I cant believe its only three days til Christmas day!!!

I havent even bought a single gift yet! Honest!!

Oh well. I was never good at giving Christmas gifts anyway....

Merry Christmas everyone! If you did not get a gift from me, be comforted by the knowledge that no one else did :)

There's something about...

....the past few months that have drained the blog writing skills of a lot of people I know, myself included. I dont know what it is, but some energy zapping bug mustve gone around. This is my lame-ass attempt at reviving parts of my blog-brain....I need quick successive shots of electricity zooming through my veins....mild resuscitations dont seem to work too well.


...the pre-christmas air that lacks the usual chill it used to have. Yeah I know, some people will be tempted to explain this to me as the effect of not-so-recent-but-recent-enough events. Its NOT that. I'm sure of it :p There's also something in the air that seems to attract storms lately...there has been two in the past few weeks or so. The hot-cold-hot again weather has taken its effect on me, I know have sniffles and a weird voice two weeks before xmas!!! NOOOO!!! I have christmas duties to attend to :(

...me. I dont know what it is, but something's weird. About me. I have never been this way before....

Buddy Up for Adoption.

I’m selling everything as a complete photo starter set:

Canon 300D with kit 18-55 EF-S lens with UV protector
Canon 420EX Speedlite flash
1 G CF card
Tamrac camera bag

Everything still works perfectly…and I’m hoping to upgrade soon (which is why I’m selling). Interested? Please leave me a message.

just cant get this outta my head

From the Avenue Q Soundtrack that I've been listening to over and over and over again...

There's a Fine, Fine Line

There's a fine, fine line between a lover and a friend;

There's a fine, fine line between reality and pretend;

And you never know 'til you reach the top if it was worth the uphill climb.

There's a fine, fine line between love

And a waste of time.

There's a fine, fine line between a fairy tale and a lie;

And there's a fine, fine line between "You're wonderful" and "Goodbye."

I guess if someone doesn't love you back it isn't such a crime,

But there's a fine, fine line between love

And a waste of your time.

And I don't have the time to waste on you anymore.

I don't think that you even know what you're looking for.

For my own sanity, I've got to close the door

And walk away...Oh...

There's a fine, fine line between together and not

And there's a fine, fine line between what you wanted and what you got.

You gotta go after the things you want while you're still in your prime...

There's a fine, fine line between loveAnd a waste of time.

tatlong...ewan

tatlong...ewan, originally uploaded by socs.

everyone grows old.

but when you're a kid...getting old isnt such a bad thing.
that's why I decided to be a kid again last weekend...spending most of my time with them at home...letting them beat me at their WWE PS2 game and learning tips and tricks on how to play Avatar...

"fish out of water" and "finding your sea legs"
they dont really seem related....but they are.

its all about re-thinking some past thoughts, thats all.
after all, those initial ideas were not based on any actual experience, nor factual data.

reset. reboot. and then begin again.

I finally get the chance to blog!!!

Its been roughly three weeks since I stepped on Philippine soil, and since then, I've evaded typhoon Milenyo by heading off to Iloilo, spent rainy days and nights in Boracay, met and made new friends, tried out a new activity and I'm finally trying to get some semblance of routine back into my life.

Of all thats happened so far, my favorite has to be the Iloilo-Boracay trip. I went with Allan and his friends and his friends' significant others and in the process, I've learned a lot about them -- the memories, times and customs that they've developed over the years of being friends -- and a lot about myself and how I live and look at life, family, friends, career and relationships.

I'm tempted to post group photos here, but I think I have to ask permission first :p So, in the meantime, here's a classic Bora shot with the rock in the background....(whats it called again? Willy's Rock?)

bora sand blob, originally uploaded by socs.

More photos and more updates to follow! (Hopefully soon).

. . .

WTC 2006 - 2, originally uploaded by socs.

I've always been wary of those who try and reflect on the events of 9/11 5 years ago...especially if they were not there, not american, not an eyewitness, not related to a victim...you get the point...therefore, I wont ruin this series of photos with more words.

These are photos I took from Hoboken, New Jersey, overlooking Lower Manhattan where two beams of light (although from this angle, it only appears as one) symbolize where the twin towers used to be.

WTC 2006 - 5

WTC 2006 - 5, originally uploaded by socs.

WTC 2006 - 4

WTC 2006 - 4, originally uploaded by socs.

WTC 2006 - 3

WTC 2006 - 3, originally uploaded by socs.

Central Park

centralpark, originally uploaded by grache23.

...it was a beautiful day when we toured most of the city sights and the shops that they wanted to go to. the sun was out the whole day, but there was a hint of a cold breeze as well.

we started at 72th street on the west side of Central Park, made our way down to its Southeast corner, straight down still along 5th avenue stopping by Rockefeller, St Patrick's, NY Library and the Empire State before heading west again to do some shopping Midtown.

From there, we headed off to SoHo (but not before we got lost somewhere in chinatown) where they did some more shopping.

At the end of it all, my reward was a sumptuous Moroccan dinner of Lamb with couscous..Yum!

SoHo

socsnjen3, originally uploaded by grache23.

...resting after an entire day of touring and shopping!

Grand Central Station with Buddy

socs, originally uploaded by grache23.

light another candle

The 28th candle lights up today.

The entire day and even the day before, it was just like any other birthday. I didnt have anything fancy planned, just as it would be if I were home.

I didnt spread the word at work here. It was sufficient and heartwarming enough that my co-workers in Manila remembered, and were sending their Happy Birthdays since yesterday. Loved ones have wished me well already so everything was complete.

But as I was walking home today, I suddenly realized that when I come home, I was going to NOT celebrate my birthday alone. NOT celebrating at home where everyone else was around me (albeit not celebrating) is one thing, but not celebrating alone is another. I tried to get myself something just to make like I'm doing something but the small cakes that used be at the supermarket nearby were nowhere to be seen.

