Of course i'd post this...

Congratulations Alex!

Human Calendar

Today is February 28, 2008
Check out Human Calendar, its hilarious and very creative!

Emails From the Universe

I started to get emails from the Universe recently. It's actually a great way to start the day. The messages would be direct to the point and almost personal emails for me. Although, I'm sure that there wasn't someone directly assigned to email JUST me. It's one of those computer generated emailing system where they send out a gazillion emails everyday to all the email addresses on their database.

I am one of those people who are vehemently against self help books. But recently, I've come across amazing reads that can be described as a "disguised" version of self help books. Most of them aren't written by doctors who specialize in crazy people. Or you won't see a photo at the back of the book showing them in their lab coat. But these books were written by ordinary people, who went through certain situations and was able to get over them. So I though I'd give it a chance.

"Notes from the Universe" is kinda cheesy. But I like it. The Universe's email to me today was:

Don't you think it should work like this:

You have a desire, you dwell upon it, move with it, and presto, it manifests?

Or, you fall in love at the right time, with the right person, they fall in love, the timing is perfect, and bingo, the earth moves.

Or, you have a huge question, you turn it over to me, forget about it, and ta-da, you just know.

Me, too. Which, actually, is exactly how it does work, Francis, in the absence of fear.

Cool, huh?

- The Universe

Absence of fear. It's like saying "Jump" and the Universe will catch you. I guess I'll keep on jumping.

Ugh...David Archuleta

I just had to repost this...

*tear

Oscar Viewing Party 2008

Powerful

If You Forget Me

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

-Pablo Neruda

"Waiting"

NYC has a lot to offer indeed. As soon as you go thru all the restaurants, broadway shows and galleries, there will be a whole bunch of new stuff to do. There's also the off-the-beaten-gallery-path and try to find something new. I really have to go see this amazing solo show at the Goff + Rosenthall gallery. The artist is Chiharu Shiota and the show is called "Waiting." It has to be encountered in person to be believed. The show runs until March 10th.

So Close...

"So Close"
Jon McLaughlin @ the 80th Academy Awards



How could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now?
We’re so close
To reaching that famous happy end
And almost believing this was not pretend
Let’s go on dreaming for we know we are
So close...
So close...
And still so far...

Acceptance

"If you start from an acceptance of everything exactly as it is - then you can never be unhappy as you go about your life working with it: you’re not lying to yourself and your enjoyments and frustrations are at least based on honesty.

Indeed, I challenge myself to accept the people, situations and circumstances in my life. Resisting the way things are in the “now” is simply a waste of energy. I can’t change this moment - but I can change the way I process this moment. I can process this moment with acceptance.

One can work towards a different tomorrow, but seeing this moment as perfect - including all its so called flaws - is an empowering practice."

- dave
www.breaktheillusion.com

Congrats Ed!

Ugh. You are irritatingly adorable! So now you have bragging rights of being a cover boy! Congrats Ed!

Virgo Horoscope for February 21

The Bottom Line:

It's a great day to try something new that has always scared you just a little bit.

In Detail:

Today is a great day to try a new food, hobby, sport, or adventure that you have always been just a little to scared to try before. Your fears are starting to vanish and your courage is growing, in part because your mind is hungry for new stimulation -- even if that stimulation is based on fear! You will be totally fiery and full of energy, so put it good use by pushing the envelope and pushing past one or two of the boundaries you've built for yourself.

Movie Review: Jumper

I think its a good movie. Its fun and exciting. I hate to sound like one of those movie reviewer people, but I really liked it. For someone who's not into watching movies in the theatre (i like watching movies at home), i think this would be best seen in the movie house. Although in the beginning of the movie, when they were showcasing his power to "jump" from one place to another, i thought it was way too elaborate and exaggerated. A friend of mine said that he enjoyed the fact that the movie fed the imagination of the viewers wherein they could fantasize about having the power to "jump" as well.

Oh and Hayden Christiansen was the lead. So yeah, it was a good movie!

Project: Self Diagnostics - Be On Time!

Yes. I know. It might be the ultimate challenge for some people. Yup, I sure am guilty. But for this week, I wanted to have something a little bit challenging. I urge everyone to try being on time for any schedule, appointment or even to work. It seems funny when I tell people that I get to work at 10:30am and the actual start of my work is really 10:00am. So thereby, the challenger. Be on time! Although, some of you might not need this self diagnostic challenge, as you're always on time, then your challenge will be to help someone be on time.

