Day 13 (After Two Days)

Your favorite musician and why.

I remember seeing Only When I Sleep on MTV and wondering how the hell did these people manage to hoard all the beauty genes in the world. Unfortunately, the video looked a little too old-fashioned for me so I used to change channels whenever it came on.

And then my sister bought a copy of their CD, Talk on Corners. I heard Intimacy and No Good For Me, and I was hooked for life.

I love The Corrs for a number of reasons. Andrea's voice is pure and powerful without being too exaggerated. The violin parts are hypnotic. The lyrics cut through the heart. And basically, they're very easy to listen to. Of course, the number one reason why I love these Irish siblings - I met my own band mates/life partners because of them. If it weren't for their music, KAZE would never have existed.

Here's one of my favorite songs from The Corrs. Enjoy!

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I wasn't able to post for the past two days. So much for the challenge. Still, I will complete the thirty days no matter what happens, although I can already see the gaps between my posts when September comes in. Gahd. Kerigofight! 

Day 12 (BF)

A photograph of the town you live in.

We moved here two days after I had my first birthday back in19xx (paki-kaskas nalang yung mga 'x' para makita niyo yung year). I can vaguely remember what our house used to look like - large front lawn, black grilled gates, white walls, red roof. Since then, our house was renovated twice, broken into, attacked by termites, flooded inside (not outside, galing no?), and attacked by cockroaches (something I will never ever forget). Still, I love it here. So many memories to keep and share.

The street where I live. I was bored then so I brought out my tripod and camera to do night shots.

Sometimes I can't help but think about how much BF Homes has changed since we came here. Back then we had to go to Southmall or as far as Megamall to buy stuff. Now, you can just drive along the Aguirre Ave. stretch for anything - food, school supplies, appliances, groceries, even car and motorcycle parts. Restaurants and bars have lined up the main street, repair shops have sprouted everywhere, and mini-malls are being built one after the other. If someone were to build a cinema and an airport in here, we can shut ourselves off, stay here forever and call ourselves a country. The Republic of BF. Naks.

I just hope we don't get too commercialized. It'll really suck if they tore down the Tropical Hotel Ruins and all the other scenic, forest-y places so they can make more houses and buildings.

Day 11 (Makeup? Haller.)

What's in your makeup bag?

So I'm sure you guys understand why I crossed out the word "makeup". I mean, HALLER. Me? Makeup? Nuh-uh.

I remember one of my students peeking inside my bag and said something like "a glimpse into the life of Ms. K!" It actually made me wonder what was inside my bag that would give her a glimpse of my life, so I guess it's great timing that I get to write about this today and see if she's right.

So without further ado, I present to you my very messy bag.

1. House Keys - I don't leave home without it. Sometimes I don't know if I'll get home late (I let my workaholic self take control or I get bouts of spontaneity and end up having dinner with friends) and since they usually lock the main door, I have to have these with me so I can get in without waking up people.

2. Perfume - I have two Bvlgari bottles, which I use sparingly. These were just given to me, but I heard they were a bit expensive.

3. Cellphones - I'm using my dad's old Nokia E71 China phone (Smart) and an LG Cookie (Globe). I use the former for personal stuff, and the latter for work.

4. School supplies - I always have to have a pen and a whiteboard marker for my classes. Sure, we have e-classrooms now but there's something about writing on a glass board that makes me feel like I'm a teacher. LOL. As for the highlighter, it was just there in the bag.

5. iPod and charger - I take this with me everywhere I go so I can drown myself in music when necessary. Bought this from a co-worker last Christmas as a gift to myself.

6. Earplugs - I use this in gigs, when I have to do backup vocals. My hearing kinda sucks, so I can't quite hear my voice coming from the monitor speakers. I need these so I can hear myself and try to sing in key.