For the first time, I'm NOT celebrating my birthday on my own. Its not depressing, I think. It just feels...well, weird.

I guess it could be worse....I could really be celebrating it, but still be on my own.

buzz around my head won't you?

If there's one thing I didnt expect to ask myself this year, its this question. The question that been running in my head over and over again. I didnt think I would reach this point...but never say never truly.

No, its NOT that part of my life. that's doing very very well :)

This is more, well, something thats been part of me for oh...a little over 5 years I think. And its a common theme believe me.

I'm starting with the questions....I suppose the answers cannot be far away...right?

Usher on Broadway!!!

Chicago starring Usher, originally uploaded by socs.

Jenny flew in for the weekend for some healthy dose of Broadway...we headed for TKTS to catch a matinee and lo and behold, there it was. Usher in a crisp suit, in all his Usher-dom for a Chicago ad!!! We both went..."Usher! Chicago! OH MY GOD!".

And that sort of decided it. We would head back to TKTS and find out if there were any Chicago tickets on sale.

There were five of us watching the matinee show for The Producers, but only us two were determined to see THE man himself. So we got in line early evening and got us two tickets, in separate seats at 25% off. Okay, so we cant gush together, but at least there wont be a pool of drool at our feet.

We got the worst seat in the house but we were seated anyway, while a whole bunch were standing (yes, they had SRO seats! er...tickets :p). It was a packed house, and no wonder since Usher only started Tuesday...

Long story short, we got to see him perform, heard him add his own flavor to the Billy Flynn songs and saw him make his moves onstage...I wouldve loved to wait for him outside the theatre, but dozens of others had the same thing in mind. So after the show, I got my programme and left singing Chicago songs in my head.

Overall, I loved it better than the Producers. Not only because of Usher, but because the songs were great, the performers were really very good, the choreography was powerful and the cast was simply awesome.

I can leave New York feeling very fulfilled. :)

moving the second time around

In keeping with the times, I've opted to write about what I remember most about the previous (now) two homes that the company have had since I joined....

1. Toilet breaks in Erechem meant grabbing the keys to the Ladies' by the side door OR
2. Using the Toilet and Bath off the pantry (yeah, we had a shower there, you could easily spend the night there...though I'm not sure I would've wanted to)
3. The conference room that served as pantry extension during lunch time
4. ...and the white board that lets you print a copy of whats written in it
5. Erechem elevators that stop functioning during off hours (and I think the staircase doors are closed at that time too)...to get out, you'd have to call security on the ground floor to activate the elevator
6. PACSPORTS golf store
7. The one thing I really could NOT understand about RCBC...the bronze statue depicting EDSA....it just doesnt go with the very modern, streamlined, glass-y and silver-y building.
8. the lobby drop off I have to admit, is one of my favorite spots...
9. along with the 3rd floor of the Podium part of the building (where the theatre is)
10. the pockets of "team" areas in the RCBC office...I dont think anyone ever utilized them though...
11. Breathtaking views of the Manila Bay sunset. I dont think Net 2 can top that.

NYC reunion

IMG_3604, originally uploaded by socs.

After more than a year, I finally see Grache again.

I was away for work when she moved to the US and this assignment has given us the opportunity to catch up....sort of.

Thing is, it was just as she said. When we saw each other, we picked up where we left off. Its like we just saw each other the other week. I guess because I still knows what was going on with her life, she knows whats going on with mine and we both know that we're heading off in a certain path...so we were never really disconnected I guess. Even though the email, phone call and chats are not as often as you would expect.

I suppose after 12 or 13 years of being friends, things just happen the way they're supposed to happen. And its easy to accept that when you have so much history.

It was great seein' ya grache....as for the other girls, I'm coming home soon :)

Oh and by the way, I should write about the whole weekend soon....when I can get around to it.

Is all that antagonism really called for?

Call me naïve, but from what I see, we all have the same goals here…so why does one have to make it so difficult for the other?

Day by day I am realizing that maybe I really am not cut out for this.
I thrive where people work together and a handful of hostility can be easily squashed with a little bitchy foot.

indulgences

every now and then we have to give ourselves permission to indulge...last saturday, I allowed myself to spend for brunch at one of New York's popular places...Tavern on the Green at Central Park. Yeah, it was the priciest brunch I've ever had...but how many people can actually say they've been there?!? Okay, a lot maybe...but still, I know a lot who probably wouldnt have spent for that. This photo is an authentic fremed souvenir.

tavern group, originally uploaded by socs.

after brunch, it was on to more cash out of the wallet. TKTS for Broadway. I was not in any mood that day to watch Broadway, but when I saw that they had tickets for Avenue Q available, I immediately lit up and recommended it to my companions. We got our tickets at 50% off and though they werent the best seats in the house, I was happy. I have been wanting to see this show since I saw the 2004 Tony Awards. my chance had come. and I have the programme to prove it too! (plus the memories of those scenes, songs and storylines....I will never look at a puppet the same way again!)

now that I've had my second Broadway experience...I'm craving for more....maybe next week? lets see....does it still count as an indulgence if it becomes a once a week thing?

typical morning:

i wake up to the sound of the cellphone alarm. its a sound i've grown to hate. and a sound i recognized from the countless people in the street who has the same phone model. and there are lots. In the office alone, one person a few desks from me uses the same tone as his ringtone. and everytime i hear it I feel like throwing stones at it. shut up alarm! i want to sleep some more! in fact, i want to sleep for, oh, i dont know...maybe 6 weeks and approximately 3 days more?

on better mornings a phone rings before the alarm goes off. that i dont mind. when it rings there are only two choices, either way, I wouldn’t mind hearing either voice. most of the time, its who I expect it to be…and for a few brief moments I am happy to be awake. its actually among the best time of the day for me. and like most best things, it ends too soon. And the alarm goes off the snooze mode and starts that irritating sound again.

more and more, I'm finding it hard to accept that second sound of the alarm and let me fully wake me up, to push myself out of bed and get going, to put down that phone and face facts that yeah, I have to face another day here in order find myself home. soon.

so i drag myself out of bed and end the day so that it can begin again the same way the following morning.

pause

I would like to take a moment in the middle of yet another crazy day to say....

