"Hot SUmmer Days" : The Movie

This is TRULY a FUN FILM to ESCAPE the HEAT of the SUMMER DAYS about people trying to escape/deal and find LOVE over a period of Hot Summer Days...

Intertwining 5 separate stories, the movie worked well, as the audience is left to laugh, cry, salivate, sweat, love and even feel the heat of the summer days... something for everyone... standout for me were a couple of the story lines: 1) young love set in the 40's China... the young stars from China are both captivating to watch... and possibly the best actors in the bunch... 2) has to be about the photographer who goes blind... and this story line ties in really well with the characters of the young lovers.... this is not to say that the other stories are not entertaining, as they were... and that they come as snippets is an added bonus to the viewers - makes us welcome them more when and as they appear... and we are able to overlook the flaws of the storyline - which would have been more apparent if shown in their entirety all at once....

The eclectic cast are all familiar faces - from Hong Kong, China & Taiwan: Nicholas Tse, Daniel Wu, Barbie Hsu, Jackey Cheung, etc.... even Pau Mei, the legendary Kung Fu star of Hong Kong... plus added surprise cameos by many: Charlene Choi of TWINS, Shawn Yue and most surprisingly, a personal fave, Maggie Cheung...

So if you are looking for a fun escape movie - give this one a chance.... you will definitely be able to deal with the summer heat a whole lot better.....

CoCo Chanel Says...

In Honour of the newest addition to my Vinyl Toys collection - Chanel Bear by Coi & Oli Bears - I leave you with a few "deep thoughts" from Coco Chanel, herself.

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-Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.

-Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.

-Fashion fades, only style remains the same.

-Great loves too must be endured.

-Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.

-There are people who have money and people who are rich.

-The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.
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This Premium Coi & Oli CHANEL Bear is acquired by purchasing Special Limited Edition Copies of the Coco Chanel DVD. I got mine here in Taiwan, am not sure if they were offered anywhere else.

David LaChapelle: World Tour Exhibition

What a Perfect Day to take in the Asian Premiere of David LaChapelle's World Tour Solo Exhibition at Taipei's MOCA on Wednesday April 28th - after all, Wednesday is always dubbed as a HUMP DAY - and the exhibition was oozing with so much SEX APPEAL.... from the naked sexy images.... to the star/celebrity power (Courtney Love reenacting the Pieta; Michael Jackson as Archangel Michael; Madonna as Hindu Goddesses; Leonardo DiCaprio channeling Marlon Brando; Paris Hilton as Herself; etc..).... right down to the VIVID colors of each and every frame exhibited.

Though a lot of the photographs on display I have seen in various fashion and celebrity magazines over the years, such as VOGUE (just about every single International Editions), Vanity Fair, GQ, Rolling Stone, etc.... - it is sooooo wonderful to have a large collections of them in one place..... to be able to take them in in a much bigger version and in a place where one can truly step back and admire the intensity and vividness of each one.... some of his more famous subjects -- from the world of music, movies, television, fashion, and tabloids -- were on display: Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Amanda Lepore, Lady Gaga, Pamela Anderson, Uma Thurman, Paris Hilton, Lil Kim, just to name a few... some of these celebrity shots I have seen in magazines at one time or another, not even knowing it was shot by Mr LaChapelle - but seeing them here, one can see that they just scream: "BY David LaChapelle!!!"... a section was even devoted with in showing on continuous loop, some of the music videos he has directed ("Everytime" by Britney Spears, "It's My Life" by No Doubt, etc...) just as Powerful, colorful, fun and thought provoking as his photographs...

A FAVE Piece of mine is the very large "The Deluge", his take on Michelangelo's great fresco in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. A video montage is even shown on the making of this particular piece.... from casting call to the actual shoot.... Just Amazing!!!

Part of "The Deluge" panel.
Another favorite section of mine is the "Jesus is My Homeboy" series, done during the early 2000's... here Mr LaChapelle envisions Jesus Christ reborn in present day, preaching his gospel. Mr. LaChapelle placed him as a man of the people and the streets - preaching and caring for the downtrodden and not the high society elite.

There were so many more favorites - so much more that am feeling a second or even third visit is necessary to be able to really take it all in... those of you in Taipei - I HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking in the exhibition -- TRULY a worthwhile experience - I know both Juliana and I enjoyed it tremendously...

