This Boy's Life

I'm Moving...



To a new home in cyberspace, which I still have to find.

Something big happened about a month ago, and it really created such a big dent in my life, and that's partly the reason why I'm moving on to a new site.

This isn't goodbye. It's more about moving on to start something new.

I'll see you soon.

Numbers: From Time's Style & Design Spring 2006

$51.5 BILLION Worth of fine jewelry and watches sold in the U.S. last year

32 MILLION iPods sold in 2005

700,000 Residents of Britain who admit to shoplifting annually

45,827 Malls and shopping centers in the U.S.

33% Share of U.S. households that made online purchases during the 2005 holiday season

1 Number of diamond rings sold every minute on eBay's U.S. site

Also in the magazine:

$1,830,000 The price tag of a Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry piece that was sold last year

Daria Does Time Style & Design



I have no idea how often, and when exactly Time's Style & Design comes out, so I just get all so excited every time I accidentally find one on magazine stands.

While looking for the LGBT titles at National Book Store this afternoon, I saw this girl standing in one of the aisles reading a magazine. I didn't get to clearly see the cover but I had a feeling it was what I thought it was.

I immediately went to the magazine section and there it was, the Spring 2006 issue of Time Style & Design. And one of my favorite models on the cover - Daria Werbowy. There were only three copies left and I carefully inspected each copy to see which issue is not so worn out yet. (Yeah, I can be that OC!)

Afterwards, I happily went to the cashier to pay for it.

The copy's beside me right now, and it's still in a plastic cover. I haven't opened it yet.

Freaky as it may sound, I have to be prepared before I open magazines that are this special. Hahaha! (For the September 2004 issue of US Vogue, I didn't open the magazine till several days after I bought it. I had to make sure I had nothing on schedule that would distract me from reading it. And before I opened it, I took a bath and got into my most comfy clothes so I could be totally fresh while I enjoy every page of the mag! For Suki's issues 1 and 2 of V Man, I waited till I got home and changed in some comfy clothes before I read the two issues.)

Anyway, I'm meeting my friend, Jon, tomorrow afternoon at Starbucks. I think that would be a nice and the right place where I can enjoy my new issue of Time Style & Design.

Corp. Comm. na Talaga!

Alright, today I had to be at the office really early again because I had to do some final revisions to what we did last night.

The "thing" will be brought by a friend to a conference in another country, and this friend is leaving this afternoon already. I had to be early because I was also leaving for Cavite to cover an event that the Japanese visitors are attending. This was sort of a last minute thing.

We were informed only last night that we had to go to today's activity. So my manager and I had to fly all the way to Cavite at 9AM to be in time for the 10AM event. But then, traffic in Aguinaldo highway was really bad, and we reached the venue, the program has already begun.

We did manage to cover two more activities.

But here's the thing, it turns out that we weren't really needed there because there was already someone covering the event. But that someone asked us to be there as a backup. In my head, I'm like, "You're being paid 100K to cover two days of activities, and you're asking us to go there to be a backup?! Hello!!!"

Anyway, after the event, we had to go back to Manila to do an ocular of the press con venue tomorrow.

Afterwards, it's back to the office.

Today, I got to be home quite early and it was good.

Tomorrow, the day would be a long one. Three events to cover, and two wardrobe changes. Hahaha!

Press con at 9AM, then I'm off to Malacanang to cover the courtesy call on Pres. Arroyo, then in the evening, dinner at our company president's house in Forbes Park.

Wow! Corp. Comm na Corp. Comm. na itez!

Toxic Monday (to Wednesday!!!)

My Monday to Wednesday will be so toxic.

The president of one of the largest shipping companies in Japan will be visiting our company, so preparations are being made left and right.

I'm not directly involved with the preparations, but from the way things are being prepared, I feel like people are preparing for the second coming. Haha!

Anyway, I'll be assigned to cover some events so I'm really expecting the next two days to be very, very busy.

Last night, I had a meeting with one of the top execs of the company. Certain changes were made to something two friends and I have been working on for the past two weeks. Don't even ask what "certain changes" mean because you wouldn't want to know if you were in my position.

I got to go home a little past 9, after putting all the changes. I've been at the office since 7:30AM.

This is the real corporate life, huh?

Woohoo!!!!

Meeting Mr. B.


Bored so I just ordered a $2,000 Balenciaga and shopped at Gucci...yeah, right!!!


Meeting Mr. Balenciaga


See? It's really him.


In case you still don't want to believe, lookie here.


Oh yeah, make love to Mr. Balenciaga!


I-vanchy Meets Mr. Balenciaga

Saturday afternoon was quite eventful.