7. Brush - I think this is self-explanatory. LOL.

8. Medicine - I just recovered from a bad asthma attack a couple of weeks ago so I have to bring with me my trusty Ventolin inhaler. Having asthma sucks; no matter how deep you try to breathe, it's like there's an elephant sitting on your chest, with a cat trapped in there with all the wheezing going on. I take this with me everywhere I go (like my iPod haha) because I never really know when and where it'll attack.

9. Flashlight and matches - your basic emergency stuff. But to be honest, I really don't know what a box of matches is doing in my bag.

10. Alcohol - I gotta keep my hands clean, right?

Okay, now what do these things say about me? I really don't know, but I guess it does tell people a bit about me when they do get to peek inside my bag, assuming they can see anything through the mess. LOL.



Day 10 (Omnomnom)

A photo of your favorite place to eat.

I love food. I'm sure it's pretty obvious by now with  my food blog and ever-growing waistline, which is why I (with my sleep-deprived and barely functioning brain cells) am having a hard time composing a good enough entry for today's topic. But I'll keep this short. I really need to get some sleep.

My favorite place to eat is our dining room here at home, especially during the weekends when my whole family is complete and we all get to have lunch or dinner together. Here's a picture of a typical weekend lunch.

My mom's Pork Kare-Kare and my dad's Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Yep. Goodbye, diet.

Okay, I hope I get to write something better tomorrow. Right now, I just really need to get some shut eye before I stop functioning altogether.

Day 09 (CGS)

A photo of the item you last purchased.

Aaaaand I have no choice but to skip another day. I am so sorry, Blog Challenge, but I've been really exhausted that I fall asleep almost as soon as my head hits the pillow. First semesters are always toxic for our department, and our schedule can get so intense to the point where I even have to schedule when I'm going to get sick.

One of the activities lined up for the sophomores is the CGS, or Comprehensive Growth Series, which is basically a retreat of some sort. My boss and I went there this afternoon to support our students and get to know them better. And yes, the food. Who can resist CGS food?

The 2nd year AB-Comm and AB-MMA with Ms. Juliet, Sir Aris, and Ms. Felma

It's a good thing I had my cameras with me (I came from a photoshoot in the Elizalde campus) so I got to document their activities - hand painting using colored gawgaw, and house building using newspaper, leaves and twigs. I must stay it was fun watching them get down and dirty (and basically having fun), and I suddenly wondered why CGS wasn't as interesting as this back then. LOL.

This is a photo of one of newest babies, my Canon 600D. I bought this about a month ago, and though it kind of depleted my financial resources, it's sooooo worth it. One of the features that I really love is the bigger, vari-angle LCD screen. I don't need to lie down on the floor or strain my neck to peek into the viewfinder to take different angles of my subject(s).

Next item to purchase - a cellphone. I'm choosing between a Blackberry and an Android phone (HTC?). My  Cookie's phonebook is driving me nuts.

Day 08 (Crazy)

A song to match your mood.

I spent most of the day helping my students record the vocal track for the PR song, and I have to admit it turned out pretty good despite the technical details we experienced earlier. It's always fun to work with talented people who are full of energy and ideas. Makes me feel younger, haha.

Right now I'm waiting (with Tim and Dan of the production team) for them to come back from shooting the music video for the song. I'm not really sure what time they'll be back, so I'm taking the opportunity to write because I'm sure I won't be able to later due to a 9:30pm to 12:00mn band practice at Cherry Studios.

But before I write anything, I have to figure out what my mood is. I'm tired, happy, frustrated, accomplished, amused, and restless. Too many things happening and running through my head. I've been entertaining a lot of "what if" thoughts lately, and I think it's starting to affect my life. This is so not good.

And for some reason, this song started playing in my head.

Day 07 (One Week)

Your plans for today.

It's been a week since I started this blog challenge and I'm having fun so far. Sure, I've missed a couple of days because it was just physically impossible for me to write anything, but at least I make it a point to catch up. That's an improvement, right?