Yeah... Its real. I have to ask myself over and over again sometimes just to make sure I'm not missing out on something that actually makes its all untrue.

But there's none.

And I'm thankful for that.

D and D

D and D, originally uploaded by socs.

it was a no brainer. such a simple thing. and so close to my heart even.

BUT I thought about it too late. and i was reminded of it too late. thank you though for reminding me still. i'm saving the idea for something that'll be just mine.

oh well. this belongs here anyway. a souvenir shot of my Dean and Deluca moment.

I think tomorrow I'll go get myself another one of those.

little home, big world

little home, big world, originally uploaded by socs.

imagine

imagine, originally uploaded by socs.

I have to admit that I am not a Beatles fan.

But I am aware that they are one of the biggest, most influential groups in the music industry.

After an afternoon trip to the Museum of Natural History (and a failed attempt at finding Ross in there), we stopped by the "Strawberry Fields" in Central Park where Tonio encouraged us all to spend a few seconds in silence to pay our respects...and that was after he kissed the ground where this monument was (well, okay, he didnt, but I'm sure he wouldve if he needed to).

Rest in peace, John. You obviously still have a lot of people who look up to you.

being the tourist that I am

I have to admit, I was not really looking forward to heading to the historical Ellis Island and to where the Statue of Liberty herself was. I was happy with the glimpse I had of the statue from the free Staten Island Ferry on that first NY trip years ago. But, Tonio had friends over and I didnt really have anything to do...so might as well.

It turned out okay. We went to Ellis Island were the original immigrants landed in search of something better. I looked around at statistics of immigrants in the US, how they've grown over the years and they will continue to grow I guess.

And then we went to the Statue of Liberty herself. I wasnt looking forward to actually going up the monument, so I guess the fact that the actual interior was fully booked was not a disappointment for me. I tried to look around for a souvenir magnet or shot glass but didnt find anything I wanted. What I did find was this edited photo were they basically put your face on bodies of immigrants who made it to the US all those years ago. See if you can find me and my twin in the photo!

I must add, I dont think the dress is particularly flattering on me. The "other" outfit kinda suits me better hehee.

I have immigrant ancestors! (not!), originally uploaded by socs.

On our way home, we were treated to US Coast Guards as escorts...well, no not really. They were cruising just right beside our ferry. I guess I can also think they're possibly staking out a terrorist among the crowd...but I'd rather think that we were being given the VIP treatment :P

US Coast Guard, originally uploaded by socs.

More photos from this day's trip uploaded in both PBASE and FLICKR.

red sky

red sky, originally uploaded by socs.

Last week it was a full moon.

The other day it was a rainbow in a park fountain.

Tonight it was July 4 part 2.

I wonder what's in store for me this weekend?

Despite all the stress and issues I have, I must say, its things like these that remind me how lucky I really am to be where I am.

More photos are in my pbase gallery.

fancy colors

rainbow1, originally uploaded by socs.

I pass by a nearby park to and from the way to work. Each time I'm on my way home though, I make it a point to check out the fountain.

Since Summer arrived, kids have been making their way to this fountain, dressed in their swimsuits, splashing and playing around. Each time I would check to see whether or not a rainbow would form.

See, at around 6 or 7 PM, the sun hits the water at an angle...promising the possibility of rainbows.

I caught one such moment yesterday and took a photo with my camera phone.

A rainbow at the end of the day? Can't think of better ways to finish stressful days in the office.

moon over manhattan

I was checking to see if the door to the balcony was locked before I called it a day when I realized that I was missing out on something....



moon1
Originally uploaded by socs.

moon2
Originally uploaded by socs.

I've tried over and over again to get a decent photo of the full moon...and I'm thankful I was greeted with that view above to practice with. I think I'm getting closer to getting what I want...I just need a better lens to experiment with.

july 4 fireworks

IMG_3289, originally uploaded by socs.

It was an evening like any other. Except that there was no work when there should have been one. And that all roads lead to Manhattan -- more than usual.

It was July 4 and it was my first ever US Independence Day celebration. Macy's fireworks are THE fireworks display to see when in New York (or nearby New Jersey).

The original plan was to watch from Jersey City's Liberty State Park with a friend, an officemate and my officemate's family. But a few hours before that, someone offers an extra pass to watch from within the UN grounds in Manhattan. Hmm....lets see...New Jersey or New York? It was an absolute no brainer.

So I went with him to NY....got there a bit late and didnt really get a good spot. But hey, with all the people fighting for space, I'm just glad we had space to breathe and sit and be comfortable. The end result is a handful of photos which are less than half of the total photos I took from that night. I used the crowd's silhouette as a foreground and tried as best as I could to capture the fireworks.

Pbase and Flickr have photos of the event.

uploaded

where I live
Originally uploaded by socs.

I've uploaded a new batch of photos taken last week of my current 'hometown', Hoboken, New Jersey. My favorite photo is this one above...if you go to my flickr account and view that photo, you'll find the notes I made and you'll know why I'm so fond of it :p

Both pbase and flickr have been updated, please drop by when you can :)

sad, sad day

Brazil is out of the World Cup.

I have now settled down and am dealing with the shock. How could the defending champions lose?????