We had a photo shoot for Icon, and I met quite a number of interesting personalities. It was pretty exciting for me because several of those present that afternoon were personalities I grew up watching on television, or reading on magazines.

Though there were quite a handful of them, I guess the most interesting I met was the friend of Tito Gerry, stylist-turned-fashion-director for Icon.

We were at the studio waiting for the talents to arrive, and here comes Tito Gerry with his friend, who's all in wine red. Since I was upstairs, I wasn't sure if it was who I thought it was. So I went down to say hello, and lo and behold it was really him...

Mr. Balenciaga!!!

I've known Mr. Balenciaga for quite some time now because I often see him on the pages of several magazines and on television. I've been wanting to meet him, and I never thought I would until last Saturday.

Upon seeing that it was really Mr. Balenciaga, I immediately asked that my photo be taken with him. Oh my gawd!!! I couldn't believe it!!!

Those who were also very happy to see and greet Mr. Balenciaga were I-van and Suki.

Unfortunately, Mr. Fendi and the Coach were at my house resting so they didn't get to meet Mr. Balenciaga. Mrs. Prada was at Suki's office, so I don't think she also got to say hello to our very special guest.

But at least, Mr. Spade was with me and I think he met Mr. Balenciaga.

As soon as the shoot started, everyone became busy and I sort of don't know what happened to Mr. Balenciaga. I hope he didn't get bored. Ooops! I didn't see him leave with Tito Gerry, but it's okay.

I got to meet him, and have my photo with Mr. Balenciaga and that was more than enough to make my weekend a good one.

Feeling Photographer...



















Photos by Angelo

Thursday afternoon til early evening was spent at a photo shoot for a school that the company will be opening late this year.

I've been helping out in writing some of the marketing collaterals for the school, and yesterday, (very amateur) photographer/production designer/art director were some of the roles added to what I've been doing for this project. Hahaha!

Yes, since we just needed some photos to use for the marketing collaterals, one of the school's marketing people decided that we can just do the photo shoots ourselves. Haha! Unfortunately, my officemate who's really the artist was on leave of the shoot day, so I was the one who had to go to the photo shoot.

It started out a bit shaky. Well the whole thing was shaky because we were using a 4.5 megapixel camera, and the lights were really spotlights that had bond paper as its diffuser. Haha!

Anyway, when I saw some of my pictures. I was quite happy. I know. I know they're not good at all, but I think they'll do if it'll just be placed on a marketing collateral. Hahaha!

What I did enjoy was the dinner part at the restaurant where we had the shoot. The chef/owner of the restau served a lot of really, really great food. Awww! I swear it was the perfect ending to such a long and tiring day.

Of course, the conversations was really enjoyable and fun as well. I became a bit talkative (I think it was the red wine...haha!). My dinner mates were Grace, Tessa and Leon. Chef GB entertained as well. Actually, it felt more like a lecture because he was explaining each dish. Haha! Leon is the director of the school, and he's a really nice guy. Plus, we have another thing in common. *wink wink*

The first time I had a meeting with him. He just pulled out his laptop and showed his partner to everyone. I'm like, "Whoa! Talk about being out in the open."

But he's a really nice and funny guy.

Anyway, after the fantastic dinner and the talks, we all decided to call it a night. It was after all just Thursday. One more work day to go.

That night was really fun, and I'm thankful for that shoot because I got to have a little fun, which I really need right now.

What's Up?

I haven't been posting for the past few days because a lot, and I mean a lot, has been happening in my life lately.

What's really putting all the pressure on me is this new job. I've been with the company for more than a month now, but believe me when I say I'm still adjusting. There are just so many things that I still have to learn, and there are just so many things I still have to get used to.

I've been learning a lot from this new job, and I could say that it is interesting. On certain days, I feel like I'm going to hyperventilate because I don't know which task to do first. I thought I was already OC enough by listing down the things to do for the day, but then while in the middle of the day, something comes up and my entire schedule needs to be adjusted again. Haha!

There have been a number of frustrations too. Who am I kidding? Is there really a job with no frustrations at all? But I'm learning to deal with things. It's not difficult, I swear and it's really putting me to a test. Haay! I need to deal with so many things fast. Otherwise, I may end up six feet under the ground before I even hit 30. Cause of death: Heart attack.

There's another thing that happened last week, which came as quite a surprise.

Remember a couple of posts ago I was asking whether it is possible to know you're going to die that day. Hmm, I found out last week that the answer to that is "no."

Some really big things just happen and you wouldn't have the slightest hint that it would happen.

I didn't die and this isn't a ghost writing. It's still me. But I did experience some form of "death" last week, and right now, I'm still in denial.

I don't know.

It just didn't seem right that it's going to be like this.

Salvador-Isherwood Nuptials


The Newlyweds


The Bridal Car...Ooh la la!


