Attempting the Impossible...

I am one of those who have crossed the great fandom divide and love both SMAP and F4 or F4 and SMAP. It was unthinkable before for these two groups to share the same space and time. SMAP is from Japan, superstars, unreachable. F4 is from Taiwan, newer to the scene, phenomenal.

But after F4 guested on SMAP's long running TV show SMAPXSMAP, all thoughts of them intersecting was shot to the heavens and well I went with the shot to heaven. LOL.

F4 is having their concert run in Japan and the avid fan that I am wants to go. But my world again was turned upside down when SMAP announced that they will be having their live concert run more or less on top of F4's run dates.

A fangirl must do what a fangirl must do. Watch both. I have waited a long time for the chance to see SMAP again. A long time to have the chance to go back to Japan.

And so I am attempting something which I thought was impossible. I am in the process of twisting and turning to make things happen. And I hope that all the gods will be with me again.

Kamisama mo ichido onegai shimasu...

Beijing, Beijing, Wo Ai Beijing

Time does fly when you're having fun. I was working long hours the past couple of weeks and my only therapy to tone down after 12 or 14 hour days was watch olympic games. I enjoyed the volleyball, swimming, diving, some tennis, some basketball and some athletics.

After the closing ceremony which by the way is another fabulous production, I will miss the Olympics and wish London the best of luck in 2012. Beijing would be a tough act to follow.

And just like the opening ceremony, there are images that I will remember forever in my mind but most especially the tower of memory that kept me ooohhing and ahhhing as the human tower formed itself into many things.

Not only images, but now and most of the world who watched the number where Rain from Korea and Wang Lee Hom from Taiwan sang together with other Chinese performers, we can hum this tune that is my last song syndrome for the day... Beijing, Beijing, wo ai Beijing...

**photo credit to http://www.china.org.cn/olympic/node_1114380.htm

The New Orly Diva

Me! I am the latest Orly diva. Thanks to my sister-in-law Pam who bought me my own bottle after using her bottle several times. Guess she got tired of me borrowing..hahaha!

Seriously, I was balking at the price tag of this bottle. But when 2 weeks, 3 week later my nails are still the same, I was convinced that it is worth every peso.

Of course no purple person will stop at having one color so I went in search of more Orly's. I was so loving Orly's websites. You'll know why when you follow the links *winks*.

Online Store: http://www.orlydiva.com/index.htm

Corporate Website: http://www.orlybeauty.com/

My online shopping will definitely extend to nail products.

And my nails will never be the same .. it will be more gorgeous! Hahahaha!

Awesome Opening Ceremony

The Beijing Olympics had an awesome, awesome opening ceremony. Many may disagree but in my lifetime of watching Olympic games, this one held me in awe the most. I was just facing the tv but my mouth was wide open as if i was in the Bird's Nest stadium.

The richness of the Chinese culture was utilized to the max and paired with the latest in technology, the result was an astounding show. The fireworks alone left no doubt that China is one of the best in lighting up the sky. They lighted up a whole city!!

This is my favorite part of the ceremony. Li Ning, running on air towards the olympic torch and chasing the scroll as it opens.

Kudos to the Chinese Olympic Committee and most especially, the citizens of the the People's Republic of China. The many years of effort and preparation paid off. I can't wait for the closing ceremony. =)

Photo courtesy of http://www.china.org.cn/olympic/node_1114380.htm. Xie xie ni!

One world, One Dream!!!

And I thought I did not buy purple stuff in Dubai...

I did buy a few! From the top..

I bought that Indian flats after my Bur Dubai adventure with our friend Richard. It's a very comfortable pair and I've worn it a couple of Fridays at the office.

I love my bedroom slippers from Ikea. It was actually my arrival gift from Tatsi and wears like a pair of socks.

Now that watch... took me a couple of days to decide to buy. It is actually not very expensive but I saw it when I was just a few days away from going home which means I am running out of cash! Hahaha!! So a couple of days before I left for Manila I bugged my brother Denver to walk with me (and it was a long mall walk..sorry Daddy Dab) to Aldo Accessories to get this piece. My brother was so astounded because he thought I was mulling over something very expensive.

Those decorated jewelry box and pencil case are exquisite finds. I love them because they are unique and has that touch of Arabic design. They were on sale so I did not have any 2nd thoughts of buying. Also on sale were those nice purple jewelry accessories.

And will Gigi travel anywhere without buying notebooks? Never happened yet. That gorgeous bundle of paper was from Borders and now I realized is one of the most expensive thing that I bought during that trip. It's the Thai silk material I guess...

And the last thing I bought was a bunch of souvenirs and that refrigerator magnet was one of them. It was just so cute that I had to buy alternative items because I hogged my own souvenir from someone who was supposed to receive them. =) If that was not a case of purple desperation, I don't know what is it.