EXHIBITION PHOTOS HERE

David LaChapelle in Taipei!!!

well his artwork, anyway..... Currently ongoing at Taipei's Museum of Contemporary Art - this exhibition is the first leg of Mr. LaChapelle's Asian Exhibition Tour.

The Exhibition runs from the 9th of April through the 30th of May. Museum Hours: 10AM thru 5:30PM Everyday.

MOCA

www.mocataipei.org.tw

Exhibition Info In Chinese

http://mocataipei.pixnet.net/blog/post/25112138

David La Chapelle in WIKI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_LaChapelle

never "disappear"

LSS much lately.... Michael Hutchence is STILL one of the SEXIEST EVER!!!

Say I'm crying ... looking at what's on tv

Pain and suffering

And the struggle To be free

It can't ever be denied and i Never will ignore

But when I see you coming I can take it all

Chorus

You're so fine Lose my mind

And the world seems to Disappear

All the problems All the fears

And the world seems to disappear

Say you're mine

And give yourself to the Feelings that you know

I'm needing All that you can give me

All the things That you do so well

Words are healing Sweet anticipation

Making spells As the shadows close in

Fall across all our yesterdays

Chorus Disappear Disappear Disappear Disappear Disappear Disappear Disappear

Say if I could

Look into myself and reason

But I could never never see

or Make sense of the dealings

Turn around Am I looking at salvation

Make me realise all that I am

You put the light inside this man

Evian X Designers

Each and every time I pass through Taiwan's CKS Airport's arrival area - i pass by this little coffee place that has a GREAT display of Christian La Croix Evian bottles... really pretty but of course, i need to start another collection like I need another hole in my head... and if I have a hole for every collections I have - my head would pretty much be a big BLACK HOLE - lols....

Anyway, soon after I saw a Jean Paul Gaultier version as well... simple, understated but none-the-less captures the designer's feel.... still, No Sale... I did not give in....

That is until I came across the Paul Smith designed one while hanging out at the Shangrila Mall, Edsa (Manila, Philippines) - how could I resist them... with Paul Smith's signature colorful stripes on the bottles - they beckon to me like a moth to a flame.... I SUCCUMBED and not only got one, but I got 5 - as the bottle caps came in 5 different color variations... LOLs!

So another hole in the head, indeed!!! Hahahahahahahaha

Food For Thought on This Sunday!

HAPPY SUNDAY All!!!

adios (for now) ace....

A new chapter in Ace's life will begin shortly... as he make his way back to the USA the 25th of this month.... A journey that will take him to face ADULTHOOD, RESPONSIBILITIES, and SELF RELIANCE.... a lot to take in especially having the kind of upbringing he had... but still, am pretty POSITIVE & CONFIDENT he will be able to tackle it all...

===================
A LETTER TO YOU, Ace:

You will be MISSED by a lot on this side of the world, Ace... You know that! Am not much for advices -- the BEST ADVICE I can ever give you is EXPERIENCE LIFE TO THE FULLEST... Live your LIFE as BEST you could.... Grab Life with GUSTO.... Remember those you will be leaving behind... and ALWAYS, FOLLOW YOUR HEART! You can NEVER GO WRONG when doing so... whatever the OUTCOME maybe.... as long as you FOLLOW WHAT YOUR HEART TELLS YOU....

I know that you have so much on your mind right now.... STRESSING about what's to come... what you will be facing.... all the EXPECTATIONS by everyone... Try to not think too much of all that - JUST DO THE BEST YOU CAN!!!

Remember: We are already Proud of You... and feel BLESSED to have you in our lives - near or far.... So just MAKE YOURSELF PROUD - you need not prove anything to any of us... only to yourself!

love,

Tito Rudi

PS

not to worry... we will have/share more fun & crazy times soon....

all as they should be

here comes the Sushi man....

Earlier this month, we took a two day trek down south (Kaohsiung) to visit.... hung out with The Wus, run by Love River, play with the doggies... and of course, catch up with the boys - Todd & Jason.... always FUN to see and chat with them.... hear what they are up to.... see what's the latest they are doing.....Todd is currently finishing up college, then he will go on to take his Masters for another 3 more years.... Still with the same girlfriend and still keeping himself busy with both school & work....