The answer is in Zidane great skill in leading France. He was clearly in control, moving the ball around, displaying great skill in ball control and passing it accurately to his equally impressive teammates. It was a beautifully executed free kick...landing near the edge of the far post, where a very free Henry picked it up and flicked it into the goal in one accurate touch.

What I'm not sure of is whether France's defense was really so tight that they prevented any Ronaldo or Ronaldinho attempts and plays...I suppose they were because I didnt see any Brazil magic that I've always loved and always look forward to.

Now I have to find a new favorite team to win this year's cup.

FlickrD!

I know already have more than enough online galleries out there...but for some reason, I just felt like I wanted another one. So...just to prove to people that yeah, I do get my ass off the couch every now and then, I've uploaded some photos from the last few months up until this previous week here.

OMG.

Lola na ko.

And I'm not saying that because I'm whining about my age. I am stating a fact. Lola na talaga ako.

Let me try and explain....in my freshman year in High School, I discovered that one of my classmates, Tricia, (who also happened to be one of the first few friends I made that time) whom people have been saying look like me turned out to be a relative. Her dad is my dad's pamangkin which makes her my 2nd degree pamangkin. She has an older brother, Jojo (also older than I am). Therefore, when we got to college and all three of us were in the same university, I had a batchmate-friend who would sometimes call me Tita, and another older and upper batch guy who enjoyed calling me Tita (because of the age difference).

A year or two ago, Jojo got married (or sometime thereabouts...with so many weddings happening, I can no longer keep track!). This afternoon, I found out that his wife gave birth a few weeks back.

That makes me the little girl, Danielle's Lola.

'Susmaryosep. I think I'm just about ready to faint.


PS
Jojo sent me a photo and my little apo is soo cute! Congratulations!

hello again.

I'm back in the US.
after several attempts to write something optimistic, I'm settling for a "hello".

lets see what the next few months have in store for me.

wrapped up and warped up

Yes. I have made the transition from constant blogger to lazy blogger. Apologies intermittent readers, my entries have become too well spaced in between. I guess in an attempt to make time fly by faster, I spent most of my free time willing it all to be over and done with.

BUT. Phase One is over, now on to Phase Two. And possibly a Phase Three in the horizon. It will all depend on how the wheels turn. In the meantime I will continue with attempts to keep the ties to home still tied up as tight as I possibly can, in between these crazy turn of events.

The question has become not "when" but "how". How on earth can lives be lived two weeks at a time?

Socs and the City 2

Yeah, I'm using that title yet again. Just because I can't think of one...and hell, I AM in the city anyway.

New York is damp, dreary and cold today....and my mood is just as terrible. Wow, so I guess I'm really establishing some sort of vibe with Manhattan already?

Probably not.

In an attempt to lift up my dour mood, I've utilized my stolen wi-fi and did an entire round of visiting the sites I frequent. YES, WHILE IN THE OFFICE! So sue me! I found a message on Friendster Bulletin Board about an Advertising slogan generator using any word you give it...and they were suggesting using your name. So why the hell not?

Below are the authentic first five slogans it gave me...gotta admit, it made me forget my bad mood for a bit.

1. Its the Socs you can See.
2. Nobody does it like Socs.
3. The Loudest Noise comes from the Electric Socs.
4. Give a Meal Socs-Appeal.
5. Tonight, Let it be Socs.

Uhm. Yeah.

They dont make sense, but then again, most things dont. So this is still within the bounds of what is (or should be) considered "normal".

duh.

I've been making excuses.

and hiding the fact that this isnt really turning out the way I had thought it would.
I guess when one thing's going well, something else has to give.


Still, I have to try and snap out of this.

Socs and the City (was: getting back on track)

I've been idle (photo-wise) enough.

So I decided to step out last Saturday, since the weather is better than it has been...certainly friendlier to a tropical creature like me. The destination: Downtown Manhattan....WTC site, NY City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge. I think my lack of photo activity in the past month shows in the photos...oh well. I will keep working on them. Like I always do. For now, I hope you guys like 'em :)

me at the WTC site

my vanilla cone on a not-really-that-warm spring day

my favorite Brooklyn Bridge pic, not a very unique take on an often photographed subject I know, but I like it still

in the subway (on 2 heading uptown)

To see my other photos, please visit my pbase gallery here.

my coachella almost-weekend

Got up early on a Saturday morning, I prepared myself for my trip West. I’ve researched the day before and found the shuttle to Newark, my alternative for airport commute. Train direct to the airport would have been easier and shorter, but an early flight means that NJ Transit wont be running in time for my flight (mental note: outbound trips from NY / NJ have to be from 9 am onwards).

I decided to go for the 330 AM PATH train to Manhattan, with connections to Subway’s L and E trains to end up at Port Authority, the shuttle pick-up point. Yes. 330 AM. Meaning I was up by 2 AM. An ungodly hour by anyone’s standards to wake up. It didn’t help that on the train, other commuters were either heading home from a Friday night out or from a late night shift at an all-hour place. I consoled myself that what I lack in night outs on the town, I am making up for with Cali trips and sufficient (sort of) sleep at night.

*

A little background information: I have a habit of giving myself ample time to get lost or become ½ of the TSF duo (read: Two Stupid Foreigners). Why? Because I’d rather be safe than sorry. Having said that, I’d go back to my story and state that I found the shuttle stop at 4 am. Bus arrives at 5 am. Better safe than sorry. Right? Right.

The upside to this is that it was probably in the higher 40s or 50s F tat morning, so I was amply warm. And the lights on 42nd Avenue were up and bright still. This is New York, after all. I would’ve taken a photo, but traveling light prevented me from bringing my tripod.

*

By 530 AM, I was in Newark. My flight leaves at 8 AM, and I had no checked-in luggage. Say it with me…Better safe than sorry.