Look how elegant the setting is...


Heart of Palm Rolled in...aka Designer Lumpiang Ubod...


Some (Blurred) Guests)


Designer Chicken Adobo


Heavenly Desserts


Girls Gone Wild?!


Kate and Pam in their Tom Ford YSL-inspired dresses


Richie and Suki


Mr. Fendi, Me and Tita Zeny in her Jojie Lloren that could pass for a Carolina Herrera!

My Friday evening was spent at the wedding (reception...hehe!) of Ate Arlene and Christian.

Ate Arl is the eldest sister of Suki.

I wish I could have attended the wedding ceremonies at Santuario de San Antonio (everyone was saying how beautiful it was!!!), but I couldn't get out of the office till five.

Anyway, as soon as the clock struck five, Mr. Fendi (my necktie) and I left the office and headed to Le Souffle at the Fort where the reception was held.

When I got there, the reception hasn't started yet so at least, I got to say hi to people and above all, congratulate the newlyweds.

Congratulations, Ate Arl and Christian!

I Love You, Kate



Look, look, look!!!

Paris Vogue's Dec. 2005 issue. Kate Moss on the cover. Four covers!!!

Never mind that I don't understand French at all.

These four issues are Kate heaven to any Kate fan.

Thank you, Ate Arl and Christian!

Rent...Rent...Rent...



Watching Rent the Movie tonight at Galleria.

Woo woo woo!

If you're free, please go and watch this movie. You'll be supporting the Remedios AIDS Foundation. Tickets are only P300. The advance screening will be at Robinsons Galleria at 8PM.

For ticket information, please contact the Remedios AIDS at 524-09-24 / 524-48-31.

I miss...

After what seems like 48 years, I finally meet Suki, Richie, I-vanchy, and Tito Gerry last night for an Icon meeting.

We met up at the Coffee Bean in Greenbelt III to discuss three photo shoots for the next issue of Icon - the cover shoot (oooohhh!!! who's the next Icon cover boy?), the features shoot (cross your fingers that we get to pull this off, because when we do get to make it happen, you'll be crossing your legs next to hide something...hahaha!), and a fashion shoot.

Haaay!!!

I miss photo shoots!!! I've always being in photo shoots because I feel so creative and there's just so much energy. Now that I'm a corporate slave, my only chance of ever attending another photo shoot is if it's scheduled on a weekend, or if I absent myself from work. Either of the two, or if the guy to be shot is Gary Dulatas!!! (Sukes, you can have Einar! Hehe!)

And should I say goodbye to styling? I love, love, love it and I would love to still do it, and I know there's SO much more to learn but with the new life that I am in right now, when will I get to style again?

I miss going to different stores to look for clothes and accessories. I miss pulling out even if it's so difficult! I miss carrying all those heavy carrier bags. I miss staying up late at night to assemble the clothes. I miss getting toxic because the shoot's running late. I miss meeting these new people. I miss dressing up the models. I miss getting tired but really happy because the shoot went great. I miss the tension as the clothes are being inspected when I return them.

Haaay! Should I say goodbye to all these?

And on top of it all, I miss my friends. Gad! Seeing everyone last night has made me feel at home again, and not so drained. What can I say? These guys give me energy.

Resolution: I should go out and still meet everyone even if that means dragging myself to Makati after work. (But I still need a cutoff time of 11PM, so I can catch the last PVP trip. Or I-vanchy, you'll have to bring me to Taft. Haha!)

Alrightey. I feel alive again!

Morbid in the Morning...

Can I be morbid at 7.30 in the morning?

Last night, my brother went to the wake of his friend. My Mom told me that my brother's friend was stabbed for no reason. He was just walking, probably on his way home, and someone stabbed him. That's it. His life just ended like that.

And my brother is only 25, and his friend is probably of the same age.

About two or three years ago, I was waiting for a bus just outside where my old office used to be, UP-PGH, in Taft Ave. It was a busy weekday afternoon and traffic was moving slowly. The traffic light was red and all vehicles stopped. People were getting off this one bus. A lady got off through the door farthest away from the driver, and probably thinking that it was still red, decided to hurry up to cross to the other side.

Unfortunately, very unfortunately, the traffic lights went green and the bus driver probably didn't see her. I, on the other hand, knowing that the inevitable was going to happen closed my eyes and turned my head.

There was nothing anyone can do.

While in Jolo, some volunteers and I went out one afternoon to go to the market. As the sun set, we headed back to the hospital just to be safe. An hour after we got back at the hospital, there was a commotion at the emergency room. Seven people were shot by unidentified people. These people were just standing outside their house, and a vehicle drives by and shoots them.

