Terminal...Purple Style

I almost thought that Dubai, United Arab Emirates was going to be just a planned holiday...simply because of a huge mistake.

I was supposed to fly out of Manila on the 14th of May. I was on the visa check line when I found out that it already expired. The next option was to be a chance passenger and that's where my 2 days of hanging out at the NAIA Terminal 1 started.

After much crying and self-remorse, I started my vigil on Friday, the 16th. I thought my new visa was going to be handcarried from Dubai but it did not happen. I was there from 4pm to 6pm.

I was back the next day early at 12nn because I wanted to make sure I get in the stand-by line. The tension that I felt for the next 12 hours was something that I've never experienced in my life. What made it bearable was the support of the PAL Operations staff who were very helpful.

I did not get in the 6:50 pm flight of May 17th despite the full force presence of the team. Though it was disappointing we were still hopeful because there's still the midnight flight. While waiting for the next flight, I had a pizza dinner with the team and took this photo to remember my bonding with them.

Another 6 hours of waiting and sitting around the small office happened. I was so bored that I even showed these people who were strangers just a few days ago my family and trip photos. And they were so kind as to indulge me and my craziness.

When I heard my name called to get a boarding pass from the Emirates people (codesharing with PAL), I felt like a won the lottery and was jumping up and down with Jack who was assisting me that day. Last on the immigration counter and boarding gate, I finally landed in Dubai on the morning of May 18th.

I am so grateful to the men and women of the PAL Operations Team for the extra mile most especially Ms. Yssa (who met the person who handcarried my visa from his flight and ran all the way to the standby counter to hand it to me) and Jack (who escorted me through immigration).

You guys were awesome and will never be forgotten. Maraming salamat!

Living on a Prayer

With all the tragedy that has rocked Asia recently...Myanmar, Sichuan province...my life story seem insignificant.

But I really feel that I'm living on a prayer...and I just wanted to give myself a big GANBATTE!! JIA YOU!! HWAITING!!

The story later...

Mother to most...Maming to me

Mother, Mom, Mama, Inay, Nanay...are just some of the common terms used to describe women who bear children and raise them.

To me and my 4 siblings, she is Maming. During these months I remember my Maming especially as we lost her in April 2000 and Mother's Day is usually just around the corner of this date.

She was a character...a self-made woman who made something of herself despite poverty and limited education. A life worthy to be made into a film. For some reason the funniest story that I was just telling my colleagues at work this week was the "mangoes story".

One summer, my Maming brought home a couple of kilos of mangoes. My siblings and I fought because of it as we were all mango monsters and wanted an extra share. My Maming was so mad at us that she yelled, told us to stay put and not move from where we were. She came back and plunked down one "kaing" (a big basket) of mangoes in front of each one of us and made us eat the whole thing because we were greedy she said.

What was funny about this story is that I remember myself in tears, crying and saying sorry and I've had enough and will she please let me stand up already...but despite this I still ate I think more than half of the big basket!!! Hahaha!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers who had to raise children like me. Special greetings goes to my sister Teng and sisters-in-law Jenny and Pam who all had to raise the second generation of this family.

Breaking Our Door Handle Was a Blessing...

My husband had sweat beads from exasperation when I broke our front door handle. I was outside and he was inside. So I had to cool my heels in the hallway while I wait for him to get the door open.

He was not happy having to go out and buy a new door handle so I just quietly surfed the net not getting in his way.

When he came home from Home Depot, he was so happy and smiling saying he had a surprise. It was because he found a purple door handle! He said it is actually a bedroom door handle but he knew I wouldn't care.

He was so right. And I was amazed that finding something purple made him forget why he had to go and shop for a door handle in the first place. Sweet...

Crabtree and Evelyn Lavender Collection

One of my high school friends was in town from San Diego, California. She and her family visits Manila every so often. Lucky for me that it was my birthday so I was so happy to get this awesome set from her.

Aside from the obviously luxurious toiletry set, I just loved the hat box it came in. Long before the bottles have been emptied, the box will now forever be a decor piece for my bathroom.

Carol, just like what you wrote in your gift tag, you will always be my BFF!! (those who do not know what this means....post a comment! :-D). Thank you for the gift and the many years of friendship.

Accessories for my Birthday

Though I already have tons and I mean tons of purple accessories, I just loved the gifts that my staff Ena gave me...BRACELETS GALORE!! Now I need to go out so I can wear them. =)

A Series of Unfortunate Events...

...peppered my otherwise "happy birth day".

First, I wanted to eat a late lunch at this Japanese restaurant called Murasaki. I had a slight fever the night before so we were a bit late leaving the house. When we got there it was closed! All I had was a photo right beside the signage...and I was dreaming of eating there for the past year...because Murasaki is purple in japanese...sigh...

It is my Maming's (my mother) 8th death anniversary on the 22nd April so after grabbing a burger we went to Manila Memorial Park to meet up with my sister-in-law Pam and the kids. It was a happy day of lounging around the park. When we were about to leave to have dinner, a girl who was apparently learning how to ride a motorcycle fell beside my car. And so my precious Zoomzoom now sports a dented fender.

In addition to this unfortunate incident, the lady in question could not afford to pay me for the damage. She had to get her mother-in-law to appeal to me that they can only pay half of what I would pay as participation fee to the insurance company. Since it was almost dark and we had a dinner appointment, I just said "oh hell" and agreed so that we can be done with it.
















