just love this

was reading the QUOTE of the Day last nite.... and suddenly it all makes sense to me... hahahahahahahaha

================
It takes a great man to be a good listener.
-Calvin Coolidge
================

...coping.... and letting out steam...

Natural Disasters...calamities... they bring out the WORST & the BEST of people and all we can do is WISH that the GOOD always outweighs the BAD...

Alas, even in our personal lives, when affected by such NATURAL DISASTERS, I always end up feeling soooo HELPLESS and even more sad, DISAPPOINTED with some people, mainly by family... and this I know is my OWN PROBLEM... and SOMETHING I need to COPE with and DEAL it on my own.... but am just letting out steam as I find it BEST to let it out and then, move on...

==========
all these frustrations and sadness are brought on by not being able to speak to my MOM since the TYPHOON hit the Northern part of the Philippines.... i was basically going CRAZY not being able to connect though emails or phone calls... knowing that parts of RIZAL, where she is were HIT badly too - so many BAD THOUGHTS were running through my mind.... all the while I kept to myself, as I knew there was no sense talking about it to anyone yet... I just kept hoping that between my Cousin, Nephew and myself - we would be able to CONTACT her or my Half Brother somehow... and soon...

Yesterday I got an email from my half brother -- he was able to finally email from work... to my relief, they managed to weather out the storm with most of their stuff, in the house, just getting wet -- but all three of them (Mom, my half brother and his Dad) are fine and safe... Sadly, now they have to deal with getting everything dried and livable... all these in the midst of not having electricity or water to date....

I was so frustrated as all I could wish was to be in Manila already and MOVE her myself... so all nite long I tossed and turned in my sleep, what little of it I got.... kept thinking of what I can do.... how to move my Mom out of that area - no matter how she likes the Fresh Air and quietness of the area... how, I just need to "SUCK IT UP" and forget asking & waiting for my other siblings' help... it frustrates me to feel why MUST I BE the only one that my MOM could turn to??? I know that we all have grown up... living different lives... with our own set of problems & responsibilities... but at times like these, aren't we all supposed to do what we can for the ones we love who are less fortunate... and were HIT with such disasters... Besides, how can we SLEEP COMFORTABLY, when we are not even SURE our LOVE ONES have a DRY BED to sleep on???

and then it comes back to me: how I was told that: "since I am the NOT MARRIED ONE with NO CHILDREN of my own -- I am the one to TAKE CARE of our MOM.." The sad thing is that i really do not understand the need to say this to me, as I would do it anyway for my Mom -- as I have been all these years... SO GO FIGURE!

Anyway, the jist of it all is that, via coordination with my half brother & my cousin (NANAY) -- I will get my MOM moved even before I get to Manila....

==========================
OKAY... ALL OUT - TIME TO MOVE ON....

doing what I can... pls help........

Been following the NEWS (VIA BBC NEWS, YAHOO PHILIPPINES, CHINA POST, Taiwan) of TYPHOON ONDOY's aftermath in Manila and all the outlying affected areas...went to bed thinking what could I do... woke up with actually a though of how I, how we all, could help.... As I will be going to Manila on the 9th I will RUN this by you all:
======================
Starting TODAY and thru the 8th of OCT -- I will allocate a certain amount of SALES to be DONATED to Philippine Red Cross as part of the Typhoon Relief Funds. This is the BEST I can come up with - so I hope you will take advantage of the offer and we can all have a SHARE in doing a bit of what we can do to help.

-$5.00 for each DG POP SUSIE or ANY OTHER SUSIE DOLLS SOLD
-$1.00 for each of any other dolls we have IN STOCK SOLD

OR

-$10.00 for any Sales Over $100.00; $20 for $200 or more; $30 for $300 or more; etc... NOTE: SHIPPING COSTS Not Included.