While on the topic of time, isn't it unfortunate that they came up with the term -- "Filipino Time." Whenever we have dinners or parties at our place, people would usually ask, "Is it 7pm Filipino Time?" And this typically means, everyone would be late. And that 7pm Filipino time could be 830pm.

So enough of being late. Enough of "Filipino Time." Let's make Filipino Time - On Time!

Naks. Parang PSA (public service announcement)!

Universal Packing List

If you are like some people who can never travel light (definitely not me!) and would bring 2 huge suitcases for an overnight trip, then this link would probably help you out. Its The Universal Packing List

They just need some basic information about your trip like how long you are traveling, if you'd bring kids or if its going to rain. They made it a bit easier by providing some choices and all you have to do is click on it. And after you hit "Create Packing List" you have your generic list of things you need for your trip.

Dildos, Lube and Anal Beads not included.

Bounce

I just found out what they meant by having "an extra bounce in every step."

In some way, television sitcoms seem a little bit funnier. The schezuan chicken from the chinese take out place on the corner of 153rd street seems a little bit tastier. The music on my cheap speakers at work seem a little bit clearer. The commute from my house to work seems a little bit shorter. People around me seem to be a little bit nicer. I seem to be a little bit happier. Life seems a little bit easier.

It seems.

David Archuleta *sigh*

Filipino Movie Review: Inang Yaya

I wasn't really a Maricel Soriano fan. Of course, all my friends know that I am a certified Sharonian. So when my friends told me that Maricel's new movie -- "Inang Yaya" was very good, I had my doubts. If it's not a Sharon Cuneta movie, how can it be really good? After seeing the movie, my respect for Maricel Soriano soared. And not just for her but ultimately, respect for the Filipino Movie Industry. I was very impressed and saw that there is still hope for the movie industry in the Philippines. Of course there is still the typical Joey De Leon, Dolphy and Ai Ai Delas Alas slapstick, nonsensical movie. Plus all the skin flicks with no plot or story whatsoever. But with "Inang Yaya," I was both moved and immersed back into my Filipino roots.

Indeed, the movie is very moving. It represents what is really happening nowadays in Filipino families. How parents raise their children speaking the English language. Parents leaving their children in the care of ‘other people’ so they could both be career oriented and support their grandiose life. Not that I’m saying that something is wrong with that, in fact, I am pro working moms. My mom is one of them. But she made sure that we understood that she is working for us, her children. And there is no doubt in my mind that she raised us very well. It is just sad to see how the child is sometimes more drawn to her nanny than her own mom.

Maricel’s character, is trapped with the reality of caring for her own child, and giving the same love and attention to her ‘alaga’. She did a great portrayal of being an ‘Ina’ and a ‘Yaya’ as well.

The movie also reflects the need of people to make a choice given circumstances. It is really touching to see how the two young girls struggled to share the love and care of the woman whom they both love. For the Filipino values it contain, great cinematography and good script, I say watch it...its sure is worth your time!

RetinA

"...but to not use RetinA is a mortal sin, specially if you've hit 30 (years old)!"

- Carlo, my dermatologist friend

Dimsum @ Chau Chau -- YUM!

Our Mikee is a STAR!

Leo and I went on a road trip to Boston to surprise Mikee and support him on his theatrical debut. He was part of the ensemble in the "Pirates of Penzance." He surprised all the experienced actors in the production as it was his first time to do musical theater. And after further deliberation from his friends and some of his co-actors, we deemed Mikee to be a STAR!

Non-Valentines Party (NVP) 2008

Damn!
I have such gorgeous friends!
(most of them are single...!)

Have u met David Archuleta?

Post Valentine Post Secrets

"Waiting"

Ahhh...My very first framed photograph. This is just a random shot when I was walking around Central Park last November. I gave it the title -- "Waiting" because when I was thinking of the title, I stared at the photo and just felt that the benches symbolized a long period of time that I was waiting for something to happen in my life.

I was a actually bit impressed on how it turned out. I was also given a very much appreciated affirmation by the framing shop owner who was interested in the piece, saying if i do intend to sell it, that it will be a fast moving work. *blush*

I would love to showcase my work in a gallery. I dream of people looking at my work and then giving all those lovely affirmations of how i captured a certain moment in the form of a photograph. In time, I would be able to do it. But for now, this work of art will be hanging on my bedroom wall.