While we were driving to the Seaside Restaurants, I had a feeling of anxiety. As they say, bad things come in 3s.

The food was delicious (I was too happy and forgot to take photos of the shrimps, baked mussels, calamares, etc.), the company was fantastic - several of my fangirlfriends joined us, but when we were getting ready to move to the nearest Starbucks for coffee, one of my nieces picked up what seemed to be the ribbon of my shoes...sigh...


So there...3 unfortunate events...

That's what I thought!

On our way home, my husband had to do a quick brake because the local government is doing its maintenance. How unfortunate the their sign was not placed right as we almost hit it after the car in front of us swerved. We managed to stop but then we heard something bumped us from behind...sigh... another motorcycle bumped our car while the driver skidded to the side of the road. This time the victim is the bumper of our car.

So the shoe event is just a red herring. This is the real 3rd unfortunate event. I mean what are the odds that 2 motorcycles will bump your car within a span of 6 hours? And on someone's birthday?

Thank God that no one got seriously hurt. I was even more thankful when we got home safe and sound. This day will forever be in the hall of fame of most memorable events in my life.

Happy Birthday to me...

Can't Stop....

I already have panda eyes but I still can't stop...

I am forever sleepy from many late nights but I still can't stop...

My player already died on me but I still can't stop...

It's been a month and I'm still watching Taiwanese dramas like a starved woman. After years of Japanese dramas, I just tried watching one as a stress buster but I am addicted again.

Devil Beside You, Love Contract, Why Why Love, Bullfigthing, Tokyo Juliet and now on my 6th drama Hana Kimi.

I guess until I get tired of the kisses, the hugs, the goosebumps, I would be watching and watching and watching.

One of the cutest purple thing!

Though I report directly to the President and Managing Director here in Manila, I still have a dotted line to the Sr. Vice President of HR in our US Corporate Headquarters.

That boss comes over to Manila once a year and since discovering that I live in a one purple world, has brought me little purple presents.

This year, he found me the cutest purple thing ever. It's a small toy safe that actually works! It has a combination lock written at the bottom so I can really keep stuff in there. If I want to make it a piggy bank, I can as it has a coin hole at the top. That's not a good idea though as I'm sure I would steal the money right away once the fandom bug hits. =) Oh and did I mention that it is made in Taiwan? Hahaha!

So what should I keep in here? Hmmmm... By the way, thanks Les!

How to spend money without going to the mall and shopping online...

1. Have friends who travel a lot

Japan - May and Rachel went to Tokyo weekend of March 8 to attend Ken Chu's Get Real Concert. Perfect for me who wanted to get SMAP's latest single Sonomama (http://www.smap-sonomama.com/) which was released March 5th.

Taiwan - Girlie and Zainee went to Taipei the same weekend of March 8 to attend Vic "Zaizai" Chou's Fan Meeting at Taipei Formosa Hotel. Perfect for me who wanted to get F4's cd with the mini-concert dvd at Danshui last January 19th and the official soundtrack of the drama Wish To See You Again (http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/did-3591/code-c/section-index/pid-1010666986/).

Hongkong - Ophie went to Hongkong the same weekend of March 8 on a personal vacation. But Sino center is very near her hotel. Perfect for me who wanted to get Vic Chou's movie dvd Linger (http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-c/section-index/pid-1010096930/) which was released March 8th. I had to get it from Hongkong because their version has English subtitles.

2. Have friends who sell/giveaway their collection

Hongkong - MJ has to move back to London and she has the complete set of Mars manga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_(manga). With plenty of SMAP X SMAP tv show cds thrown in for free, it was perfect for her to just Fedex everything to me in Manila.

3. Have colleagues who travel overseas for a much needed break

Singapore - Scarlette, one of our IT personnel went in early March. Perfect for me who needed to get my Anan magazines (http://anan.magazine.co.jp/) with Takuya Kimura on the cover from my Singaporean friend Joyce.

Malaysia - Leo, who works with me is in Malaysia this weekend. Perfect for me who wanted to get the Taiwan drama dvds of Sweet Relationship (http://us.yesasia.com/en//PrdDept.aspx/code-c/section-vidoes/pid-1005156159), Devil Beside You ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_Beside_You)and Why, Why Love (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Why_Why_Love). Why Malaysia? Because the dramas when released locally are sure to have English subtitles. You won't find subbed original dvd dramas in Taiwan and rare/more expensive in Hongkong.

And here I am sitting at home astounded by the realization that this month alone, I was working my usual long hours and just had enough energy to drive to and from work and yet I spent about USD 500 from 5 countries. Amazing!

The Only Pink Thing in MOPWORLD...

...is my pink elephant, BENBEN.

I am not into plushies and stuffed toys. Much more so PINK! Nothing against the color but it's just not me. I've always seen purple stuffed toys but I never bought nor was given one even when I was younger. I'm just not the kawaii (cute) type I guess

Benben came to my life last Christmas. The way I had him was fate...shukumei...I attended the Christmas party thrown by my boss and won Benben during the exchange gift. My initial reaction when I saw him was blah! I was even contemplating on getting rid of him...as a recycled gift...donation to the needy children...whatever.