I go up to the operating room, and there lay two of the victims. The surgeons were racing against time to save the two guys' life. One almost didn't make it. But things turned out okay and both men survived.

What am I trying to say here?

The two people who died in my stories above, did they have any idea that they were going to die that day when they woke up? Did the seven people who got shot have the slightest inkling that what happened was going to happen?

I guess I'm just astounded by this reality of how quick one's life can change. How in a snap of a finger, your life can just be cut short.

Enhancing the Energy of my Desk...

I've been feng shui-ing my desk here at the office.

I guess just to protect myself in this corporate jungle and to bring me good fortune as well.

It wasn't so difficult to know what to put if you have a mother who rearranges the house furniture every two weeks and hangs crystals in specific places of the house.

Alright, so far the first thing that I did was to ask for another table that would make me face the door. (I've been at the office for only two weeks and here I am already making these demands. Haha!) Well, the table hasn't arrived yet so I'm in a very uncomfortable sitting position right now.

Alright, what you should get from here is that your desk should give you a view of the door. But it is suggested that your desk be facing adjacent from the door so you won't absorb the energy (you don't know if they have good or bad energy) of the people coming in.

Next, I've made sure that I have my back is facing a wall. The wall does not necessarily have to be right behind me. It should just be behind my back. The reason for this is for stability. If you have your back towards the window, you have to reorient your work space because the open window symbolizes unstability.

Okay, let's go to the desk. There are many ways to enhance your desk. So far, what I've done are the basics.

1.) Have a fortune plant or a money tree on the left corner of your desk for good fortune. The fortune plant however should be given to you by someone.

2.) Place a small fountain on your desk. If it's not possible to have a fountain, get a photo of running water (I have a photo of the sea) and place it on the center of your desk. The ocean, from what I've learned last night in a talk, is magnetic. So if you're feeling stressed, frustrated, angry, look into that photo of running water and release all your negative feelings into it.

3.) Place a photo of your family or partner as well on your desk.

4.) Keep your desk organized and clutter-free at all times. An organized desk and well kept files shows respect for work. Plus, it helps you keep a peaceful energy.

Alright, these are just a few of the basics. I'm sure there's a lot more but my desk is just too small to do everything.

I've also added an executive pi yao. I was adviced by the feng shui/meditation guy to get one for protection against backstabbers, for maintaining power, authority and success in my career. The pi yao is placed at your back and if possible on the right side.

So that's it.

Another One of These...

Got this from this girl who got it from Rony.

I have some thoughts to post but this should do for now.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what did you think?
Uhm, at the risk of sounding narcissistic, "You look good in the long-sleeved pink/purple checked shirt (which Richie dubbed as my Stepford Wife shirt) you're wearing."

But really, I think it was on Oprah where I saw someone recommending that it's healthy to tell yourself nice things in front of the mirror every now and then.

2. How much cash do you have on you?
You wouldn't believe me. But I know some person has P400,000++ in his/her ATM account. I almost fainted when I saw the ATM slip. Haha!

3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"?
West?

4. Favorite planet?
Used to be Earth but now that it's getting all dirty and all, I wish there would be another planet selected people can move to. Haha!

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
Ilene from the College of Mass Comm.

6. What is your favorite ring on your phone?
My ring tone is NYC, and my alarm tone is Sundays. I love both.

7. What shirt are you wearing?
See question #1.

8. Do you "label" yourself?
No, but other people label me.

9. Name the brand of shoes you're currently wearing now
Blahnik...yeah, right!

10. Bright or Dark Room?
Bright room.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
She says she's skeptic, and since I don't know her, I guess I'll just believe her.

12. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Sleeping.

13. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
That some photos were already emailed to me.

14. Where is your nearest 7-11?
Uhm, in Apacible St.?

15. What's a saying(s) that you say a lot?
"Well, well, well, look do we have here!"

16.Who told you they loved you last?
The one and only.

17. Last furry thing you touched?
I don't remember. The ponyskin table top at Sean's place. But I don't think that's fur. It's more like hairy.

18. How many days of school did you miss this week?
School? None. Work? None.

19. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
I don't usually have it developed. I just get the index prints processed. I want a digital cam this year though.

20. Favorite age you have been so far?
22 I think.

21. Your worst enemy?
Where do I begin? Just kidding. I don't like having enemies.

22. What is your current desktop picture:
A very sexy D&G wallpaper.

23. What was the last thing you said to someone?
"How was dinner?"

24. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, which would you choose?:
Helllooo!!! A million bucks!

25. Do you like someone?
Hindi lang like...love pa...yiheee!

26. The last song you listened to?
Posible by River Maya.

27. Carmen Electra or Pam Anderson?
Sandara Park or Yasmin Kurdi?