To brace myself for the 4-hour flight to Denver with no food included in the ticket, I got myself coffee and took out my sandwich, wrapped and prepared at home which I brought with me to save up on cash. Yes, I thought that out too.

*
By now I’m sure I’ve established an impression of being a picky planner. Things have to be well thought out.

Not quite.

My California trip needed a lot of work. I would arrive in Ontario on a Saturday, at 1245 PM, and that is Day 1 of Coachella. My main reason for being there. I didn’t realize that Ontario was 60/70 miles from the venue and Pads would be driving that distance to pick me up. To top it off, Coachella was a 2-day event, and I’ve booked myself on a 630 PM flgith the following day, Day 2 of the event that lasts til midnight. Given the distance, and all other circumstances, how on earth will I:
a) attend both days of Coachella
b) watch Madonna who is scheduled on the evening of the second day
c) get to Ontario without causing Pads to miss the show
d) arrive on Monday morning in time for work

Well planned? I think not.

I considered changing my flight two weeks before to leave later, but rebooking still meant:
a) leaving later on Sunday, but not late enough to let Pads NOT miss the show
b) leaving on a Monday instead…but work issues are among the other things I have to consider
c) paying 300++ in fees

One option I explored was to leave Coachella earlier on Sunday via a taxi to the hotel, and then take an airport shuttle or taxi to Ontario from Palm Springs. This way, Pads wont miss the show. The catch? The shuttle will take me back a whopping 170++!!

The end result? Lets save that for later….

*

After traffic from Ontario, I found myself in Coachella. At last! My first band that day was Wolfmother, an Aussie group according to Pads. Not knowing what to expect, I kept an open mind as Pads and I snuck inside the tent through a side opening. And I was pleasantly surprised. Their music took me back to those HS days when I would lock myself up in my room playing rock music that can be heard all throughout the house. The guitars, the gut-wrenching music awakened an interest I’ve long ignored. This was not the type of group that turned me off from the band scene at all! This was music that grabs me. That, plus the sight of musicians and fans totally into the music made me ask why I became unfaithful in the first place. I was lost and in that Gobi tent, I was found. Sure, my height (or lack thereof) meant I only saw the bouncing heads of the band members every so often, or the end of electric guitar…but the bass and the music was enough to draw me back in. I did not need to see them…and at that moment, I muttered a heartfelt “Thank You” to a God who has given me gift of hearing.

*

Coachella Valley music festival has been drawing bands and crowds of people since 1999. I got myself a souvenir shirt after grabbing a very late lunch. The venue grounds were really Polo fields, I was told. And it was a sprawling venue. Ample parking, layout for 5 music stages and various themed tents, food booths, ‘beer gardens’ and a secured camping are for those who chose to camp out near the venue. I told myself that if I were to attend again next year and budget would be tight (as it probably will be), I would go for the camp grounds too. It has such a “Woodstock” appeal to it, that I just couldn’t ignore. Whether or not it would happen remains to be seen….

*

Common and Kanye West played on the Coachella stage late in the afternoon. I know I said I grew up listening to rock bands, but I also grew up with an inexplicable interest in dancing. And nothing was more conducive to dancing that Common and Kanye West. I bobbed my head and moved my hips to the beat and had an attack of missing-my-dancing-partner-Grache moment…

*

Pads and I broke off with our small group to see Imogen Heap in the Gobi tent. Prior to Coachella, my only exposure to her was a single song which I loved immensely. Watching (yes, I found a spot where I could see her from the shoulder up) and hearing her perform was and is indescribable. This was my most recent type of musical fascination…women artists like Tori Amos and Cynthia Alexander. I wont classify as I’m bad at that…I just know that her voice was and is haunting and her music equally so. I wanted to close my eyes and lose myself in the music. I could stand there with my eyes shut and listen, and I knew that if I did, I would feel as if I’m floating. I can’t explain it. That’s just how it made me feel.

*

By the time Damien Marley and Depeche Mode were playing, it was late and dark and people were more in the mood to dance and move about (although a whole lot more were sprawled on the grass…so we had to keep our eyes open lest we step on some people). The venue was surrounded by Palm trees lit up in various colors and several spotlights were pointing up above Coachella to almost meet at a point overhead. It created a pyramid-like roof above our heads and lying down on the grass, it was easy to think that we were almost always directly underneath the very center.

*

Daft Punk was the perfect wake-me-upper. By the time they played I was awake for almost 24 hours already and traveled from East coast to West coast. The beat and the mix made me wish I had glow sticks while dancing. It also made me wish I knew how to work them. But I danced anyway, a bit, not as much as I would if I were with Grache and the girls maybe, but dance I did. What really caught our attention however, was a couple dancing directly in front of us. They started out with suggestive dancing. Acceptable by ‘Western’ standards, I suppose. And then it got a little more than just dancing. They started kissing while dancing, and my eyebrow raised at that point, and I had a smirk-smile on my face then. Okay, sure, I guess that was to be expected on an evening event where music, dancing and possibly flirting and alcohol were involved. And then it went up several notches beyond that. What was dancing to the music became dancing to the beat of their own drum…a very primal drum beat it was too. The music was beyond Daft Punk. And their hands traveled way outside Coachella Valley…to somewhere where they were on their own I would think. This was Coachella, public event, hordes of people everywhere…and yet they traveled far to their own space. My raised eyebrow was joined by the other, and my eyes widened in disbelief. My mouth gaped open, mouthing OMG. My smirk-smile turned into an audible ‘get outta here and do that in private’. In Filipino of course, to my equally stunned Coachella-mates. And it went on for minutes. When they finally broke off, the guy realizes he lost his phone. Well, you get some, you lose some.

*

Sunday comes and it was time to face the dilemma. I decided to see what earlier flight or later flights I could take that wont cost me an arm and/or a leg in fees. I had a 9 PM option to LAX, and then continuing on with the same flight to Newark. Other than that, everything else was beyond my budget.