But as he sat there on the headrest of our bed, he found his way into our (me and Butch) hearts and became our baby. I would shout his name the minute I enter our bedroom. What do they say about pink elephants? Something obvious that nobody wants to talk about....

Obviously there is a spot somewhere in my heart for a cute little pink elephant named Benben and i'm talking about it to the world.

T'is the season of purple...

In the Christian world, purple is associated with Advent and Lent. The color uplifts, calms the mind and nerves, offers a sense of spirituality and encourages creativity (http://www.sensationalcolor.com/content/view/1061/144/).

I came across this sermon about Uplifting Purple that I'd like to share with you all. It starts of with the lore of when and where the color purple was invented. Then it talks about purple used as bitter irony....of being enveloped in the color of love during moments of hate. Of purple as a symbol of bruised healing. And celebrating it as a color of passionate living.

If you guys aren't doing anything at this point and just reading my blog, why don't you head out to this site (http://www.christchurchsummit.org/Sermons-2003/030309-TheColorPurple.html) and read the rest of it. It certainly gave me a deeper love for the color that I have surrounded myself in since I was twelve years old.

For most Filipinos who are on holidays starting today, may you have a PURPLE weekend. I always have a purple day 365 days in a year 24/7.

Snuggled within the comforts of my doramas...

Last week was another one of those weeks when I would go home past midnight from work. And as I have done the past 5 years, I turned to my solace for major stress...drama watching.

After buying these purple cd cases to house my tons and tons of cds and dvds, I found dramas that I have not seen at all.

I picked one japanese (Itazura na Kiss) and one taiwanese drama (Devil Beside You) to watch and that kept me glued the whole week. I would watch a couple of episodes during the work week (lunch break and as soon as I get home) and come the weekend, an uninterrupted marathon time!!

Stress gone..back to my purple but toxic world...looking forward to the long Easter Weekend where I can settle into another marathon. Movies await! Linger from Hongkong (yes MICHI, I also went dvd shopping..hahahaha!) and Hero from Japan. Yokatta!

Patience is a virtue....

...is what I wrote in this little white board that I found one day a couple of weeks back.

I was so stressed out with my work load, was starting to have a headache with all the noise that protesters and rallyists were making 39 floors below and couldn't concentrate anyway so I went out for a walk.

I found myself at the Office Warehouse (http://www.officewarehouse.com.ph/), an office supply store in a nearby building. I was looking at purple pens and spotted this white boards on one of the top shelves. What's cool about this little board is that not only does it have a spot for my purple white board marker which I found during my Bangkok trip last year, it actually is magnetized! So it is now stuck perfectly right in front of me on the side of the filing cabinet.

One of my staff once asked me what I feel when I get new things to add to my collection...and I instantly answered that it's like Christmas. I mentioned this before already.

And when its Christmas, you feel joy at any little gift that you get. In my own purple world, I always feel like I was given a special gift when I found something purple that I don't have or when people around me do. It regenerates all - a lot of the patience that I need everyday.

Busy, Busy...

The past 8 days has been busy, busy and busier. But the cause is not all work...thank god! hooray! yosh!

I've been busy shopping for stuff to send to friends via friends who are travelling to their countries (did everybody understand this? hehe..). And in return I am soooo sure that these ladies cannot resist sending something back. Isn't that amazing? I'll post more about my exchange gift loot when the loot arrives!

And then I was busy sorting through my little cabinet. I have to do this annually because well..the cabinet is..little. And guess what? I found this! Circa 2004, I bought 4 shirts from Samuel & Kevin in Hongkong because of well, the names on the shirts. I gave my Jerry shirt to my Japanese friend Mayo, my Vic shirt to my sister who secretly likes him while I kept Ken but wear it often to badminton. The only one I have not worn at all is V...

Next I am sorting out my shoe cabinet. I always find shoes that I bought and never wore. Gaah!! I use to just throw them out (because I don't know anyone who is a size 9..) but thank god for a dear friend who now always volunteers to adopt the shoes she likes.

Then I also found myself sorting my discs - dvds, vcds, audio cds - and ended up shopping for purple cases (will try to post that later). No self-respecting fangirl will allow her collection to go un-fix and unappreciated right? After my inventory, I realized that I want the OST of Wish To See You as well as a copy of Chou Yu Min's Linger which is coming out this week in Hongkong. So I was busy too asking friends to buy me more stuff. I guess the addiction will never end...

Last thing that kept me busy was preparations for my trip to Dubai and Scandinavia. This deserves another post too.

East vs. West

I just came from the company sponsored movie date. It is a 4x a year event where the company asks employees to vote for what movie to watch and then we rent a whole theater just for employees.
As I was excitedly watching the latest blockbuster Vantage Point, I realized that I only see western movies when we have these movie dates.

Check out these numbers:

* In 2007, I watch a grand total of 3 hollywood movies (Music and Lyrics, Spiderman and Rush Hour 3). I missed Enchanted last November because I was in Hongkong on vacation. Oh, make that 4! I forgot Bourne Ultimatum.

* Since 2004, I have seen about 94 japanese dramas, 15 Taiwanese dramas and 15 Korean dramas. That's an average of 31 dramas per year! Which is roughly 2-3 dramas a month!