Wu Chun's and Calvin Chen's Stalkers!

********photo taken down as requested by an anonymous comment************


It is a quiet weekend for me and as I was scrounging around for photos of what to blog about, I stumbled on this one sent by fellow fangirl Eve.

These girls were what remained after that hectic weekend of Chun's and Calvin's visit. The boys had dinner at Abe in Serendra. As they ate, we had dinner and waited by the fountain. It was funny because we were all posed to try and have one last photo and that space in front was supposedly for them. =) Too bad we did not succeed...

But it was still a weekend to remember. I can't wait for September to roll along so I can shop for anything and everything Feilunha in Shanghai. =)

P.S.
Again, thanks to Eve for the pic.

Back to Purpleness - Purple Watches!!

I am not a watch person. All my watches are cheap ones that I found during my travels or gifts.

The one on the far left was bought in the Bugis flea market, SGD 5.00 =)

Next to it was bought in the sidewalk of Tsim Tsa Tsui in Hongkong, HKD 10.00 =)

That cute flowery watch was given by my travel buddy and resident brat Ochie in Puerto Galera, Philippines (not Boracay Island as previously written, sorry Och).

The purple Timex (http://www.timex.com/) watch on top is my weekend and beach trip staple. To order an extra strap, I had to wait for 6 months!! It's my most expensive watch, PHP 1,700.00 =).

Cool beans, right?!

Icing on the Cake

Group photos with Wu Chun and Calvin Chen!!

It was a surprise. Announced at the very last part of the Meet and Greet. Everyone could not stop screaming at the thought of going up the stage and having their photos taken with Chun and Calvin. Never mind if in a group. It was still an exciting experience.

Thanks to Eve (beside me kneeling in front) for sending these previous and unforgettable photo.

Weekend with Wu Chun and Calvin Chen

It has been too long since any Taiwanese artist came over to the Philippines. The last I remember was Jerry Yan in 2005 for the Bench event in Cebu,an island province south of Manila.

So when I heard about Wu Chun and Calvin Chen coming over to promote their drama Romantic Princess, I dusted off my fangirl shoes and went chasing.

First stop was the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Through my friends in PAL, I was able to gain access to the arrival lobby of the airport. With a handful of Filipino fans and a bunch of overseas fans, I finally saw the boys in person for the very first time.

Second stop was the very short Meet the Fans event at the ABS-CBN studio compound. I was laughing so hard when we got to the line formed outside the studio because I was probably the oldest fangirl there!! After waiting for more than an hour, the boys finally made an appearance for about 15 mins. We couldn't hear what they said because my photos indicated they said a few words but the screaming was just too loud.

And then late lunch at the Grams Diner at The Loop (which is inside the studio compound) to watch the boys' guesting at E-Live, an entertainment talk show. After our meal, I went home to wait for their appearance at Pinoy Dream Academy, a reality talent show. The boys did not disappoint me when they did a duet live. It was my first time to see them perform live and now I look forward to more.

The following day Sunday, I was able to attend their Meet and Greet with the ABS-CBN folks through the kindness of my former officemate and friend, Dennis who's talent, OJ Mariano was asked to be a guest in the event. After the event, we had the chance to literally chase Chun and Calvin all over Manila as they did a quick tour of Luneta Park, Rizal Monument, Bay Walk and the CCP complex. It quickly dawned on me that my fangirl shoes never did any car chase in its home court! This was actually the first time as I usually run all over Taiwan and Hongkong.

Last stop was at Serendra, the hippest place in Manila today. While the boys had dinner at Abe, we had our dinner just across the restaurant at A Different Bookstore. I realized that I can still eat without blinking and looking at my food as my eyes were glued to Abe's door for any signs of activity.

We were hoping to get one last photo with the boys, but they were just too tired (or already had a few rounds of drinks...hehe) and dragged away by their security team. Nevertheless, Chun's very endearing "sorry" was enough to cap an otherwise fun weekend.

Which made me only so eager to get to Tokyo for the F4 Concert! I heart these boys unconditionally...

For the rest of the photos, head on out to http://gigidm.multiply.com/photos/album/34/Weekend_with_Wu_Chun_and_Calvin_Chen and http://gigidm.multiply.com/photos/album/35

And for videos, posted my unartistic video clips at the following youtube links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH_Dhaqblz8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odoFtkhY2FA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8pYtdaqpAU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJFx77ejnu8

One Year and 5 months...

Is what it took for me to finish one book!

The saga started in February 2007 when I brought the book with me on a trip to Singapore. 5 trips and 4 countries later, I finally finished it.

Sad and pathetic...

Because I used to finish one paperback within 24 hours...8 hours if it is a James Patterson book.

Not because the book is not good. It was actually...but...

