could save enough for it for my birthday. Hahahaha! Suki, when will you hand over the Prada messenger? Hahaha!

Oh well, so much for the love of bags. If you ever see four men walking around the mall, or at a coffee shop, with huge tote bags, that's probably the four of us.

Call us the Tote Squad. Hahaha!

Bummer!!!

I went to UP today to continue with my registration.

I started by going to the Cash Department to settle the loan I had for last semester. The whole time I was in UP Diliman, I would never take more than thirty minutes to pay my bills. But today, I was surprised by the looong line at the department. There were so many people that the line has already reached outside the building.

Initially, I thought of delaying settling my bills to Monday, thinking that there would be less people paying on that day. Good thing I stayed and fell in line, as I later found out that Monday will be a holiday.

So there I was standing in line for about an hour to settle my bills. Augh! It was so hot. There wasn't any ventilation. There were no seats until you reach a certain point. Hahaha! Yes, this is a state university.

After I settled my bills, I went to my college to have my forms assessed.

When I went to the graduate studies department, lo and behold, I was informed that one of my classes was dissolved since there weren't enough enrollees.

Augh man!!!

So I had to look for another class to replace the one that got dissolved. My only option was a course in my college, since I'm already done with my electives outside of the college. The problem is that I was quite sure that several of the courses have already been closed.

True enough, the Media Literacy class that I wanted to take was already filled up. My only other two options were an Intro to Film Studies, and Narrative Film. I wasn't sure which one to take.

The former would be nice but it would be quite costly, since it's a production class. The latter is also just as nice but the problem is I don't have any Film Theory background, so I really have to do some extra reading.

I decided to take the latter. However, when I saw the list, it looks like the class would also get dissolved. Yaiks!

So I have to go back on Tuesday, the final day of registration, pray that my class doesn't get dissolved, apply for a loan this semester, pay my tuition fee, and get registered.

Oh boy!!!

Bed Turns 2



For all the Bed fans out there, they're celebrating their second year anniversary this Saturday.

Party with the Bed people, and make sure you have someone to go to Bed with you.

It's School Time Once Again...

Today, I went to school to register for the first semester. Actually, today is the official first day of classes but here I am, still in the registration process.

Hahaha!

While I did find out that the registration has begun last week, I just couldn't find the time to squeeze going to UP Diliman to register in my schedule. Last week has been such a busy week for Icon, and if you remember, I have been battling fever, cough and colds for a number of days.

Anyway, I'm enrolled in two subjects this semester. Both are electives. One subject is Communication Research 287, also known as Communication Campaigns. The other subject is Educational Foundations 203, also known as Teaching-Learning the Fundamental Subjects. I was quite nervous that I wouldn't be able to get a slot at the College of Education since it's already late registration. As expected, all five classes of Educational Foundations 201 (Introduction to Education) have all been closed. It's almost a miracle that I still managed to get a slot in the 203 class.

I'm a bit hesitant though because when I read the course description of EDFD 203, it was about teaching in the elementary levels. Yaiks! I want to teach in the college level, not elementary. Hahaha! But Hunski says, the class would still be helpful to me. I think so too. It should be fun.

My classes are Monday and Friday evenings. These two subjects are the last ones I have to take, but it doesn't mean I can already rejoice.

No.

At the end of the first semester, I have to take the dreaded comprehensive exam. Waaaah! After that, I'm alloting a year for my thesis.

Target date of graduation: March 2007.

Yup, it's still going to be that long. Sigh.

Down Time

Registration time is one of the most depressing periods for me.

It's depressing because I have to worry about where to get the money to finance my studies. It's depressing because I end up asking money from my Mom. It's depressing because asking money from my Mom makes me realize the truth about my financial situation. It's depressing because I am reminded of how I screwed up my finances in the past three years, and now things are taking its toll on me. It's depressing because it makes me realize that I have missed and will continue to miss so many other opportunities because of limited resources. It's depressing because I see all these other people taking for granted so many things in life.

The good things is despite all these depressing and frustrating realizations, I am quick to process myself and see something positive out of the situation. That's got to be one of my gifts. Haha!

I'm only about to turn 26, but look how jaded I have become. Hahaha!

Yuck!

What's 200K like?

How does it feel like to hold P200,000?

Yesterday, Richie, Hunski and I pulled out some merchandise from a number of shops in Glorietta for one of the fashion editorials. This fashion editorial is my assignment, and I'm just so excited about it.

At the same time, I was so nervous. I had to make sure that the items were all taken cared off, and were handled well and only by the model and the stylist. The slightest scratch or wrinkle on the product would have given me a heart attack. Ha ha ha!

Those who don't appreciate fashion as much as I do would ask, "How can such an item cost that much?!" And we're talking about fifteen items only, my friends.

I'm just glad that we already got to return all the items, and that there weren't any problems with returning the stuff.

Watch out for the next issue of Icon to see what these items are.

Attention Fellow Book Lovers...



Fully Booked Rockwell is having a Super Sale from June 17 - June 26, 2005. All regular items will be marked down 20% on cash and 15% on card purchases.

More news, Fully Booked will be moving to a bigger and better location (isn't that what they all say) at the third floor of the Powerplant Mall come July 1.

Call Customer Service at 756-5001-04 for inquiries and reservations.

Hu hu hu! I want so many books.