Note that each drama has about 11 episodes (Taiwan and Korean dramas are about 1 hour each episode) of about 45 minutes each. It loosely translates that i was glued to any of my tri-nation addiction for about 255 hours each year. This does not include the asian movies and tv programs that I also watch.

Wow! Oh my God! Holy Cow! Tsk, tsk! No wonder i am hopelessly not updated..... okay back to my dorama. Hahaha!

Movie links:

Vantage Point - http://www.vantagepoint-movie.com/index.php
Music and Lyrics - http://musicandlyrics.warnerbros.com/
Spiderman 4 - http://spiderman.sonypictures.com/
Rush Hour 3 - http://www.rushhourmovie.com/sitemap.html
Enchanted - http://adisney.go.com/disneyvideos/liveaction/enchanted/
Bourne Ultimatum - http://www.bourne-ultimatum.net/

Only the Yummiest for my Purple Plate...

Sundays are lazy days for me. A day in the week I treasure. Rare days that I sleep in and eat well. Sometimes too well for my own good. Hahaha!

Today was a special one for me. I've been requesting my playmate, a budding chef to make me one of the dishes in this cookbook I bought for him recently. A week ago he said pick one and I'll see if I can do it one of these weekends. I was not expecting anything this weekend because we did not do any grocery shopping.

Well today he woke me up at 11am (didn't I say I like to sleep in? hehe..) and said it's early but time to eat. I grudgingly got up thinking lunch was just one of those yummy but regular stuff we always have. My sleepy eyes opened wide when I saw what was on our purple plate. Of course my one purple world extends to my kitchen!

Beef Stroganoff ala Butch was yummy. The critic in me said the beef was not as tender as I'd like but heck I finished that big plate and even ate some more for merienda (what we Filipinos call our mid-afternoon snack). This is actually the 2nd time he fulfilled a request from me but the surprise of it was what made it extra special.

Blog in Filipino? Opo in Filipino!!

Nakakatuwa. Ganito pala ang pakiramdam ng nagsusulat sa Pilipino para sa lahat ng mga kaibigan na dumadalaw dito sa aking blog. Ang buong pamamaraan ng pag-post dito sa blogger ay may bersiyon na sa Pilipino.

Bigla kong naalala nung hindi naman katagalan kong nakaraan na nagsulat ako ng mga memorandum sa Pilipino. Hindi kasi maintindihan ng mga manggagawa sa pabrikang pinagtatrabahuan ko ang wikang Ingles. Iniisip ko noon kung paano ko gagawin yon. Hindi ako matatas sa wikang Pilipino...sa totoo at tamang paggamit ng Pilipino. Pero sinikap ko. Maski na nagkabalu-baluktot ang aking daliri sa pagta-type at utak sa pag-isip ng tamang salitang gagamitin.

Ngunit huwag mag-alala mga kaibigan. Ngayon lang ito. Hahaha!!! Salamat sa Blogger team at naisipan nilang isama ang Pilipino sa mga wikang pwedeng gamitin. Nakaka-aliw. At maski sa maliit na paraan kailangan natin ito lalong-lalo na sa panahon ngayon. Mabuhay kayo Blogger team!
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My attempt at translating my own writing into English. Here goes:

It's heartwarming. So this is how it felt to write in Filipino for all friends who visit my blog. There is now a Filipino version in posting here at Blogger.com.

I suddenly remembered that in my not so distant past I wrote memos in Filipino. The workers in the factory I was working at did not understand English. At that time, I kept thinking how was I going to do it. I was and still is not fluent in Filipino... the real and right way of writing in Filipino. But I kept at it. Even if my fingers got twisted typing and my tongue as well from thinking about the right words to say.

But don't worry my friends. This is only for today! hahaha! Thanks to the Blogger team for including Filipino in the language list. It's fun. And we need every bit and kind of fun especially in these challenging times. Mabuhay Blogger Team!!

The Technosaurus Stikes Again...

And she's a bit depressed about it... being a technosaurus... that rare specie of human being that has the technical skill of a dinosaur.

I just dont excel in Excel (that's the spreadsheet application of Microsoft). I kept telling everyone at work today that I miss Vincent... that as I wallow in self-pity over the pitiful product of my two days' work I started imagining that if worst comes to shove (or something like that), I would stalk Vincent and kidnap him so he can help me!

Or.... I would scream like a scorned woman at the lobby of the building where he now works (where in fact I was just a scorned boss) --- "why did you leave me?".... Then I woke up from the hilarity of the thought and laughed my brains out. Poor guy has a great career going for him and here I am imagining all sorts of unfortunate incidents to his person.

Naturally I packed up for the day and left for home. Tomorrow is another day...

Past Catching Up with the Present...

Recently in town is an artist from my past - Julia Fordham. I was driving to work one day and I saw this huge tarp of Julia and that she was going to play at the Activity Center of Trinoma (http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/content/trinoma.asp), the mall nearest me. So I bugged girlfriends Ochie and Kathy to go with me and watch what would be the cheapest but awesome concert in my whole life.

Cheap? Because all I had to do was stand somewhere in the Activitiy center and i could watch for free.