For today, I decided to change the topic from "your dream wedding" to "your plans for today" because it's simpler. And yes, I'm avoiding the question. Like I mentioned in Day 03, relationships are not my priority. I'm focused on my work and the band. I plan on having a family, yes, but not anytime soon so I don't really think about that stuff right now.

On to the challenge.

After a particularly grueling week, I finally get the chance to unwind this weekend starting with the band practice we had last night. We learned a new song for a gig on Wednesday, and I can't wait to hear how it's gonna turn out when the arrangement is finished. And as promised, I had a full 10-hour sleep and woke up around lunch time. Later in the afternoon, Chevy and I will record the guitars for the PR song I mentioned yesterday, and then it's off to the cinemas with my sister and our friends to watch the last full showing of Cinemalaya's Best Picture, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank.

I am so thankful that I get to find the time to spend with people who matter and get my mind off certain things. The idea of doing something fun with my family or my friends at the end of the week (or if this isn't possible, then doing something really productive with my students) is what keeps me going because they make me feel that everything I do is and will be worth it. I know it sounds kinda corny, but it's true.

Next week is going to be another busy week, with the PR deadline coming up, plus the CGS, org meetings, and the usual paperwork. It'll be stressful and toxic, but I know I'm ready. Bring it on, beachez!

Day 06 (We Gotta Be Sneaky, Charlie)

A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet.

Spent the whole day in school today helping the PR Team with the song they're going to use for their campaign. We managed to lay down the chords and finalize the arrangement in about three hours I think. The talent these kids have never ceases to amaze me, and working with them was quite an experience.

When the song was done, I tried helping out with the rest of the team and was instantly reminded of why I was in production. I am so not cut out for research. One of them was so drained from all the thinking, she decided to take a break by letting her other teammate watch Charlie the Unicorn.

Yeah. Bad idea if you're in the brink of having a mental breakdown.

Speaking of unicorns, I've always wanted one of these as a pet. If I remember correctly, unicorns are "mythical" creatures that portray purity and grace, and can heal sickness or something. That could come in handy when I start feeling crappy but I need to work. If I can't get a unicorn, a Pegasus would be nice. I'd bring it to work and bypass the horrible traffic. I'm not sure if they allow mythical creatures in the office, so I gotta be sssssssneaky.

Argh, I can't write anymore. We just finished band practice and I've been playing the guitar since this morning. My fingers are dead.   

Day 05 (No Reason)

A photo of yourself two years ago.

Photo taken by Nimrod Lozano

So I just got home from sessiOnroad's last gig before Hannah goes on "maternity leave". It's already past 3AM, but I'm still high from that awesome, awesome set. I'm supposed to be getting ready for my class tomorrow later, but I thought I'd make a quick post to save face. I don't want to put too huge a gap between my entries so that challenge wouldn't go to waste.

Aaaaaand that was as far as I got before I fell asleep. LOL.

Two years ago, I was fulfilling a dream. I've always wanted to be in a band, make music and play for a crowd. I was lucky enough to have found six other people who shared my passion for music, and after years of challenges and hard work, it finally paid off in the form of a 7-track CD. We called it "No Reason" to celebrate how we got together as a band - wala lang. We were just a group of people who loved music and never really thought we could pull off something like releasing an independent album.

I still get goosebumps every time I watch videos from that night we launched our EP. The feeling you get when you hear people singing along to a song you wrote is indescribable - I wanted to cry, jump for joy, roll on the floor and laugh my ass off, hug Justin Bieber...I was in an all-time high. August 1 will have a special place in my heart forever and ever.

So what's in store for the KAZE, now that two years have passed? Gigs and events with our other band friends, usually up north. It sucks that we don't have a decent bar here in the south. We've also written more songs and recorded demos, which we will work on until the end of the year. Hopefully we get to release another CD by next year, and I can barely contain my excitement.

Day 04 (Bes Pren)

Your favorite photograph of your best friend.

Before any of you ask, I'm going to explain the picture later. Gotta do some kind of intro first.