*will NOTE all SALES and TOTAL DONATION AMOUNT will be CALCULATED and POSTED.
**Total Donation AMOUNT will be CONVERTED TO Philippine Pesos and I will WRITE a check for it and PERSONALLY DELIVER to the Philippine Red Cross, once am in MANILA....
***will GET a RECEIPT, PHOTOGRAPH and POST.
****You can see all our PRODUCTS HERE: R&D DOLLS

==============================NOTE: No amount is ever to small or too large when it comes to helping out.... Sadly, I know that the economy has not been great for quite some time now -- so do not feel bad if you cannot contribute now... but if ABLE, pls do CONTACT US....

If NOT for yourself, maybe you can but that XMAS GIFT early for a friend.

love,
Rudi
TODAY"S CHINA POST HEADLINE

Typhoon ONDOY ravages LUZON

My HEART & PRAYERS go out to all the the victims of Typhoon Ondoy, as well as their families & friends... Ondoy passed through the Philippines and caused so much havoc and deaths over the weekend... here's bits & pieces of news I have read so far from Yahoo Philippines.
==========================
About 34.1 centimeters of rain fell on Metro Manila in just six hours, close to the 39.2-centimeter average for the entire month of September. The previous record was 33.4 centimeters recorded during a 24-hour period in June 1967, according to chief government weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz. “However good your drainage system is, it will be overwhelmed by that amount of rainfall,” he said.

All 3 Airports in Manila were forced to closed, cancel flights and divert flights, as flooding affected the electrical system. Even sea travels were cancelled leaving thousands of commuters stranded in outlying provinces. All schools were closed down. In Metro Manila, many vehicles were stalled due to flooding of the car engines which, according to the Philippine Red Cross, caused difficulties in the relief efforts as many stalled vehicles are blocking the already flooded streets.

The Philippine government declared a "state of calamity" in metropolitan Manila and 25 storm-hit provinces. Army troops, police and civilian volunteers have rescued more than 5,100 people.============================
If interested in HELPING OUT or SENDING on Donations - Pls Click on this LINK for a LISTING OF VERIFIED RELIEF CENTERS... or contact your local RED CROSS.

COLD SPRINGS Dip just before Taiwan gets really cold...

Last Saturday afternoon, Lyn & Shaun found themselves with no work for a change - so they decided to drive to Yilan for some delicacy and even a did in one of the more famous SPRINGS.... Yilan is a POPULAR destination for both Hot & Cold Springs... since the weather is not too cold yet to dip in the Hot Springs , we decided to take in the COLD SPRINGS... it was a first for me to do COLD SPRINGS in Taiwan -- boy oh boy, did I ENJOY it!!!
An hour and a half outside Taipei, SU AO is really an industrial little city with not much else to offer but a succession of COLD SPRINGS to choose from.... So we decided to go to one that seems to be a more popular one and quite biiig really.... being that it was already early evening - there were only a handful of patrons that nite - just fine by us... The water was soooo fresh, sparkling and not too cold -- just perfect for that beautiful clear nite...

I cannot wait for next SUMMER when it gets HOT again and I can really ENJOY the coldness of the SPRINGS!

More Photos Here

LA Robber is in the house.....

the latest acquisition to be added to my tokidoki Obsession is LA ROBBER: version 400%... bigger, bolder, and better to play and photograph.... just check out the photos of him with my other baby, Susie....

FUN LINKS:
-LA ROBBER X SUSIE
-tokidoki Obsession
-tokidoki

LV X MURAKAMI

A New Book has just come out in the market, Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture, and the DELUXE LIMITED EDITION version boasts the Great LV art of Murakami... I WANT IT!!!!

Marc Jacobs is one SMART man (SEXY, too!) for having the sense to collaborate with Mr Murakami.
================
“Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture offers, for the first time in the luxury brand’s history, a critical selection of the creative exchanges forged between Louis Vuitton and a growing number of designers from the worlds of art, architecture, design, photography and fashion. This richly illustrated anthology is supplemented by critical essays that analyse and shed new light on Louis Vuitton’s commitment during one of the most fertile periods of contemporary creation. Written by international critics from the world of art, fashion and architecture, this work, stretching over 400 pages and illustrated with 400 colour documents, will be released in three languages – French, English and Italian – and will be available in bookshops, published respectively by de La Martinière, Rizzoli NY and Rizzoli Italia.