That which you want in your life, you must learn to give...

So, whether it’s money, love or anything in between - you must give it to get it. Of course, if you give it to get it, you won’t get it. You just have to keep things circulating.

I’m not the first person to realize this. It’s been echoed by philosophers and teachers throughout the ages. That which you want in your life, you must learn to give.

The energy that we put out to the universe always seems to come back at us in like form, doesn’t it? So give the good stuff.

*Smile*

Happy F*ckin' Valentines Day!

valentine's day:
1) holiday maliciously created to make lonely people extremely depressed.
2) a corporate conspiracy conceived by candy makers, rose growers, lingerie stores, and jewellers to get people to spend money on junk.

SOURCE:
urbandictionary.com
Define Your World.

Ahem...

i had a good life before you...
it was empty actually,
but at least i was blissfully unaware of how miserable i was.
whereas now,
because of you,
i am acutely aware of how completely and totally unhappy i am.
thank you for that.

- from Failure to Launch

My Wall

I finally finished "My Wall." I've been working on this collage for a while now. Now, I can't stop staring at my pictures...LOL!

Blast from the Past - Hollywood 2002 (i think...)

Blast from the Past - Halloween 2004 (i think...)

Actually, I am NOT in the picture. This is just a picture of ALL my friends going crazy. Yup.

Book Review: Notes from the Universe

If I told you there have been no mistakes...

...that I understand every decision you've ever made, and that the challenges you've faced, you've faced for everyone, would you listen?

If I told you that what you dream of, I dream of for you, that the only things "meant to be" are what you decide upon, and that all that stands between you and the life of your dreams are the thoughts you choose to think, would you try to understand?

And if I told you that you are never alone, that there are angels who sing your name in praise, and that I couldn't possibly be any more proud of you than I already am, would you believe me?

Would you? Even if I pulled your leg, made you blush, and winked between the lines?

Then I shall...

I couldn't commit to reading an entire novel. So when I came across "Notes from the Universe," I was very excited to get my hands on it. I think it was perfect timing for me to read this book as I have been thinking a lot of what has been going on in my life the past few weeks. I wanted to do an analysis of how I want 2008 to be and what I want to achieve this year. The book has great insights that can make you think a bit more on how we live our life and how we deal with everyday thoughts, hurts, pain , successes, etc. Almost every quotation can be useful in one way or another. I am loving this book.

...and it was cold again

Jenga Boys!

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

- George Bernard Shaw.

Naks!

This was taken after Leo's Recital at the Manhattan School of Music. It's the first time (in a long time) that the entire barkada was complete. It's a nice to know that you can count on your friends for support whenever you need them.

Happy Birthday Wendell and Ian!!!

Pumpkin is a Model!

Just wanted to share my first test shots from my new camera. Pumpkin is a great model! She's really feeling the camera! I taught her well... *tear*

Uhmmm...Yeah...Don't Ask!

Letting Go

There’s something negative that you’re holding on to, isn’t there?
A particularly messy breakup? Someone who did you wrong? Trust betrayed? Justice unserved?

Why are you holding on? Does it make you feel better? Does holding on to that negativity correct the wrong? How does that negativity serve you and the people in your life?

Holding on is a choice. Do you really want to give away your personal power to that person, situation or circumstance on which you dwell? Take back your power and bring awareness to the fact that you have a choice: you have the choice to let go or hold on.

So far, you’ve been making the choice to hold on. And when you hold on to negativity, it is negativity that you have to give away to the people in your life.

Maybe it’s time to let go?

Take a deep breath.

-- Dave
www.breaktheillusion.com

My New Toy

After several years of playing with my Canon Digital Rebel, I finally came to my senses and bought a newer model. I met a new friend who inspired me to go back to photography and become more focused on it. I went back and reviewed my photos and I thought I could really do something great with this skill. So, over the weekend, I bought my new Canon 40D. It bore a hole in my pocket (a rather large hole), but I was happy with the decision. I also signed up for a refresher course on photography just to brush up on some technical stuff. Watch out for some new photos that I will be coming up with in the next few weeks!

-- photo courtesy of Leo Leal!