I don't know why, but proctoring the validating exam always leaves me drained to the core. It didn't help that my head started pounding and I started feeling nauseous an hour into the exam, and there was nobody there to take my place. I managed to get through the three-hour exam in one piece (I'm not sure if I can say the same with the students who took the exam), and I was lucky enough to find one of my students who always had medicine with him.

Anyway.

Last December, my HS girlies and I went on a grand Laguna getaway where we ate, drank, slept, and had the most competitive game of Jenga, Scrabble, and Pinoy Henyo. This photo was taken during our second day while we were checking out the grounds of Casa San Pablo. Add a little bit of Photoshop and voila! Instant movie poster! I love this pic because, well, it's funny as hell. I can so imagine her in that role - responsible and eager house help by day, con artist, drug lord, and murderer at night. Like in those slasher flicks. LOL.

Yes, this is my best friend. No, her name is not Inday (it's close, though).

I've known her since grade school. I was jumping from group to group, trying to find people who had the same interests, goals and ideas, when I met her and her group. I was a huuuuuuge fan of Sailormoon at the time, and it was nice to meet and talk to people who also loved the show. I remember us talking outside the classroom about the latest episode and speculate on what's going to happen next and other stuff. Who would've thought our friendship would grow from anime?

We've been best friends for more than a decade. We don't get to see each other that much anymore because we have to live our own lives, but we make it a point to meet at least a month for dinner or coffee and pick up where we left off. Our friendship has gone through its own ups and downs, and though we did not survive unscathed, at least we've become stronger.

And I have to go back to work now. That one-hour nap became a three-hour power nap, effectively throwing a wrench in my schedule for tonight. :|

Day 03 (Suspension)

Your idea of the perfect first date.

Photo taken from here.

Classes were suspended today, and it was kinda weird because it wasn't really raining hard when they made the announcement. Most of my students asked why when there was no rain, and I told them the guys up north are having a hard time with the weather and that we're lucky we don't get to experience really bad floods here. My prayers go out to those badly affected by the non-stop downpour.

Anyway, on to the challenge.

I have to admit, this is a weird topic for me. I'm not one to go out looking for a romantic relationship just for the sake of having one (unlike some people I know, haha). I'd rather love find me when the time is right. My first plan was to change the topic for Day 03, then I realized that describing my perfect first date couldn't hurt. Plus it's a chance to step out of my comfort zone a bit. So, here it goes.

There are three things I "require" for a first date: good company, good food, and a reliable mode of transportation.

Going out on a date with someone basically means you want to get to know each other, right? You talk about a lot of stuff like school/work, the latest TV series, what movies you like, how Twilight really sucks, and whatever else you can think of. My date should be able to carry a good conversation with me, and not just sit there silently and wait for something to happen. I was told recently about a friend who went on a date with this girl he likes but was silent and brooding the whole time. Uh, no. That just won't do. I can be very talkative when I want to, and my date should be able to keep up and compete with me.

No date is complete without food. The place doesn't have to be really fancy and expensive-looking, as long as they serve really good grub. I'm probably gonna go with tried and tested restaurants instead of trying something new, because I wouldn't want disappointment over food put a damper on things especially when the date is going really well.

Lastly, a car. It may sound a bit materialistic on my part, but I don't really like commuting (I do know how, just so we're clear). I'd rather be stuck in traffic in my car than in a van/bus full of strangers. And I think my date and I can talk more freely that way.

That's it. It actually took me a looooooong time to finish this post, and I'm almost tempted to erase everything and change the topic but I won't. Haha. Here's to hoping tomorrow's topic is easier.

Day 02 (Back to Work)

A photo of something you ate today.

It feels so good to be back in the office after being stuck at home for a week. I missed my desk, my chair, the office couch, lunch with the boss, lunch with co-workers, talking to a random student in the hallway, making my students' lives harder, and laughing with my more insane kiddies (our meetings end up longer than usual because of all the non-sense). This week started out great, and I hope the good vibes will last until Friday.

