Wordless: Manila Sky

A picture I took of the Ortigas skyline as Angelo and I were driving through the stretch of C-5.

Coming or Going

'Open - Closed'

My fiance flashing me a peace sign from behind, err, in between elevator doors.

Good Mood Tunes: Whatcha Say (Acoustic)

I used to think this dude butchered Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek," but I must say, I'm digging the vocal gymnastics on this one. Whatcha Say? Exactly.

Happy 100th Musicology post, Void! This one's for you...

Wordless: One Ring To Rule Them All

Where I'm From, Everyone's a Hero: A Tale of Two Storms

After being hit by two terrible storms, one after the other, parts of the Philippine archipelago have been left submerged in murky flood water...and much sorrow for lives lost, homes destroyed, livelihoods crippled. But, as in any tragedy or calamity, the Filipino spirit remains resilient and unwavering.

This leaves all of us to ask: "Why did this happen?"

There have been many theories, overly complicated analyzations. But the bottom line is that Mother Earth has reached its boiling point and all of these are simply the results of our actions (or inactions). Not just by Filipinos but by the citizens of the world.

It's not too late. Sure, we've got our work cut out for us. But for as long as there are clear skies, air to breathe, water to drink, lives to protect, we should never abandon our cause. Save what needs saving, and save the world. Recycle, reuse, reinforce green policies, and remember that other people rely on this finite Earth, too.

STOP CLIMATE CHANGE.
OPEN YOUR EYES.
AFFECT OTHERS.
MOVE.
NOW.

Many relief operations and donations from within the country and abroad have helped our ailing brothers and sisters, and for this we are very grateful as a nation. But the nightmare is still far from over for most. Many have completely lost their homes and are still taking refuge from evacuation centers, relying on relief assistance for food and water.

If you wish to provide ANY kind of assistance, go to the Google Help Typhoon Victims in the Philippines page.

To read other Blog Action Day posts, go to BlogActionDay.Org

The Age Of Stupid: How More Stupid Can We Get?

Also featuring Moby, Radiohead's Thom Yorke, Gillian Anderson, Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson, Heather Graham, and many others.

Wordless: Uhuh, I'll Take 'Ya

Mabuhay ka, Apl.de.ap!

Time for a Cool Change

10 On Tuesday: Things I Think Are Cool

I'm very easy to please, so you could imagine how challenging it was for me to narrow down the coolest things in the world to only TEN. Phew. OK, here they are...

1. 24-Hour Food Deliveries. If it's late, it's free!

2. Soap and Dental Floss. You should try them out some time! :)

3. Books. I have nothing against eBooks and audiobooks; I've read/listened to a few. But call me old fashioned; I'd much rather read a book I can actually hold. You know, turning the pages, bookmarking, and all that jazz.

4. Live Concerts. Concert DVDs are alright, but nothing beats live.

5. Frankenstein. Not the monster, but my long pillow (and oldest bed buddy). I call it Franky for short. Angelo has always wanted me to get rid of it. I say to him, "Not yet, Baby. Not yet." lol

6. Anything and Everything Touch-Screen. Swish and slide!

7. The Beach.

8. TV/Computer/Movie Theater/Radio/iPod/Cellphones. Any and all portals of media and communication really.

9. Couch Surfing. Would love to do this someday.

10. Airconditioning. In its most literal sense. If you live in these parts, you'd think it was very cool, too.

On Podcasts, Magic Spells, And Barcelona

LunaNina says ... and I think ... ?

Delayed :: ...reaction.
Irresponsible :: Reckless.
Stupendous :: Could pass off as a spell by Harry Potter or one of his friends.
Barcelona :: Would love to go there someday.
Solution :: My favorite part of the problem.
Simplify :: ...your life. This afternoon, Angelo and I were like, "if you don't need it, don't buy/keep it."
Crumble :: Cookie!
Podcast :: I used to subscribe to some, but I never find the time to listen to them anymore.
Conversation :: Communication.
Homepage :: http://frenchkys.blogspot.com

Saturday 9: The Longest Time

1. What's the longest time that you've waited to meet your date? Oh wow. Hmmm. I've always been the punctual type; I'm either early or on the dot. So let's just say I've had my decent share of "waiting" moments. Never a good feeling, waiting. But what do you do.

2. What's the longest time that you've waited for a job interview? It was in 2007. I had applied for a PR job and I got there on time (surprise). The interviewer wasn't around, but the receptionist assured me she was on her way. Ended up waiting for over 2 hours.

3. What's the longest time that you've waited to have sex the first time with someone? My lips are sealed on this one. ;)

4. What's the longest time that you've not gone out on the town? Two weeks maybe. There's always something going on, which is good, and I'm REALLY thankful for that.

5. What's the longest time that you've worked without a break. Never for too long. lol I ALWAYS take my breaks, are you kidding? It's the LAW! LOL

6. What's the longest time that you've not posted on your blog? There've been gaps in my blog, I don't deny it. I mean, the proof's right there on the archive widget. I only blogged once in April. I just got back from the States and I was busy reconnecting with friends and family.

7. What's the longest time that you've been on the computer? It was probably back in late 90's or early 00's, and I would chat with an old friend for hours on end. Camping out in front of the PC was like a regular thing, only getting up to go to the bathroom or to get snackage. I'd say right now, too, because my job involves exactly THIS. I sleep with my laptop most nights, how's that.