Next, I called up hotel reception to book a cab from the hotel to Ontario. All cabs were booked because of Coachella! A quick query confirmed that if a cab were available, it would indeed cost roughly 150++. Left with no other choice, I asked Pads if he could drive me to Ontario, way before my flight just so he could head to Coachella and enjoy the rest of the event. Pads, being such a wonderful pal that he really and truly is, agreed (Thanks Pads!). By noon, we were out of the hotel and driving to Ontario. I paid for gas, which was considerably less than taxi fare.

So in the end I miss out on Coachella Day 2 (but no tickets were wasted in the process, rest assured) and instead, I waited it out in the airport…waaay before my flight was due to board. At least I spent less for the commute to the airport and Pads got to enjoy the day (although he was still late for it because of me…) and well, work won’t suffer because I went away for the weekend….

shift things the other way, won't you?

Sure, there have been surprises that came along work-wise, but I had thought that as long as there is that one thing that was reliable, I would be able to at least breathe deeply each day when crunch time comes.

But, just like that, I had to hear something terrible today. Something that will dramaticall y alter both the dynamics of the current team that I'm in and the process with which we work. The relationship was fragile to begin with...I had only two or three 'buffers' which prevented me from destroying my entire day every day. Included among those 'buffers' is the knowledge that I was working with someone who knew what he was doing -- and that is changing too.

Its official. I have arrived and this project is about to begin.

Renee, if you're reading this...find me some anti-aging cream as I think this trip will age me twice as fast as the other projects I've had...

overdue

I cant believe that I've been here for almost a month already.

And yet all I have to show for this past month are a handful of photos and and even less blog entries. I suppose its because I have consciously chosen to not shoot yet. Not while the weather was too cold to be outdoors for very long. However, Spring's here and its time for Buddy to do some NYC sightseeing :)

In the meantime, I've added a few blog updates, just for the sake of updating.

Easter weekend

I woke up Saturday morning to the low sound of a foghorn. While I knew that it was from some vessel cruising the nearby Hudson River, never in the past three weeks have I heard one before. Peeking out, I found a fog-covered river with only hints of Manhattan's skyline beyond.


The weird thing about it though is that the entire Saturday was one of the best weather we've had for quite a while. Spring's in the air, and it picked Easter weekend to make itself well-known.

thank you.

they were waiting for me for over a day already....but I found 'em just in time.

morristown

During the first few weekends when I got here, I was in Morristown with William...tagging along while he searched for a flat, dragging him to grocery stores and shopping stores -- and he would almost always end up buying more than I did -- and basically just making the most of being around a familiar face before he leaves for Manila.

One of the things we did was to take his car to the car wash...being the other half of the infamous TSF duo, I naturally, had to take photos. After all, I was IN the car while they were washing! And it took less than 5 mins too.




while I didnt really that much of Morristown, we did manage to stop at Speedwell park to take some photos....out of a handful, this is the only one worth posting...

sometimes when you're feeling lost, and grappling to find who you really are, it helps to find things like these (never mind that its not necessarily accurate).

You Are a Hunter Soul

You are driven and ambitious - totally self motiviated to succeed Actively working to acheive what you want, you are skillful in many areas. You are a natural predator with strong instincts ... and more than a little demanding. You are creative, energetic, and an extremely powerful force. An outdoors person, you like animals and relate to them better than people. You tend to have an explosive personality, but also a good sense of humor. People sometimes see you as arrogant or a know it all. You tend to be a bit of a loner, though you hate to be alone. Souls you are most compatible with: Seeker Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

what's an "Amuse" ?

That was what I asked Steph and Oliver when we went out for Dessert after having Ramen dinner at Rai Rai situated in NY's East Village. "Amuse", as we think it is, is ChikaLicious' term for Appetizer.

And Chikalicious is the first ever dessert place I've been to that serves a three-course dessert,er, meal. Your dessert experience begins with their "Amuse", followed by your choice of Dessert ending with a Petit Four.

While this is not your typical big-size servings that most of those I know associate the US with, this was my very own peek at NY's nightlife. Nice, tiny places tend to have lines of people outside on the sidewalk, waiting to be seated.

I'm no expert, but I loved the experience. Watching the 'chefs' at work (including part-owner, Chika) and finding out how on earth I can extend the dessert experience given such small portions of yummy food was well worth the quite pricey experience. Hey, its not like I'm heading there every night.

Visit the restaurant's site here.

white

It snowed today.

I was already at work, locked up in one of the Conference Rooms in that monstrous maze on Irving Place and 14th, when my colleague came in and said "It's snowing!".

we went out to the hall in for a window view...and sure enough, there was snow! In April. And its Spring. And I had semi open shoes. Tomorrow morning I'll make it a point to find out what the weather forecast would be.

Good thing it stopped in the afternoon, and didnt snow again. It got a bit chilly walking home...but chilly was fine...as long as there's no snow.

little things

This morning I was out of the apartment slightly earlier compared to the past few weeks. I've been hearing the word 'Spring' a lot these past few days that I thought, okay, if it really is spring, then I can take the path by the river and not shiver in the cold wind (FYI, I did that once on my first week here and I never did it again, at least not in the morning -- waaay too cold). It wasn't chilly...and even without my scarf I was fine.