Today's lunch - Breaded Fish Fillet, two pieces of longganisa, and 1 cup of rice from the cafeteria downstairs. I was supposed to get something else but the "Tartar" sauce got my attention. It's not your usual tartar; the sauce was made of hard-boiled eggs, mayo, onions, and something else I can't quite place, but it tasted so much like what you would put in an egg sandwich. Interesting twist to a fish fillet sauce, but it didn't quite do anything for the overall flavor. The longganisa wasn't that good too, but since I didn't eat breakfast and I had to drink medicine, I ate them all anyway.

I remember back in college when the cafeteria was the most popular place to avoid. I didn't really understand why people didn't like eating the food there until I tried their tortang talong one fateful day. Now I don't eat eggplants but I love tortang talong (yes, I know it's weird) so I was very much dismayed when I took that first bite. It was so oily and bland, not even huge blobs of banana ketchup can fix it. I swore off cafeteria food ever since. I mean, how could they botch something as simple as tortang talong?

On my first year of teaching, they changed concessionaires. The cafeteria looked cleaner and the food looked and smelled edible. They were the ones who introduced the "mutant" fried chicken (as in really big portions of chicken) swimming in gravy, which I ate every single day for one semester until I started sprouting feathers. I also absolutely loved their cassava cake, sopas and sisig. But eventually, the school had to change again because the food wasn't worth the price anymore, and the menu wasn't as diverse as it once was. Bye-bye, nyamy cassava cake and sopas. :(

The new concessionaire, the ones that served my lunch, is from the neighboring foreign university. They offer Culinary Arts there, so I guess it makes sense that they cook food for the entire school. The cafeteria has become their training ground and they made a few interesting changes. The walls are painted with drawings of food and kitchen appliances, music can be heard through small speakers mounted on some of the posts, and I don't have to go to the far side of the cafeteria to buy drinks. Their menu is diverse too - they have sandwiches and pasta now. Unfortunately, it's a tad bit more expensive than the last concessionaire, and though they do have good food sometimes, the rest is somewhat...blah. I'm sure they could do better, but until then, it's fish fillet a la egg sandwich for me.

Day 01 (Sunday Slowdown)

A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.

Okay, Day 1. Where do I start?

I posted this picture almost a week ago, after my doctor ordered me to take a week-long sick leave. As I mentioned in that blog entry, I've been on bed rest since last Tuesday because the cough and colds I ignored the previous week worsened into respiratory infection and bronchitis. Yep, it's a bad case of asthma, thanks to the workaholic in me kicking in and refusing to miss even a day at work. I keep telling my kiddies (a.k.a my students) to take care of their health and rest when they're sick. I should start following my own advice.

At least I'm feeling better now but I'm still having occasional coughing and sneezing fits. Am I ready to go to work tomorrow? We'll see. I might have to take things easy and hope nothing stresses me out (yes, I'm looking at you my dear students).

I woke up this cold and rainy Sunday morning to the sounds of my parents and sisters in the kitchen and Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise" blasting from the neighbor's radio. My dad cooked Spicy Kaldereta (a request from me and my sister), I ate a lot, drank meds, wrote a review for Bento-Ya, worked on a couple of grading sheets, and took naps. It's your typical bed weather routine - eat, sleep, surf teh Internetz. The rain is making me want to curl up in a bed with a sea of comforters and uber soft pillows, and read a book or watch a movie or TV series (Game of Thrones?) while drinking hot chocolate. I think I'm gonna be in trouble if the rain doesn't let up and the weather is still like this tomorrow morning.

In other words, today is a lazy, lazy Sunday, and I hope I'm well enough to go to work tomorrow. I miss my desk. 

The 30-Day Blog Challenge

There was a time when I couldn't let a day go by without writing on at least two of my blogs. Even if nothing particularly exciting happened that day, I'd still post a random picture with some silly caption just so I can put something new in there. Now I update only whenever I feel like it (a.k.a "once or twice a month"), and when I do it usually takes me a while to finish because I keep running out of words. I guess I got so used to "micro-blogging", I can't write a decent, full-length entry anymore.