A deluxe edition exclusively designed for Louis Vuitton by Takashi Murakami will be for sale in Louis Vuitton stores and on www.louisvuitton.com from September 1st 2009"==================

-now why didn't I have the extra CASH FLOW when all of these LV X MURAKAMI collaboration goodies/toys came out.... am finding the whole collection just TOTAL FUN..... NOTE: If anyone knows of where and how I can get the Murakami Plush - DO LET ME KNOW PLS

A COUPLE OF MUST SEE LV/MURAKAMI/ANIMEs:

LIFE & CHANGE

Life can either be accepted or changed. If it is not accepted, it must be changed. If it cannot be changed, then it must be accepted.
~Unknown

Another Great Loss in the Anime/Manga World.

Everyone mourns the passing of 51 year old Yoshihito Usui, creator of the very humorous 'Crayon Shinchan' series - the beloved series about a kindergartner and his family. The comic book was later adapted as a television series and film, and has been used in a new campaign aimed at child rearing in the region. In Taiwan, Family Mart uses Shinchan for various Premiums Campaign - with one currently running.

It has been reported that the 51-year-old went missing on September 11, after going on a climb on the mountain. He never returned home, and his body was discovered by a hiker just a day ago.

LEFT: POSTER ART for the latest FAMILY MART, Taiwan Premium Campaign using Shinchan

The Art of Yin-Huei Chen

"Art is meant to be experienced and appreciated, as opposed to be understood. Ordinary people who have a hard time perceiving a painting can attribute this to their overly hard edged attempt to understand it.
-Yin-huei Chen"
=================
An afternoon at the Fine Arts Museum of Taiwan where I discovered Chen, Yin-huei - Taiwan's Premier Painter Artist of the last 40 years. The Exhibition encompasses his years and progression as an artist through all the movements... MAGNIFICENT EXHIBITION!
The Exhibition, Yin-Huei Chen : A Retrospective Exhibition, will run till the 27th of this Sept - so if you are in Taipei - do see it....

Up the Tea Mountains of Nangang

It always amazes me how Taipei is surrounded by soooo much wonderful places and history.... you can go an hour outside the city, any direction and you are sure to end up somewhere nice and historical. Nangang County is one such place -- and only about 30 minutes outside Taipei City.

Nangang, literally "Southern Port", refers to it's location in the Keelung River. Now known, as the home to the Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall, this area used to be more well know for being Taiwan's Tea Farming/Producing Capital.
So last Friday, with the sun not shining too brightly, we decided to TREK up the mountains and go for a little run -- take in th scenery and fresh air. It was such an amazing experience as the view of the mountains, and of the city from the mountains were just breathtaking. Touring the old homes that have managed to survive through the years was an added bonus. We also got to visit the "Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center" where you can take in nice views of Keelung River and explore the recreational sites of the area, such as the old sweet osmanthus tree forest, tourist tea plantations, old coal mines, Guangming Temple, the Luku Incident Memorial Tablet at Xizhi, the old residence of the Yu Family, etc.

All of these just 30 minutes outside the hustle and bustle of Taipei City!!!

MORE PHOTOS HERE

aaron kwok: I AM

just a nice way to kick off the weekend right...
wish I could move as well as him....

hEaRt

"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tries and a touch that never hurts..."

coco chanel

okay, so who has not heard of Chanel? one does not have to be a FASHIONISTA to have herad of her - the fashions, the style, the perfumes, the little black dress, etc... but am sure am not the only who was not really familiar of her beginnings, her life....