I guess a lot of things distract me now in my enjoyment of reading. Probably the busy work schedule, the even busier fandom activities, maybe the travels or the addiction to the internet and the onset of blogging?? Or ALL of the above!!

Despite this, I will continue to buy books. I will keep them in my shelf until the day that my feet gets tired of chasing my idols, or i have already travelled to my satisfaction or my back could not stand sitting up and typing stuff on my blog or ALL of the above. =)

A Happy Purple World!!!

A happy purple world to all! I was surprised to see that I already have gone over the 1,000 mark for visitors. Isn't it the coolest?

Keep coming back friends! And wouldn't it be good to comment and chat in here?

Maraming salamat! Thank you! Arigato gozaimashita! Xie xie ni! Terimah Kasih! Kansamhamnida! Shukran!

Highlights of Dubai Holiday Part 3 (Final)

There are 2 major highlights of my Dubai holiday that will wrap up my long-winded posts - the texture of the city and the people that made the trip more fun!

Like I mentioned a couple of posts back, one of the surprises that I had was how beautiful, modern yet retaining its arabic influence, the city is. Aside from Ibn Batuta Mall, I also will not forget Mercato with its meditteranean facade.

I will also never forget Dubai Creek which is the backdrop of the city's character. Like any great city, the creek is the lifeblood of Dubai. It always made me feel a tinge of despair that my own country's Pasig river is actually dead. I loved my abra (arabic for thid little boat) that ferried people from Bur Dubai to Deira and back.

I was intrigued with this cruise boat and promised myself to take a cruise in the creek next time.
Despite its smallness, the Dubai Museum is a must stop for any tourist. To me, what was awesome was how this city is serious about growth despite the short history it has as a city and economic force in the region. No wonder many nationalities would want to ride that wave of determination and settled in Dubai.

And the trip won't be as memorable if not for the people that I have met. It was my first time to meet anyone from Bosnia. Elmir and Sabina were fun dune bashing mates. We had a great time exchanging bits and pieces about our countries' culture.

I will never, ever forget my one and only interaction with a guy in a kandura. Fahd was our source of irritation when he picked us up from the mall. But he turned out to me full of adventure and thus fun.

The friends of Tatsi also added color to the already colorful trip. I was happy to see Hilary (formerly Rona) married anew and settling happily with her new husband. I was happy to see Ann again after our first meeting in Manila last December.
Kathy is also one of my sister's kookiest friends. I was happy to see her in both nights that we were drinking at Jebel Ali Club. May katawanan at kakulitan.

I will also never forget the day I spent with Anne, who used to be with me in my F4 escapades. I have not seen her in two years and I'm happy that she's alright despite missing the Philippines and wanting to leave the UAE.

Last but not the least, is Richard (aka Kitty Kach). He was so kind to bring me around Bur Dubai and become my photographer despite the 110 degree heat! I will never forget our lunch at the Orient (tama ba?) restaurant with the Pinoy menu.
Well, that's it. My purple world has widened and in fact, has mixed with other vibrant colors this time around. I am now focusing on my next destination. More of that in the next couple of months. Back to grind and scrimping...scrimping...

Highlights of Dubai Holiday Part 2

The sightseeing was great but the shopping was also awesome. I will not forget that the first thing I bought was not in Dubai but in Abu Dhabi Marina Mall.

Dubai is purple heaven! I remember posing in front of this furniture store because I absolutely loved the sofa.

I will also remember the shopping malls and how fabulous they are. No expense was spared in the flooring, in the themes and decor. My favorite of all is Ibn Batuta Mall. Each entrance of the mall has a theme like this one. A Chinese junk in the middle of the mall? You better believe it...

This entrance to Ibn is also fabulous. I was just not able to take a photo with the huge elephant just behind this wall because everyone was just taking photos.

And then there is the Dubai Festival City mall. I was astounded to see a marina behind it. Sail in, park your yatch and then go shopping? You better believe it...

Aside from the malls, shopping is also surreal at the Gold Souk. I have never seen anything like it. Two blocks of shops with nothing but gold in their windows. Gold and more gold!!! And the wooden canopy added the local flavor to the shopping experience.

One must be ready to do serious shopping in Dubai whether one's poison is the Dubai outlet mall, jewelry or the luxury brand stores. Despite maxing out my credit card and my making a big hole in my wallet, I will be more prepared next time.

In the meantime, my supplies will have to last until the next visit. And pray that I can stay away from Manila shopping malls. =)

Stay tuned for the last part of this highlight series. For the rest of the photos head on out to http://gigidm.multiply.com/

Highlights of Dubai Holiday Part 1

After being back at work for a week, I can only reminisce about the great holiday I had in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

I can still imagine Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa (http://www.jumeirahbabalshams.com/) as it is the very first place my sister took me. While we went on the road trip, I got a glimpse of Dubai and the vastness of the desert it thrives on. And then the oasis that was Bab Al Shams. I love the gorgeous pool with the desert on the background.