Little fella

A block away from the train station, I saw something moving a little further to my right. Lo and behold, a little furry thing was on the brick pathway, hopping, traipsing and skipping across my path. Right now I still dont know if it was a squirrel (which is, in my impression, the cute creature) or a possum (which, again, based on my limited impression on furry animals). Based on what I've seen and heard when I was in Melbourne, Possum are seen tightrope-walking on the electricity lines. Squirrels on the other hand, remind me of Disney's Chip and Dale. So, in order to make my morning happy I decided, then and there, that yes, that WAS a squirrel crossing my path.

life goes on

And speaking of path. I take the PATH train to Manhattan everyday (lousy way of introducing a new topic dont you think? I'm losing my creativity :p) . As I was reloading my Metro card, a lady on a wheelchair came up to me -- no, rolled up to me and asked if I could help her get through the gates. See, she didnt have either hand and I'm guessing she was controlling the chair using her feet (she was daintily covered). I walked over with her to the disabled access, fished out her Metcard from her bag, slipped it in, saw her through and said my "Have a great day".

It amazes me how people like her, who, despite her limitations, are out there still living their lives. Taking the subway, heading from place to place and most probably out to do something productive. Whereas I, on the other hand, have to drag myself out of bed every morning while constantly reminding myself that I have work to do...I have work to do...as a mature, responsible, adult, I have to go to work and do what I have to do....
*sigh*

coffee wisdom

Being the only SPLer onsite today was better than I had hoped. I only had one meeting for the day, and I spent more than an hour having lunch. Although, all I had was a grande Latte and a bagel with cream cheese at Starbucks. I wanted to see if I could go online there while having lunch...but then, I had to buy into the wifi. I ended up reading documentation and all while having my meal that wanted to pass itself off as 'lunch'.

In the process I realized that their Starbucks paper cups had interesting words in them. Made me think if there's anything similar with those in Manila...can someone verify for me please?

I know have a new reason to hang out at Starbucks...I want to keep copying these thoughts...

Since this photo isnt clear, I'm posting the words here as well:

The Way I See It # 85

Let go your sorrow.

Let go your blues.

Coz I know tomorrowis yesterday's news.

Let go your sadness,

give up the fight,

follow your madnessand take flight...take flight.

-- Seal,Musician. His songs can be heard on Starbucks Hear Music TM station,XM Satellite Radio Channel 75.
(Starbucks Union Square, NYC Mar 27, 2006)

the view from my balcony

My current temporary apartment is in Hoboken, New Jersey. Whenever I step out at night, this sight (along with the chilly night air) greets my senses. Funny how the view of New York City, where I will, for sure, encounter stressful days sometimes manages to soothe me.

To those who are in the US and who have not yet heard from me...I will get in touch...give me a little more time ;)

Funny, I was writing, re-writing, deleting and writing this entry over and over again when I switched the channel and tuned in to 'Under the Tuscan Sun'. Shortly after, one of the characters goes and says 'Live spherically and with childish enthusiasm and it will come your way' or something to that effect.

How apt. I needed that reminder, I needed to be told again, that life goes on no matter what and that what will happen will happen. That we go in every direction singly or not, that we need to be able to accept everything and see everything as if for the first time --- stay amazed, feel the magic --- regardless of what the experience may be.

So maybe things aren't turning out the way I wanted...that instead of coming back to this reality and facing it with he who chose me and he whom I have chosen, I am given a different reality. One that goes beyond the borders of what I've always called home. One that will transpire the way daily life does sometimes, and the way distance dictates it to transpire.

But, we are humans and humans learn how to cope. People are strong enough to deal with what life hands them. I am a strong woman. I had that strength before, and it is now even stronger now that it is fortified with his strength...now that we face it together, what can go wrong?

Life will go in the direction that it has to go. And so will we.

Nothing can be more exciting than that.

huling hirit.

Before it truly becomes obsolete and old news, I will post some old photos from my recent Cyprus trip....

Cyprus is overrun with cats.

There are no stray dogs...only stray cats. And these cats are not the sickly-looking ones either.

In photo is one such cat posing for a bunch of tourists. I was on the Kykkos-Troodos Tour from December of last year, when we stopped to take photos of the distant Monastery (the name of which escapes me now) that did not allow female visitors within.

8 hours of boredom.
Returning home from my first trip to Cyprus, I was faced with 8 hours of waiting at Dubai airport. The lengthy time I would spend inside the airport was made worse by the fact that I was arriving there shortly after midnight and my flight would be early in the morning. With nowhere to sleep and rest peacefully, I had to while time away by taking photos.

Everyone else seemed to be rushing to their departure gates, while I was killing time. I decided that some play with the shutter speed would be the best way to capture those boring hours doing nothing.

Waiting for my flight's gate announcement

Moving without walking

Life is full of possibilities...they are there everywhere we turn and in everything we do. It is those moments when we choose a possibility and turn it into reality that make life more meaningful...It is those moments that define who we are and we begin to be who we will be. It is those moments when we really live, and when we really learn.

I chose a possibility last month. It is my reality now, and life is becoming more and more meaningful everyday.

caffeine dreams

I suddenly looked back to a time x years ago when I was still jobless (by choice) and had decided that it was time to earn my own money...I gave myself a deadline in finding a 'normal' corporate job. I dont know why, when there really was no pressure anywhere. I think I just wanted to make sure that I do end up with a job, someway, somehow.

I decided that if I didn't find a job I wanted to keep by September of that year, I would sign up and become a Starbucks Barista. I had thought that that was the perfect job for me at the time...fun, different and always oozing with the lovely smell of coffee.

I should've just gone ahead and applied for a Barista job. Because the job I found was, well, relatively stress free, paying decently, but just not rewarding enough. I spent 5 months doing that first job, and though I found it okay, I couldnt stay much longer. And, as if someone had realized I was itching to do something else, my current job found me. If I had known that they would be the ones looking for me and not the other way around, I would have spent that first 5 months of being part of the workforce loading up on my caffeine fix.

But all is well that turns well. I am where I want to be. I just can't help but think that I could've been that coffee expert I've always wanted to be if I just went ahead and did it.

I really am back home

I spent my weekend holed up in Bulacan with the rest of the family.