I've tried different things to get me back into writing shape. I boldly went head on with The 365 Project (it's a photography thing but instead of taking one picture a day, I tried doing one post a day) but failed miserably (I think I stopped at 45). I tried it again and did even worse. I made a food blog, but the same thing happens. You'd think I'd be able to write regularly since it's about one of my favorite things in the world, but noooooo. I had to find something to jump-start my writing, and I had to find one fast before I completely lost interest.

This morning, I saw a friend post Day 03 of her 30-Day Blog Challenge and it got me interested. I checked it out, and apparently it's supposed to get you back in the writing habit by giving you a list of topics you need to write about for 30 straight days. The list could be pre-determined, or you could come up with your own. I think I'm going with the pre-determined topics because I tend to run out of ideas, but I might change it up a bit since I don't think some of the things in there can apply to me, like "What's in your makeup bag?"

Here's the list I'm planning to do:


Day 1 – A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.
Day 2 – A photo of something you ate today.
Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.
Day 4 – Your favorite photograph of your best friend.
Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.
Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.
Day 7 – Your dream wedding. Your plans for today.
Day 8 – A song to match your mood.
Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.
Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat.
Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 13 – Your favorite musician and why?
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.
Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 23 – 15 facts about you.
Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.
Day 25 – What’s in your purse?
Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you’ve been to.
Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?
Day 28 – Your favorite movie.
Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.
Day 30 – A photograph of youself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days


I really hope I pull through with this one. That'd be a huge accomplishment for me. And who knows, I might even try to do this on my food blog so you all can watch me gain weight.

Random Update

Waw, a month? That long? Hmm.

I think I know why God made me sick - so I could update my blogs and try to relax and recharge, even with a clogged nose and a sore throat. So, here I am.

The earth shook about an hour ago. I was on my way to the kitchen to get a glass of water when I suddenly felt dizzy. I thought it was because of the meds, but when I got back to my computer, I saw about a dozen or so status updates that there was an earthquake. For someone who can't really feel earthquakes, I didn't know what to think. Should I be happy that I FINALLY got to feel an earthquake after so long, or should I be scared that the quake was strong enough for me to feel it? Or am I just being weird?

Speaking of status updates, I noticed that some of my friends posted in present tense. "Lumilindol!" or "Earthquake!" were the most common posts I saw. It's amusing to see how social networking has changed our priorities - FB first, then duck for cover. A friend of mine gave those people plus points for having no typographical errors in the middle of the shakiness. LOL.

And I think that's about all my brain can muster. Gotta go back to sleep and recuperate. I'm taking the day off tomorrow - hopefully a day's rest and a visit to the doctor will do the trick.

Pamper-Me-Monday @ G's Spa

I've been wanting to get a massage for the longest time since this year started, but things have been way to hectic and "interesting" that I haven't had the chance to do it. It's a good thing I decided to join my friends for a trip to Laguna last Monday (June 20) to visit G's Spa Place of Wellness, located in the South Forbes Golf City (right across the South Forbes Villas and a few minutes away from Nuvali).

G's Spa is owned by the Guevarra's, a family of massage aficionados who wanted a place where they could get massages whenever they wanted. We met Rudy, one of the owners, and he was kind enough to show us around and let us take pictures.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the air-conditioned lobby was the sweet smell of flowers and how bright and clean everything looked. The seats were comfortable enough, and there was a huge pot of strong ginger tea at the corner for everyone to try. The main part area of the spa has two levels - the lower level has a steam and dry sauna, shower and locker rooms, and massage rooms that can accommodate up to 6 people; the upper level also has its own saunas and shower/locker rooms, with massage rooms for solo clients or those who come in pairs.