Jason is now, also in college, and still working his way through it.... keeping life in a balance.... the thing that I love about this boy is that he is not one to shy away from work, any kind of work.... over the years I have known and visited him in his various jobs: Yamazaki as a Bread Maker, Ramen Resto, Tom's Ice Cream Parlor & have now recently started working for Sushi Express - much like the Sushi Boat restos of the Us - where one can satisfy their Sushi cravings by simply taking them from the conveyor that goes around and around.... and later on, all the empty dishes will be counted and you are billed...

This particular branch (they have many nationwide) is quite big.... even bigger than the ones I have been to in the US..... and yes it IS fun to sit and chat; watch all the tempting Sushi go around and around; and of course, eat as much as one can - and ate we did!!! It was amazing how in such a short time we have accumulated/piled up so many empty sushi plates to be counted... LOL!

As always, the trip is hurried, tiring but still a lot of FUN!!!

Laifu Day Photos Here
Sushi Outing Photos Here

i Heart P.S. Bunny

Mr P.S. Bunny made it to Taipei, Taiwan - all the way from the U.K. with a stopover in the USA... a looong way to go but he's made it to his new home SAFE & SOUND!!! and already he is feeling 0h-soooo-at-home.....
Thanks Again Michelle!!! Will love him dearly.... but you already know that.... (^_*)

like father, like son

April also marks my Dad's Bday.... so needless to say, he is on my mind.... well he always is... now and again I still find myself, wishing he is still around and I could have had more time with him... to have had a better relationship... but of course, none of that is possible now... so instead, I keep him dear to me... to my heart, my prayers, and thoughts....

Recently, while visiting his grave - I was surprised by one of the SISTER's (NUN) who knew my Dad while he was still alive.... she ran to me and told me that at first, she thought she was seeing my Dad's apparition... only upon coming closer that she realised it was me....

and even more recent, as in just a couple of days ago - my Tita Mariza found me on Facebook - she is my Dad's youngest sister and I did spend some time living with her back in Manila.... anyway, she added me as a contact and had this wonderful words to say: "Hi Rudi or Dodle (my forgotten ICKY nickname). thanks for accepting me in your facebook. I'm glad to see u n have communication with u. Pogi ka pa rin. (Still Handsome - LOLs!) U look like your dad n Tito Manny. (my Dad's youngest brother)" This TRULY gave me a sense of happiness.... and put a biiig smile on my face.... I mean, if my Tita said it - my Dad's sister - then it must really be TRUE!!! so Thanks Tita - thank you for finding me and for the kind words... now and again, it is soooo wonderful to have another link to my Dad... and to know that we are closer than I remembered us to be....

Last Photo of my Dad & I together - taken on my BDAY 2005 (a year before his passing)

speaking of HOT - here's a HOT one for ya'll...

Japanese Footballer Hidetoshi Nakata for Calvin Klein Undies

That's All!!! Time to hit the GYM....

HOT TIMES!!!

Not that am having HOT TIMES of late..... more like too much HOT sun and not enough TIME!!!

I cannot believe not a SINGLE ENTRY here the two weeks I was gone.... and I always PRIDE myself in being DILIGENT with this BLOG, too....

oh well, back to square one.... lot's of catching up to do... so be warned - and be sure to check back all the time.... Blogging galore here, for sure.... hahahahaha

saw this on a store window campaign - and just LOVE it.... I COMPLETELY AGREE, especially on the 2nd one...

what's HOT for you???

am late...am late....

...in greeting you all a HAPPY EASTER - and am so very sorry about that.... was down south, Kaohsiung, visiting with The Wus from Friday till today, Monday the 6th.... did not have much INTERNET time while down there - so I was not able to UPDATE and BLOG...

No Easter Egg hunt, no Picnics.... but overall, the trip was nice and relaxing.... fun with Laifu and the nephews.... ATE a LOT (as always).... and enjoyed WU Papa's beautiful garden, and Wu Mama's funny antics.... Tried going to church Easter Sunday but strangely enough, the one that I wanted to go to was closed... LOL, closed on Easter Sunday!!! that was a first for me....

Guess my only complain was the trip back up to Taipei.... what should have been a 6HR journey actually took us 11HRS!!! Needless to say am tired, so will be logging off and going to sleep now.... just wanted to drop off this BELATED EASTER GREETING.... hope you all had a nice Easter Celebration...