8. What's the longest time that you've waited for a friend? Uh, Giselle, care to expound on this? Hahaha Or you can pass the mic to Cynthia, too. lol I love you girls.

9. What's the longest time that you've gone without food? I should probably say NEVER lol but I remember deliberately starving myself back in high school, you know, one of those teenage angsty dark moments. I ended up pigging out at a buffet later that week.

Wordless: For Corazon

This is my favorite Gospel song. I dedicate it to a woman who I've never met...but love nonetheless. Rest in peace, Tita Cory Aquino. Give my Gramps and Grandma a big hug for me...

"Ipagpapatuloy ko." ~ Corazon Aquino

After death, there is REBIRTH. Sometimes it DOES take a great loss to realize an even greater purpose. It may dwindle, but it will never die. Never again.

Beautifully Imperfect

What can I say. Family + Friends + Better Halves + Love + Comedy + Tragedy + Life + Death...

This is imperfection at its finest.

This goes out to my crazy family, even crazier friends, and Angelo (I will miss your snores the most).

Thank you ALL for being so beautifully imperfect...

Wordless: The Half Blood Prince on Imax 3D

10 On Tuesday: Favorite Places To Eat

Oh, wow, I'm excited and I haven't even begun. OK, here we go. In no particular order...

1. The Streets of Bangkok (Thailand). Delish hawker food, spicy sauces, available 24 hours a day. I miss it. Badly.

2. Tong Yang (Philippines). Sizzling hot pot, a spread of awesome raw food, cooked crab and dumplings, their heavenly Tong Yang sauce (oh, man), and unlimited ice cream.

3. Saisaki / Dad's (Philippines). The best buffet in town.

4. Buffalo's Wings N' Things (Philippines). Friday nights, wings, beer, and good company. Great way to kick off the weekend.

5. Burgoo (Philippines). Love, love, LOVE their combo fajitas.

6. IHOP (USA). Chicken Florentine and comfort breakfast food served ALL day.

7. Lucille's BBQ (USA). Meatlovers paradise.

8. Hong Kong Express (USA). This quaint little Chinese take-out place on the corner of Carson and Western in Cali. I ate their food for DAYS!

9. Cocoy's (Q.C., Philippines). Pares, anyone?

10. Dampa (Manila, Philippines). You buy your food at the market you pick out a restaurant, they cook it for you, then you eat with your hands. Chili crab, buttered and/or tempura shrimps, fresh oysters, baked scallops...keep the rice and soda coming...ahhhh. Heaven!

Love and Other Impossible Pursuits...

1. Take-out and food deliveries make a quick and easy dinner.

2. Love and Other Impossible Pursuits by Ayelet Waldman is the book I'm reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of of when my Gramps died. It'll be 2 years on Monday...

4. Angelo falling for me the second he saw me was obvious. ;)

5. They say if you tell your dreams to someone, you unknowingly share your juju.

6. It's good to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing something with the girl/s, tomorrow my plans include watching Harry Potter again (among other things), with my baby this time, at the Imax, in 3D and Sunday, I want to visit my Gramps' grave, have a picnic, and reminisce with my loved ones!

Wordless: My New Do '09

10 On Tuesday: Fave 80's Tunes

1. Billie Jean by MJ. Of course.

2. With or Without You by U2.

3. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N Roses.

4. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel.

5. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2.

6. The One I Love by R.E.M.

7. Tempted by Squeeze.

8. Thriller by MJ.

9. Don't Stop Believing by Journey.



10. Pride (In The Name of Love) by U2.

Saturday 9: Wedding Bell Blues

Found this very interesting. Thanks, Thom! :)

1. If you have been or are married, tell us about your wedding. If you are not, tell us how would you want it to be. Angelo asked me earlier tonight what I thought about getting married at this little chapel near their house followed by the reception at the basketball court next to it. I laughed. Then, I told him, I really didn't care WHERE we have it.

2. What age would you encourage your children to get married? I don't really think there's a "right" age. For as long as they get their degree and both parties are truly convinced that they are physically, financially, emotionally, and psychologically ready, then they have my blessing.

3. Who got married at the last wedding that you attended? Angelo's sister and Armand. We were secondary sponsors.

4. Do you enjoy weddings and receptions? I do, yes. It's always great to be a part of such a happy day in the lives of the people dear to me.

5. Have you cried at a wedding? I believe so.

6. Would you prefer a lavish event or a intimate ceremony? Not lavish, but tasteful. And yes, intimate. Definitely intimate.

7. Have you ever been in some one’s wedding party? If yes, do tell. Ever since I could remember! I've had my share of the wedding entourage spotlight. Been the flower girl several times. Got my first bridesmaid gig when I was FOURTEEN. Since then, I can't remember how many times I've been a bridesmaid. I was maid of honor TWICE so far. So you can imagine how many dresses I've acquired the last 15 years. Katherine Heigl's got nothing on me.

8. Does a wedding make you happy and sentimental or grouchy and skeptic? Happy and sentimental.

9. Why do you think our divorce rate is so high? In our country, we don't have divorce. But the reason why I think the divorce rate is high elsewhere is simply because divorce IS an option.

When It Rains...

1. The last thing I ate was menudo and rice.

2. A headband is something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, it freakin' POURS.

4. Our housekeeper was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are therapeutic.

6. My pillow Frankie (short for Frankenstein) provides extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to beer and wings with friends, tomorrow my plans include chilling with my boyfriend, and Sunday, I want to learn how to do my own taxes!