Awesome? Oh yes! Julia's voice has not changed. I never really knew her age but when I checked out her website (http://www.juliafordham.com/), I found out that we are just the same age! No wonder I felt like I grew up with her. *alright people of this earth, stop counting years!!*

Listening to my old favorites was so nostalgic for me that I did not mind standing there for an hour and was just swaying to the music....Girlfriend, Happy Together, Invisible Wars and the lovesong of many Love Moves in Mysterious Ways. I was happy to see that Ochie, who was from another generation was appreciating the music.

While I was being transported back in time to the old Folk Arts Theater in the days that Julia was playing to packed concert goers, I realized that I did not have anything of her on CD!!! Playmate Butch confirmed that everything I had of her were in *cough*, *ehemm*, *scratches chin* cassette tape!!!!!

So I rushed to buy her latest CD China Blue so I can load it up in Ipod and enjoy her cool voice perfect for pop jazz. I was a happy kamper when I learned that the cd sold on that day and during the show was signed by Julia!

Here's a cut from the album. It is a remake of an old Michael McDonald song "I Keep Forgettin". What's cool about this song is that Michael sang back-up vocals to this one. Enjoy and download at this site: http://gigidm.multiply.com/music

Chocolates and Valentines

It's probably because of Valentine's Day coming up that my mind is pre-occupied with one thing the past couple of days...chocolates. It is one thing that I really, really love. Too bad I cannot indulge as much now as before since I was diagnosed with diabetes.

But whenever I feel the urge....and my blood sugar seem okay....I am thankful that both Hershey's (http://www.hersheys.com/home.asp) and M&M's (http://www.mms.com/) have their dark variation because the doc said that is what I can eat during those rare times that I can eat them. And yey that they're in purple! :-D

Despite my love for the color of the above, still the yummiest of all that I have ever eaten so far is Royce (http://www.e-royce.com/). I had the pleasure of eating this chocolate through the kindness of my Japanese friends who gave me a box during my last trip to Taipei. The chocolates give a whole new meaning to the phrase "melt in your mouth". And now I'm looking forward to my Tokyo trip so I can indulge once again. My mouth is already watering....

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Love and be loved.

Bikers Would Cringe...

I'm definitely sure of it! When they see this lady riding in tandem wearing a.....PURPLE helmet!!!

Last December, I bought my husband a Suzuki 150cc motorbike. Despite several invitations for me and him to ride on weekends, I told him I'll only ride if and when I already have a purple helmet. He has been so frustrated since coz he couldn't find one. I, of course, naturally thought that no one in their right minds would make a purple helmet that is why I was so brave to make that statement.

Well me and my big mouth... We were off to do our grocery shopping. We had to go to this part of the mall that we hardly ever go to because playmate (aka husband) wanted to look at cellphone batteries. On the way there, both of us were stopped when we spotted this store that sells riding helmets. So I was nonchalantly just looking around when I heard the big question "do you have a purple helmet?" and the sales guy goes "not sure Sir". I let out a relieved sigh.

But then I turned my head to the other side of the aisle that I was blocking and lo and behold, there it is. So I kept quiet and just stood there. Unfortunately for me, the sales guy went past me and said "oh here's one and its the only one in the store"! Drats!!!! Next thing I knew I was carrying a shopping bag.

Needless to say dear old playmate could not wait until we get home. Not what you are thinking people!! :-D But to see me try it on one more time.

So now we have a riding date next weekend. And though I was scared initially about the thought, I am looking forward to it (a bit) and wonder how people would react to the purple 'met. Hehe...

CDs and more cds...

I will probably need a bigger birdcage someday...if I keep buying cds and dvds.

Despite the quickie trip to Taipei last month (time flies when you're drowning in work!), my friends and I stumbled into a store just next block to Ximending Red Square.

Aside from the F4 album that I was specifically there for, I also bought the new version of Zaizai's album because the dvd of the October 2007 mini concert event was released with this album..and I was there! The photo booklet inside this album is what Zaizai was kind enough to stamp during the 20 Jan event. Sono otoko wa honto yasashii desu ne. Sigh...

And of course, it has become a habit (a very expensive one) to buy something of SMAP to add to my collection. This time I got the overseas vcd version of Live Amigos. What I love about this concert is the acoustic segment especially the duet of Kimura Takuya and Katori Shingo "Hito Eki Aruko". That was absolutely fantastic! On hindsight, I also should have gotten the Su Live vcd. Next time, next time!!

And finally, Soler. Ah...Soler. Their X2 album is also on constant play in my Ipod. I just fell in love with their music. And more so because the album has an English and Chinese set. I love the vocal harmony of the twins. I was just wishing to hear them play live when I realized that I did! At the MTV Concert in Taichung last October 2007. I remembered that I was very impressed although I did not catch their group name then. It was only that one time I was channel surfing when I stumbled on them featured on Channel V that I found out about them and a bit more.

So now the question is what's next? Definitely I know that I won't stop. Not yet anyway. :-D I am now itching to start collecting Wax's album (the perils of tri-nation fandom!!!). Well, time to start thinking of getting a bigger birdcage then..hahahaha!

Additions to MOPWORLD!

Like I said in my earlier post, my Japanese friends are just love! Aside from my fangirl omiyage, they also feed my passion for purple. Look!!!

How could I use that cute lavander Burberry towelette? My sweat does not deserve such luxury..hahahaha!
And that purple feather pen!! How adorable can it be?!