I also will not forget my first taste of Arabic food at the Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant (http://www.jumeirahbabalshams.com/dining/al_hadheerah/). Walking through the desert from the resort was a romantic experience even if I was walking with family. The beauty of the desert sand can be seen by the lighted pathway and the lights of the restaurants from afar elicited excitement as we got nearer.

Of course the desert safari was exhilirating and soooo much fun! Dune bashing, Bedouin camp, belly-dancing, henna tattoo was offered as part of the tour ran by Net Tours (http://www.nettoursdubai.com/index.htm) especially if you have a good 4x4 driver like Fahd.

And then there was the trip to the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi for the Lost Highway concert of Bon Jovi. Fandom + Family always make a great combination. The long drive, the heat, the hours of standing, the 3 hour traffice to get out of the parking lot was all worth it just to hear Living on a Prayer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uNbV2s0QCc).

The fun did not stop there. Checking in at the uber elegant Jumeirah Beach Hotel (http://www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com/) was an unforgettable experience. The hotel designed to resemble a wave was awesome, awesome! As soon as we entered our 19th floor room facing the Arabian Gulf with the all-suite Burj Al Arab in view, I was jumping and I mean jumping for joy. Lunch at the lobby, dinner at Der Keller, lazing around at its private beach, will all be etched in my memory.

I'm off to watch more youtube of the May 20 concert...Part 2 coming up!

See You Again Dubai...

I fly back to Manila in the morning and my memories of 17 days in Dubai is filled with my bonding moments with my brother Denver and sister Maria Lourdes. They have made this trip really, really awesome.

I will go back home to Manila inspired and dreaming again of the day that I can come back to this city made home by many Filipinos because indeed here they can enjoy the best that life has to offer.


There are many more stories to tell about this trip. For now, I leave this photo of Dubai Creek as I say to Dubai...See you again. I will definitely be back.

Thank you Daddy Daboy.

Thank you Tatsi.

And thank you to the many new friends I've made and the old ones I've met.

Shukran Jazilan. Baaraka alahu fik.

Dubai Surprises

Being new to the middle east, I knew nothing of it except that its landscape is mainly desert. What surprised me was the beauty of the architecture not only of the buildings but the homes as well. Mediterranean, yet retaining arabic and modern touches.

This photo is a shot of the Jumeirah part of the city which is my favorite of all areas so far. My thoughts as I rode the bus one of my bored days here is that "I could live here"...oh no! hahahaha!!!


The next surprise is food. I have not tried much arabic food but I discovered that I like most of them like falafels, kebabs and the yummy variations of rice. I am not a fan of lamb but there are always variations of dishes in beef or chicken.

And if you get tired of Arabic food, this place is also haven of other kinds of food as well. One good restaurant is The Noodle House (http://www.dubai-eating.com/13981.htm) which is part of the Jumeirah brands. The food is asian fusion and the service fabulous. Try their Chicken Sweet and Sour, the Crab Fried Rice and the Spicy Shrimp. Yum!!


Last but not the least of course is the shopping. Dubai is shopping heaven!! Period!! For girls like me who are Asians but not Asian in measurements, Dubai is a place where we can max out ye 'ol credit card and still feel good. I've shopped all over Asia and the best I could find are shoes. But in Dubai, I can find everything from underwear, trousers, tops, blouses, you name it they have sizes for girls like me.

Aside from all the branded items, Dubai now has Dubai Outlet Mall where I could buy branded stuff for 1/3 of the price in regular malls. Needless to say I went crazy.

The running list:

6 pairs of shoes
5 pairs of trousers
6 blouses/tops
a bunch of underwear
a purple tankini (at last!)
a purple watch
notebooks
accessories

5 more days before I go back home...I dare not think what else I would find.

Why Dubai?

Going for my first ever long holiday (defined as 15 days or more), I've decided long ago that I would go to Dubai, United Arab Emirates first. Many would wonder why Dubai when there are a lot more interesting places to visit and spend my hard-earned money.

I only have one reason and its because of these guys who I miss dearly. Yes they come home to Manila once a year but its very different to be with them in a place they've called home for several years now.

My sister came to Dubai 5 years ago while my brother 2 years ago. They have built careers for themselves which I am sooo proud of. With my parents gone and being the eldest, I am privileged to be the recipient of their generosity to see the best of Dubai and the other Emirates.

I also got a glimpse of how they live and met the people that they work and play with. I've had several suprises which I will post later.

Of course icing on the cake was seeing the desert for the very first time. Standing with my loved ones in the vastness of these red dunes was an experience of lifetime.

Would seeing snow for the first time be next? :-)

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.