I asked Shaun, one of my roomies, to DOWNLOAD the Chanel film with Audrey Tatou - this because I totally missed it when it showed here in Taiwan.. instead he wrongly downloaded the Coco Chanel film with Shirley MacLaine... beside Ms MacLaine and Malcolm McDowell - i did not know any of the other casts.... and honestly, did not care for their acting either... what blew me away was Chanel's story, itself... From her early sufferings as a child (even stayed in an orphanage with her younger sister); to her first job as a seamstress; to her love life...; right up to making it as a full fledged DESIGNER (though she never even learned how to draw of make a pattern) - even surviving the ravages of World War II. WHAT A LIFE!!! very inspiring... totally recommended - again, even if you are not a FASHIONISTA... besides, Miss MacLaine just gets better with age....

always something

"...i guess you thought I would've put it all behind me..
but it seems there's always something right there to remind me..."

DEATH

Death has always been a really hard subject to speak about... most people do not even want to UTTER this 5 letter word, much more, think or talk about it... but it really isn't all that bad -- for me anyway... it is all a matter of how we think and deal with it...

Anyway, a few days ago at the GYM, we overheard someone talking about another person's passing.... it seems that this 78 year old man, who swims regularly at the pool close by to us, just finished his laps.... with a smile sat down and rested... as he has done many times over.... and then just did not make up anymore...

Death is just another part of our journey in this life of ours... it's inevitable - it will happen.... so need not fret, nor waste time dwelling on it... instead we all try to just LIVE for however much time we are given in this world...

So it got me thinking -- if I had to go, I would very much like it to be the same way... IMAGINE, even in my OLDER DAYS -- still FIT and EXERCISING.... and to PASS ON right after doing something I like... and with a SMILE on my face - that would be HEAVEN and IDEAL! Now if only we have a say in the matter.....

it goes with me everywhere....

am loving this BAG i got this summer from Le Sportsac -- just way too cool with the fun print.... the characters are too cute and too cool.... and the col gray for the bag makes it manly enough to tote around just about anywhere: SWIMMING, GYM, Casual day of shopping and exploring Taipei....it is not tokidoki, though the shop owner kept calling it so... not really sure who is the designer but it is one of the BEST, non-tokidoki, bag Le Sportsac ever produced....

More Photos Here

sUnSeT

Forgive the SHAKY capture... it is none-the-less, a beautiful sunset!!!
Nothing like a beautiful sunset to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling... makes you think a lot... reminisce Happy Times.... Miss those who are dear to you... and look forward to a beautiful sunrise the following day and a promise of a better tomorrow...

starting the week of with something cute...

walking about the many malls of Manila last week - I happen upon the Marc Jacobs window @ Greenbelt - an it's cuteness just called me... been a fan of his since the 80's when we was still with Perry Ellis.... then of course, he made quite a splash again revitalizing the LV line.... and now with his extensive namesake line.... had to take a snap even though it was a NO-NO to take photos....wish the bags were a bit more affordable as some of the ones for men are just too cute....

OFFICIAL MARC JACOBS SITE

Carl & Ellie: A LOVE STORY

WARNING: If you have not seen the movie and plan to do so - DO NOT READ ON.

got to see this PIXAR animated movie, UP, and I must say - it had one of the most heartfelt scenes from a LOVE AFFAIR i have seen in a long time.... all the emotions in the first 20 mins of the movie: excitement, love, hope, faith, death, sorrows, letting go - real sappy, subtle so the kids will not be devastated, and very realistic for an Animated film... not to say that the rest of the movie was not good... it was actually great... a JOYFUL RIDE.... and very much entertaining...

it just goes to show ya, everyone comes into our lives for a reason... for however short or long... and we must always embrace them and make the most of the time with them....
Here's the OFFICIAL TRAILER:

Kimmy Dora - Movie Review

Now and again, when in Manila, I get dragged to see Filipino movies... not a FAVE thing of mine to do but this is one am really HAPPY I got dragged to....
======================
"Kill Yourself!!! Go To Hell!!!" I cannot STOP uttering these words... just for fun that is!!! and FUN is an understatement in describing this RIOT A MINUTE of a MOVIE....