Not to be outdone is that purple ballpen that has a cute bling on top. Guess what? It lights up when you write! Cool beans right? :-D

Everytime I receive purple gifts from friends, I sound like a little kid. Damn right, I am like a kid. It's always like Christmas for me. The joy will always be the same. It's not the color per se because that is a given in my world but it's the thought that someone has bothered to remember the color and remember..me!

Arigato gozaimashita Mayo and Minori! *bow*

Omiyage!

Despite my pre-occupation with F4 these days, I still got a big kick out of the omiyages (presents, pasalubong) of my Japanese friends who I see everytime there are F4 events. They knew that aside from F4, I am crazy about SMAP particularly Kimura Takuya.

So my luggage going home has become heavier with the addition of the above. My friend and I were exchanging emails and commenting that Jerry Yan and Kimura Takuya seem to have similar hairstyles these days.

I also loved my cd of Happy, Happy SMAP. The non-song sounded really happy. And I love the deck of cards from the Happy SMAP store that was in Omotesando Hills in Tokyo during the Christmas holiday season.

These fan events has now led to some sort of reunion of friends. I kept bumping into fellow fans like soldiers at war. We would hug each other and reminisced about past events like soldiers telling war stories. We would exchange presents which usually are goods that one could not get from their home country.

I realized that if I go to Japan, I would have friends who will meet me and help me get around. Just because of fandom. The same will happen if I go to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Hongkong. Sending SMS messages when there are news and rumors has now become global for me.

My world has actually gone smaller and my network of friends wider. This has got to be the profit from all those hours invested in fandom.

And I ain't complaining! Nope, no complaints from me at all. :-D

21 Hours in Ximending Red Square

This was my view. For 21 hours. From 12am of January 20 up to 9pm. I was only in Taipei for 48 hours and spent almost half of it on this square...sleeping, sitting, eating, chatting and chatting some more.

This stage was at Ximending Red Square where the F4 Album Stamping session was held. Right after the mini concert in Tamshui Fisherman's Wharf, we all trooped to this square to start vigil for another event.

And if I felt like a rolling pin during the mini concert, I now knew how it felt to be a homeless person sleeping on the pavement with newspapers and plastic mats for mattresses.

We had a perfectly good and comfortable hotel room but in our quest to get tickets to the album stamping, this is what he had to do. The objective is very simple - keep the spot and the distance from the stage in sight!!! We cannot allow anyone to come between our spot and the coveted stage. We already imagined how we were going up the stage, speak to each boy, practiced what we were going to say and NOTHING is going to stop us from that objective. Never mind if we were all asked to stay awake in the middle of the night to wait for the stamp from a very rude Sony BMG staff that confirms we will get a number to get up on stage. Never mind if some of the girls had to run from the hotel to the square in their pajamas and sleep wear just to get the stamp. Never mind if some of the girls hasn't slept a wink since they've been queuing since Friday. Like I said NOTHING is going to get in the way of the girls to the boys that has dominated their lives for the past 5 years.

The tenacity and determination paid off though. Everyone had their special moment with each member of F4. They were just seconds. But I still relished the words exchanged, the smiles, the handshakes (next time I'm gonna get me hugs!).

Jerry - you were oh so careful in stamping that it does not smear the edges. When I said we miss him in Manila, he stopped for a second, looked at me and asked "Oh so you're from the Philippines?".

Zaizai - you were great. you even stamped the new version of your solo album even if the buzzards around you were saying no. Your eye contact encouraged me to get the booklet stamped.

Vanness - dude, you were too fast with them stamps! But I won't miss you for the world so even if you were done, I had to tell you that next time you should try purple. I loved it when you said "I've always wanted to do that". That's the best thing to say to someone who lives the color.

Ken - I was speechless with you. It was my first time to come face to face and eye to eye with you and Vanness. I was only able to say finally I've met you.

So to you godfathers of Taiwanese boybands (credit: Vanness Wu), Xie, xie nimen for making it all worth it.

Rolling Pin in Taipei

If I were to be reincarnated as a rolling pin - you know, that long rounded thing that a baker uses to flatten dough - I already know exactly how it feels!

I was in Taipei over the weekend to indulge once more in my fandom addiction. It was F4's Mini Concert to promote their 3rd album "Waiting for You". The event was held at the Fisherman's Wharf (http://www.fisherman.com.tw/#) in Danshui, a picturesque town in Northern Taipei.

When I flew in, several of my girlfriends have been queuing since Friday noon so that our group has a good chance of getting good tickets to the show.

We were fortunate to get VIP tickets but unfortunately there was chaos and confusion when the gates were suddenly opened and thousands of women rushed in carrying me and my friends forward. We found ourselves inside the "pit" of the concert arena. How I got there is a miracle...

Because we had to climb under a metal fence with only a couple of feet opening at the bottom. When I saw the girls doing a reverse limbo rock snaking their way under, I was so gung-ho to follow but when I was face flat on the ground I could not move my body across! I don't know if it was just quick thinking or extreme state of panic that I will be crushed by the stampede but I held my folded mini director's chair tight to my chest and simply rolled over! Yes, like a spring roll, a lumpia, a burrito! :-)

When I was standing just a few feet away from the stage and staring at the gorgeous boys who started fandom for me, I thought to myself - how in hell did I do that?!!! And how will my body pay for this madness.