As with any other weekend trips to Bulacan, the kids just had to take a dip in their inflatable pool. I was the designated yaya, and tempting as it was to jump in and join them, I didnt really have my inflatable pool outfit with me...so I had to content myself with watching, and making sure the one and two year olds don't drown.

Here are photos of the kids:

Top Right to left: Bea, Ally and Sam

Bottom Right to left: Carl, Paul and inaanak LJ

Cyprus: pre departure blues part 2

Today was my last chance to go shopping... and to visit the shops in Nicosia in order to bid them farewell (they're ALL closed on Sundays!!).

What's a girl who leaves the following day to do? Shop. Without direction or without looking for anything in particular. Just something I won't find in at home for half the price.

On my "almost-bought" list:

1. Red handbag made of genuine leather...worth CYP 50! No thanks.
2. Beige suede boots...Allan was eyeing it more than I was though :p
3. Green chunky sandals...yes, green! not my typical shoe color, but when I tried them on with my jeans, they worked really well for me. They didnt have it in my size though...and they were on sale!!! *Sob*
4. Brown linen blouse from Zara...think the typical bohemian/hippie ones I wear. But then, they were too pricey I think.
5. Beige handbag from Lab. Saw it weeks back and it was on sale today...but I just wasn't convinced that I should get them. When in doubt, do not buy.

So..I ended up with new pajamas and (drumroll) a brown coat from Zara!!! Wooohooo!! I need to be somewhere cold again soon! :p

Today was also my last chance to have Greek coffee, metrio style. Finally.

Ena Metrio

Come dinner time, we went back to Xefoto where there was authentic Cypriot live music (which we couldnt understand but was pleasant enough to the ear). We stayed at the same table where we were since it was near the fireplace for warmth and Allan's further attempts to capture it on photo.
















Fireplace behind me

I suppose we could have had dinner at a neighboring restaurant that also had a fireplace...but after seeing the sign outside...I had doubts that we'd be able to have our dinner in peace...

Ice cold beer and what??

what a delightful way to go...

This Turkish Delight will be the death of me...
buti nalang din pala uuwi na ko.

Cyprus: pre departure blues part 1

I am calling this 'part 1'...I don't know if that means there will be a 'part 2' but just in case...

My laptop says its 449 PM...surprisingly, the sun's still up. If it were as it was when I first got here, it would be dark by now. Its that transitional period in countries with several, varying seasons...its no longer is quite winter anymore, but neithe is it spring yet...Changing seasons, changing hours of sunlight, changing temperatures throughout the day.

Its been more than 2 months since I first stepped foot in Cyprus. As with any of my other travels, things will never be the same again. I will never hear about nor have Mediterrenean food without remembering how it really was to actually be in the Mediterrenean, having their food, having their Halloumi and feta and village salad. When I hear of people who incessantly speak of Cyprus as being sunny throughout the year, I may be able to get a word in edgewise and say, that no, they do have winter season, and that their winter IS winter...at least to tropical country dwellers like me.

I will never hear the word Kalimera again and not claim that I've heard that before. When they bring up Cyprus, I won't stop and ask where in the world Cyprus is.

Because I know. Because I've been there. Because I am still here.

On Sunday I will leave Cyprus. Will I be able to return in the future? I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not. Who knows, really? All I know is that I can cross out one more country off of my list. I will leave and take with me everything I've learned about myself, my country, this country and life and people in general -- little things, trivial things mostly. And when I leave, I will be looking forward to my next trip and my own little piece of adventure.

For now, I am posting this, because you said you liked it.

Okay enough with all that fuss....on to more Cypriot stuff.

It is my last week in Cyprus and my last full weekend (this past weekend that is) was spent in Nicosia. As we've been sightseeing a lot over the past month or so, I havent really had that much time to go around and do some serious shopping...not that I plan to spend that much anyway....but I still wanted to go shopping.

So Saturday was my shopping day. And since Cypriot stores close hella early on Saturdays and remain closed on Sundays...we were up early on Saturday morning. And then Tita Eva called...would we like to go to the other side? Damn right we would!

The Other Side

This of course, refers to the non-Government controlled area. Nicosia (and the rest of Cyprus) is divided into the Cypriot side, and the Northern Republic of Cyprus which is Turkish Territory. For those who do not know, Turkey attempted to occupy Cyprus occured in the 70s. To this day, Cypriots speak of the other side as if crossing over means acquiring the plague. UN forces guard the boundaries and No Man's Land lies in between the two parts.

And we crossed that border, went through No Man's Land, saw ruins of old houses and passed by what used to be a Cypriot hotel turned UN quarters in order to get to the Turkish side. And the reason we crossed? Shopping!!! At the risk of sounding like I have no respect for the Cypriot complaint against the invasion... crossing over was one of the most exciting things I've done so far.

Once on the other side, people spoke a different language, words were written differently and, well, the men were different. I'll save that story for some other time....but bottom line, we went through the shops and found cheap cheap cheap signature clothes. Who bought what and what was bought? Lets just say, that the men outnumbered the women hands down.

Lazy Sunday

Being in a different territory the entire Saturday morning meant that shops were closed when we got back to the Cypriot side. That was the end of our shopping weekend. We had a day and a half in an entire city that was mostly closed.

So we decided to walk and shoot. Allan had Buddy while I took charge of his Ixus 50. It was refreshing to have a camera that fits in my pocket....but I have to admit...it didn't feel right. Like I was missing an arm or a leg.

Photos I took:

Having Mini Meze for Brunch

A Coke in any Language Tastes Just as Good

More of Blue and Beige? Cream? whatever.

Not quite the Pimp Hat he's looking for

I'm loving mirrors and wide angle lenses...they're best for self portraits

Look into my (Turkish Evil) Eye


You know you're on an overseas assignment when you're served Evian and you don't really worry about the price.