I cannot remember the last time I laughed sooo hard watching a PINOY movie.... and to think - I was not into going to see this one at all... I was HESITANT as most PINOY movies disappoints me,,... either to overly dramatic.... or very corny comedies... Plus I really do not know Eugene Domingo and Ding Dong is in this one... another MINUS for me... hahaahhahaha.... The only thing I really know is that it was produced by my fave, Piolo Pascual (read it in the cover story of the latest GARAGE mag)..

Anyway, am sooooo THANKFUL for being DRAGGED to see this movie.... truly a funny and highly recommended movie.... Ms Eugene is one funny, funny woman.... and should already be a BIIIG STAR.... or if she is, an even BIGGER STAR....

am pretty sure I need not REVIEW the movie much as most of you will go see it... and if not planning on it - CHANGE YOUR MIND - GO!!! you will be just as surprised and entertained as I was! Plus LOTS of CUTIES doing cameos.... Piolo included!!!

OFFICIAL SITE

***CHANGE***

RANDOM QUOTES ON CHANGE
=============

Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene.
~ Arthur Christopher Benson~

The reality is that changes are coming... They must come. You must share in bringing them.
~John Hersey~

It's never too late - in fiction or in life - to revise.
~Nancy Thayer~

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
~Charles Darwin~

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
~Carl Rogers~

Life is always at some turning point.
~Irwin Edman~

Coi + Oli Bear X 7-11 Slurpee

Introduced at last July's Taipei Toy Festival - these 3 New Premium Bears are available starting now through 7-11 Shops Only. Now, a bit of INFO on how to get them... it isn't as EASY as buying them or collecting stickers from one's purchases, in order to REDEEM them... one actually has to be in the mood for a SLURPEE (the HOT weather
is agreeing enough to crave these brain freezing concoctions!)... and you will be given a chance to DRAW a card that would either entitle you to a discount or a FREE SLURPEE Coi + Oli Bear...

Not sure how long the Program is for - but I do sure hope they turn up on Taiwan's Yahoo Auction - am sure that will end up being much cheaper (and less Painful to the Brain!) way to acquire these cuties!!!

A Day @ The National Center for Traditional Arts

The 1st of September, we were going to take David's two nephews, Todd & Jason, to this fun place but they had other plans... so instead the two of us went ahead anyway and checked out this place in Yilan and it's various In-House Museums...
Though the museum opened in January of 2002, the concept and planning actually started way back in 1995. The Council for Cultural Affairs has approved the building of National Center for traditional Arts and dedicated it to the investigation, collection, and sorting of various traditional arts and objects as well as acting as a conduit for the preservation and passing down of traditional handicrafts and skills.

Besides visiting the various in-house museums and shops after shops of traditional arts crafts of Taiwan, we also got to take in and enjoy a Chinese Play. Like they do in Disneyland, the play includes audience participation plus not only performed on stage but actually traveled throughout the whole Park.

The Complete TRIP PHOTOS Here

Dalai Lama's Visit

Amidst all the protests, demonstrations and especially, objection by the Chinese Government, the Dalai Lama arrived in Taiwan on the 30th of August. The Dalai Lama's visit is "purely humanitarian", as he is here to offer prayers and visit the victims of Taiwan's worst storm in 50 years.
Taiwan's opposition invited the Dalai Lama to comfort the victims of Typhoon Morakot, which hit the island in early August and left an estimated 670 dead. During his five-day visit, he is to visit a village hit hard by the storm, lead a mass prayer ritual and address the island's Buddhist followers.

The Dalai Lama, who clasped his hands and smiled as he greeted Buddhist followers and supporters at the Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, said his visit would have no political overtone.

"I've visited different parts of the world, and I may have a political agenda there ... (but) my visit here is purely for humanitarian concerns," he said.
"There are many Buddhists there (Taiwan). So since they asked me, it is my moral responsibility, to accept, to go there."

This visit is a milestone for the people of Taiwan, one that will be remembered for years to come.

The Dalai Lama is in Taiwan now...

..but all I got to see is this CUTIE!!!
I want one of these for my collection!!! More on him and the story soon...