But it was all worth it. So worth the pain from the tip of my hair to the tip of my toes. Tsukaretta dayo demo ne ureshii na.

.....I'm tired but I'm happy....

Notebooks, Purple, Notebooks!!

I was rushing to finish my report this evening so I can go away for a long weekend when I complained that my desk does not have enough space. Well, my fault actually. Because it is not enough that I horde purple stuff on my desk but I have this growing collection of notebooks that I picked up during travels. I should start thinking about putting a shelf to display these gorgeous paper products.

I do have my journal but these should last me for years. Of course I would probably continue to buy if a nice one catches my eye. I just can't help it. :-)

I am again off to Taipei for my fandom fix but I pray that I don't see a bookstore. This is one of those days that I am thankful that there are no Kinokuniya (http://www.kinokuniya.co.jp/english/index.html) bookstores in Taipei because I would have been a goner if there were. The Eslite bookstore ( http://www.eslitebooks.com/) which is what one will find dotted around metro Taipei does not stock much stationery so I am not hopeful that I will spot a nice notebook.

Here's keeping my fingers crossed. + :-)

Christmas Loot

I should have said I'll be back next week instead of tomorrow... Gomenasai minna-san...Sorry everyone!! I got caught up in 14 hour work days. And before I get into the marathon week again, here are some of the additions to MOPWORLD.

These are the gifts that I got from my ex-Phildata (my former employer) gang. I love the tissue box. That little envelope with the purple string were gift certificates. Naturally they are all gone now and was donated to the New Year dinner menu. :-D

I absolutely, absolutely love my new purple stack heeled pumps. It is from Denmark and my sister's Christmas gift. The Woolworth's blouse is something that is not attractive when you first see it but I loved the fit and is now a permanent staple in my weekly wardrobe thanks to my brother who bought it in Dubai.

I forgot to take a photo of my gifts from colleagues and officemates but there was quite a ton. All I can say to everyone is THANK YOU! MARAMING SALAMAT! ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA! XIE XIE NI MEN! KANSAMHAMNIDA!

And the winner is...

HO CHI MIN CITY, VIETNAM!!!! Wooohooooo!!!

Btw, I hope everyone had a great start with 2008. I did not. Was pestered by a painful headache that had me visiting the hospital during the first week of the year. But I'm fine now and went to work over the weekend to catch up. Whew!

To all purple friends of MOPWORLD who voted for Ho Chi Min as my next destination, thank you so much - there were 4 of yah!!! Cool beans!! It was decided that I will visit Ho Chi Min with playmate Butch towards the end of 2008 for some serious Christmas shopping.

Jakarta, Indonesia was a good choice. Thanks to the 2 of you who voted. Maybe Ochie and I can squeeze this in??? And Shanghai is still on the list but maybe next year..also thanks to the lone voter.

Well, that's it for my first poll. After the holiday mayhem its back to work and back to regular blogging for MOPWORLD. And of course I will share tons of new purple stuff that I have collected over the season. Such excitement!

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll be back tomorrow!

Blessed...

It was a good year. Blessed with so many things that is beyond hard work...beyond luck. I hope that 2008 brings more blessings not only to me but to everyone that touched my life and who I've touched in one way or another.

Happy New Year! Manigong Bagong Taon!

- from MOPWORLD

A Respite from all that partying...

Just like what I said, the longest holiday celebration only happens in the Philippines. Today is my respite from all those drinking, chatting and catching up, singing and well, dancing too!

It started with my high school reunion last December 8th. Meeting high school classmates after 25 years was a blast. Totally very tiring but so much fun. Since we had an open bar, I was happily trying what the bar had to offer most of the evening amidst the hard work of running the program.

Looking at this pic, I wonder when Vic (the guy who was hanging on me..) became really close...must be the alcohol. Hahaha! Well, this bunch of people continued on with the celebration a week later. On Dec. 14th, we all headed out to Tagaytay (http://www.tagaytay.com/) where a classmate has a beautiful home called "T" that has a great view of the lake and the smallest volcano in the world.

It must be the cool air and the fabulous place (http://www.chilline.com/tagaytay.html), but once again alcohol invaded my senses. Sitting on a deck chair, looking at the stars one cannot help but gulp down a whole pitcher of kick-ass margarita. Which led to dancing on top of a big rock beside the pool (nature's version of "the ledge").

There is also my sister Des who flew in from Dubai on Dec. 2nd. Any sibling of mine who flies in for a visit from their part of the world is already one big party. So Des stayed on until the 14th of December. Before she flew back, we had a great time drinking at The Bar of the Manila Peninsula. She wanted to feel the ambience of the site of the latest rebellion attempt! In the midst of chatting and catching up, I did not realize that I downed several of those mango daiquiris. Paging MJ: If you're reading this, this is one drink that you should try :-)

The rest of the photos are here: http://gigidm.multiply.com/photos/album/15/Tatsi_in_Manila_2007_-_The_Gimmicks

Though my other sister Teng already arrived from Denmark on Dec. 16th, another party kept me in alcohol and that's my company Christmas party last Dec. 19th. I had a great time emceeing the event and gulping down San Miguel Beer Lights until the wee hours of the next morning.