 

 

After touring the spa and helping myself with cups of ginger tea, it was off to the massage rooms. Ruth and I had the steam sauna first, which felt really nice. The heat was just right, and it felt like I being juiced of all the toxins in my body. Fifteen minutes later, we were escorted to the massage room where we got the Balinese massage, which (if I understood correctly) focused more on the body's muscles and pressure points. Claire, my therapist, asked if I wanted to use virgin coconut oil or pure makapuno cream (I think they're the only spa who uses this). I chose the former, but now I realized that I should have gone with the latter but fear of smelling like halo-halo got the best of me (just so we're clear, the makapuno cream smells nothing like the sweet makapuno we're familiar with. I'm just being ridiculous). An hour and a couple of painful pressure points later, my body felt so relaxed and my tensed muscles loosened up, and I couldn't wait to go home and sleep because I just new I was going to have a good one.

 

So if you happen to be in the Nuvali or South Forbes area and looking for a place to relax and de-stress, then head on over to G's Spa Place of Wellness for a great, pampering experience.

G's Spa Place of Wellness
3/F Leticia Tower, South Forbes Golf City
Open Daily from 1pm to 11pm
http://www.gs-spa.com
Email: gspa.placeofwellness@gmail.com
Contact: 0917-5361812 (Globe), 0923-7263227 (Sun), (049) 502-3729 (landline)

Long Weekend

Just a quickie before I go off to lala-land.

It's been raining the past few days and I'm loving the bed weather, which made being stuck at home while my family was away in Mindoro having a grand time somewhat bearable. That, plus the really cool stuff that happened over the weekend.

The golden wedding gig is coming up this Saturday, so my band mates and I are scrambling to learn the songs particularly the new old songs (70's and 80's) we're supposed to play for the older guests to appreciate. So far we've had two practices already, and things are going smoothly.

This afternoon, I went with my friend Ruth and a few bloggers to G's Spa Place of Wellness, located 3 minutes away from Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. I'm going to write all about the place in my next post, but so far all I can say is - this is the second time I had a "ninja massage" (translation: totally unplanned/unexpected). Yes, I know I should've expected that it was going to involve full body massages when I saw Ruth's message on Facebook, but I guess I was too busy with another project to actually realize it. LOL.

I should probably sleep now if I want to wake up early enough to finish preparing my stuff for class.

"Masakit Ang Ulo Ko"

Masakit Ang Ulo Ko

(My Head Hurts)

Once upon a time, there was a teacher who slept late and woke up early. So early, that the first thing she said before sitting up from her bed was "Masakit ang ulo ko, shet." She was sorely tempted to stay in and sleep the day off, but she had a class in the morning and could not afford to miss it because the school will not pay her. So she dragged herself from bed and into the shower.

She got to school earlier than usual, which was surprising because traffic in front of the school was usually pretty bad. She went up to the office to get herself ready for class, but just when she thought things were turning out okay, she found her students waiting outside, the classroom locked, and the technician nowhere to be seen. Fifteen minutes of her life, wasted.

She started class late. At least they were complete. She tried to make the lesson as interesting as she could, even though it was mostly lecture. Now she's sitting in front of one of the computer units while the class is on break, and writing about how the morning was going so far.

And then one of her students (let's call her Scratchy) offered to get her medicine from the clinic, which she is grateful for, but then that student tried to coerce her into giving her plus points for it. The teacher just laughed and laughed. And laughed. And laughed some more.

Plus points? Ano yun?

"Masakit parin ang ulo ko."

The teacher, after three hours of listening to her students talk about their love lives (related to their exercise, promise), is now seriously thinking of just crashing on her bed for some well-deserved sleep. But she can't because she's at work. Therefore...

"Masakit ang ulo ko, shet."