GOOD FRIDAY

The first thing I always get asked by non practicing Catholics when Good Friday rolls around is: "Why is it called Good Friday?" Especially when everyone knows that it is the day that Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross and died... so to a lot, it would have mad more sense to call it, BAD FRIDAY....

well being the, "not such a good Catholic Boy that I am", I had to turn to the NET for the simplest explanations to give - and I think I got one - According to WikiAnswers (interesting):
==========================
Good Friday is the day commemorating Jesus Christ's death on the cross, which is probably to be dated April 3, A.D. 33. In the liturgical calendar of the Western church, the Friday before Easter. The exact origins of the name are uncertain; some argue it stems from the use of "Good" as an adjective applied to the day, which is an Old English synonym for "holy." Others argue it is a corruption of the word "God", in the same way that "Good Bye" comes from the phrase "God be with ye".

Christians believe the day is "good" because the message of Easter is of Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil; as the Apostle Paul wrote "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." It is believed that, in Jesus' death on the cross, He took once and for all the sins of all mankind upon Himself, in our place. "This gift He extends to everyone who will believe in Him. Believing in the Good News of the Gospel (Jesus, son of God, who died and was raised again) is our hope."

However, the term "Good Friday" is only used by Western Christians, and not by Eastern Orthodox Christians. The Orthodox refer to this sacred day as "Great and Holy Friday

GOOD FRIDAY to you all!

Jason Mraz: He Gives a Damn!!!

Another reason to LOVE Jason Mraz... as if his MUSIC is not enough.....
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Check out Jason's PSA in support of marriage equality for the Give a Damn Campaign! Launched today by Cyndi Lauper and her True Colors Fund, the Give a Damn Campaign is focused on getting everyone, especially straight people, involved in advancing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.

=========================
See Others who GIVE A DAMN - and while you're at it - why not JOIN IN and show that you also GIVE A DAMN!!!

CLICK THIS: WE GIVE A DAMN

Friendlier Way to Fly : PAL, Take Two

could they have really READ MY BLOG.. and LISTENED?

well, I would like to think so as the last flight I took with Philippine Airlines - I was TRULY SURPRISED and AMAZED!!!

Some of you must have heard me gripe about a flight I took with PAL a few months back.... it left such a bad taste in my mouth, I actually had to blog about it (You Get What You Pay For - Indeed!) back in July last year.... I hated that so much that, though I fly to Manila once a month, I try to avoid flying PAL unless I really had to (TICKET PRICE being the main factor to consider) - and was LUCKY enough to not have to experience them again except November - it was the Holiday Season so Cebu Pacific was charging a tad bit more....

This past February though, I once again, did not have any choice - last minute booking ended with me having to do PAL once again... and much to my SURPRISE - how things have changed!!! Still for the same price as the ECONO LITE fare that I always take - PAL now, not only let you choose your seat upon check in - they even FEED you - not just a couple of bags of peanuts - but what everyone else is getting on the flight... heck, even the dessert came from one of the BEST dessert places in Manila, BIZU (a personal FAVE of mine) -- TRULY AMAZING!!!

Maybe it is because of the slow/low passenger traffic lately due to the economy and competition? Maybe, many others besides me, have logged in complain? Or as I would like to look at it" "I BLOGGED, THEY TOOK NOTICED and COMPLIED!" - hahahahaha Whatever reason it might have been... am just glad they changed their ways... it is even reflected in one of their newest Magazine Advert....

So, couple that with a better flight schedule - I must say, PAL has WON ME OVER ONCE MORE!!! Now if only we can get a younger, and better looking, cabin crew... which I know they do have but are relegated to DOMESTIC FLIGHTS... but that's another story - for now, am just Happy with the change....

COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

Sexy Gym - where do I sign up....

HAPPY APRIL FOOL's DAY, Everyone!!!!

Happy Birthday, Juliana!!!

Starting off this brand new month with a Birthday shout out to one of the sweetest and nicest person I have ever met in this world, Juliana... Hope you have a GREAT CELEBRATION my friend.... and THANK YOU once again for being such a Great Friend... Taipei/Taiwan (as well as the CRAZY WORLD of Collecting!) would be a LESS FUN if it was not for your friendship.... Love Ya!