A couple of days later on the 22nd, Butch and I threw our very first party at our home. Though I was downing San Mig lights and red wine, I was so busy running around and entertaining guests that my head cleared up by mid-afternoon. I forgot to take photos though!! The few that I have are here: http://gigidm.multiply.com/photos/album/16/The_1st_Party_at_the_Purple_Birdcage

And the last so far was Christmas Eve. We (my sister Teng, brother-in-law Ramon and husband Butch) were lounging about at the house watching my husband cook dinner with Fundador and Coke cocktails and enjoyed it so much we missed Mass! I also realized that this was the first Christmas I remember that I wasn't wearing purple.

It ain't over yet...the partying...but the respite of just vegging out - sleeping the whole day was a welcome break to recharge and to be thankful.

'Tis the Season...

'Tis the season. The season where I cannot write about anything. The season that alcohol consumes most of my free time. When parties abound. Where gifts are the norm.

'Tis the longest holiday season celebration in the world - the Philippine Christmas season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS wherever you are in the world!

Maligayang Pasko from Manila and MOPWorld.

They Come and Go, They Come and Go-o-o-o!

After one sister left and a week of indulging in margaritas, daiquiris and san miguel beer light (my poor liver! hahaha!), another sister flew in and has started the onslaught of time with family once again.

The Fuentes family from Copenhagen, Denmark will be here until the 4th of January so most likely I won't be seen in the virtual world that much.

Of course, I'd tell the tale one of these days. I need to catch up on sleep...the yapping just won't stop. :-D

My Medical Tourist is Keeping Me Busy

She came in the middle of the night..sibling # 5 of Kamp Braza. The "red" girl of the family. Hard to miss her in Manila's chaotic airport. She has this bright red luggage set.

The minute she rode my car, I've been basically sleepless since. But I was so happy to see her again. It's been a year and the last we saw each other wasn't the best of times.

She used to be "Des" short for Maria Lourdes but now her business card says she's just Maria. In Dubai where she is now based, her first name is used while in the Philippines, traditionally the second name is used to distinguish the many "Marias" of this country. Oh well!

This time the medical tourist in the family is home for eye laser surgery. Last time she was here, she had arm liposuction. According to her she will have dental surgery next time she comes home to visit. Oh well!

So now, she said she can see clearly..goodbye to her contact lenses and eyeglasses. She's off to socialize after a couple of days of being our home patient. Oh well!

But I can't wait to spend time with her this weekend. She's an exasperating character but she's happy and I'm proud of her. Thank God she is still "Tatsi" to her nephews and nieces. We can all call her that until the next name evolves.

The Budding Chef's First Overseas Trip

It was Butch's first overseas trip so I was excited to see Hongkong (http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp) again with fresh eyes and in the eyes of my budding chef.

It was already getting colder when we arrived. Loved the autumn chill! It made walking for miles and miles bearable. Despite the shock of seeing Chungking Mansion...we adapted to our surroundings and promptly went on to do what we wanted to do - see places we were not able to see back in 2004 and see friends we have not seen for a long time.

It was always a wonder to me that a place that is barely a couple of hours away from the Philippines could be so different in climate, culture and overall texture. I had fun re-acquainting myself with Tsim Sha Tsui. Just roaming around the area near our place was already a lesson in sight and smell. We were already anticipating the coming days.

Whereas before we had a tour bus bring us to our classy hotel at Harbour Plaza Metropolis (http://www.harbour-plaza.com/en/index.aspx), now Butch enjoyed his first sight of Hongkong via the A21 bus. No difference since the buses were very comfortable double deckers. And did I say our bus' upholstery was purple? Such fun! I also loved the sofa of the Adidas store. Thank God the budding chef was also quick with the camera because we later found out it was prohibited to take photos inside the shop. :-D

So Hongkong was purple galore in autumn and I definitely took advantage! More about how I took advantage of purpleness tomorrow.

After a Wonderful Autumn Hongkong...My First Taste of Curfew Since Martial Law

Coming home to a buzzing airport was an experience in itself. Imagine this - you come home from a good trip, line up at immigration tired and wanting to go home since its almost 1:00am then you receive a small piece of paper saying that "due to the incident that happened in Makati today, a curfew has been imposed from 12 midnight to 5am. Please be ready with your passport in case of inspection". What the!!!!

It was the first time since I was a small child that I experienced curfew albeit short. Nevertheless, the sight of Manila's most congested avenue EDSA was a sight to behold with just a couple of vehicles plying it.

Apparently, while we (my husband Butch and travel partner Ochie) were busy visiting Avenue of the Stars in Hongkong, a Senator decided to walk out of his rebellion hearing, marched to a poor unsuspecting 5-star hotel, called the Filipino people to arms to oust the President of the Philippines which naturally prompted the military to ram their tanks into the hotel's lobby thereby causing mayhem and inconvenience to the hotel's guests and anxiety to the country's population.

My friends who I met for drinks later in the evening said that if I've seen it on TV, I would most likely borrow the British adjective "bloody damn fools" for the comedy of errors that it became. So they said thank your lucky stars you weren't here and tell us about your vacation!

So for the next few days I will most probably do tell everyone how interesting my recent trip to Hongkong was. Sounds better rather than spouting bloody damn fools every two seconds right? Jacky Chan should give these guys a few kicks in the butt.