Dear Elliot Stabler

You've been in SVU for 12 long years, and we've all seen you catch pervs and rapists, get shot, grill suspects in interrogation, get stabbed with a pen, make out with Dani Beck, struggle with your marriage, go undercover numerous times, turn women to lifeless goo with your blue eyes, bare your chest (much to your female fans' delight), and constantly flirt with Olivia Benson without even trying. I admit that you're not one of my favorites at first, but your stubbornness and temper grew on me and you're a staple in the 1-6 that I can't imagine not seeing your manly man figure walking down the hall with your partner. I am sad to hear that I won't see you next season. I will miss the badass-ness you bring to the show, and of course, it won't be the same without that yummy tension between you and Benson. I do not want to see you go, but such is life. The best of luck to you.

Ampogi-pogi, syet.

And to the producers, he BETTER have a graceful exit. Don't go killing him off or something, or I will be really pissed.

Love,
KG

Domino's Pizza El Molito Branch Grand Opening

Say hello to my first ever food event post. I’m not really sure how to go about this, so please bear with me.

Last May 10, I was invited to the grand opening of Domino’s Pizza in the El Molito Building, Alabang, Muntinlupa. To be honest, I thought Domino’s had packed their bags and closed up shop since it’s been a while since I saw an actual store. So yeah, it looks like they’re back and I must say the food has gotten better.

Click here for the entire post.

Off Into The Sunset

I was on my way home from the grand opening of Domino's Pizza El Molito Branch (which I will post before the work week ends) when I saw this in front of me.

Along Alabang-Zapote Road

Now I don't really experience that much traffic on my way home from work (unlike my mom and younger sister) since my "office" is just fifteen minutes away. I am spared from the agony of wanting to get home and throwing yourself on the bed but you can't because you're stuck in a car full of strangers, and the guy beside you smells like burned onions. I consider myself lucky for landing a job that's close to my house, but of course I need to go out into the world every once in a while and make my presence known. It's hard to see a silver lining in a traffic jam when you're inhaling exhaust smoke and your ass is hurting after hours of sitting on a car seat that can put a steel park bench to shame, but sometime there are things that made you wish that the cars would stop moving. This here is an example of such a thing.

I stared in awe for a moment before hitting the brakes - I almost crashed into the car in front of me - and took the opportunity to grab my camera from the backseat when I got to a stop light. I held my camera and took shots until I had to turn right at Concha Cruz, where I got stuck for a couple of minutes because some idiot thought he could get in without a sticker.

Yes, it's hard to be optimistic when you're stuck in traffic. But if I were to see something like this or maybe more magnificent than this, then I wouldn't mind staying put.

Curtain Call: Defending The Caveman

Last Thursday, I dragged my best friend out to watch Rob Becker's Defending the Caveman at the RCBC Plaza in Makati.

The play delves into the male and female psyche, and how it all probably started during the caveman era. Joel Trinidad, who plays the "Caveman" in this one-man show, takes us through the stark differences between men and women when it comes to friendship, bonding, and sex in a spontaneous, conversational tone that will make you listen to every word he says. It was like listening to a good friend who's trying to figure out how the hell he became an asshole just because he forgot to text his girlfriend "good morning". Joel was able to establish a good rapport with the audience and got them to participate; in other words, he was nowhere near boring (like that monologue I saw back in college which drove me to tears). His female impersonations were particularly funny, mainly because I know a lot of girls who would interact that way with their boyfriends.

It was also very amusing to see how the audience reacted to Joel's monologue. Everyone laughed, sure, but there were some who laughed and then nudged or elbowed their partners whenever they heard a situation or scenario they could relate to. But what's good about this play is that it isn't very sexist; everything that was said in the play poked fun at both sexes and was delivered in such a way that made you sheepishly admit to doing some of the things (if not all) pointed out in the play.

So if you're looking for something fun to watch this summer, I suggest you give this play a shot. I think it's going to be a good experience for both single and attached people, and who knows - getting a glimpse into how and why the opposite sex behaves that way might improve your relationship or help you find one.

Defending the Caveman is directed by Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy. It will be shown at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, 4th floor RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City on the following dates:

May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2011.

You can get tickets at www.ticketworld.com.ph or email cteshows@gmail.com.