Cousin Jhay

It is not often that I get visited here in Taiwan.... the 10 years I have been here, too far and few in between, that I got to be visited by friends or family.... Come to think of it, only about 4 times.... My sis and her kiddies... Carl from the Bay Area - albeit he was really visiting another friend, Scott.... Miss Mary.... and just recently, my cousin Jhay....

I first met Jhay back in June of 2005.... while visiting my Dad at his home.... Jhay is the son of my Dad's youngest brother.... and it seems he also had the pleasure of living with my Dad for a while... many of our relatives and people that got to meet us both feels that we look-a-like and that we are similar in more ways than one... am told that he is just as friendly and as sweet, as I(hehehehehehe.... and that we smile alike.... and from the very first meeting, I could not help but agree.... he actually reminds me of myself - when I was his age....

So over the years we get to know each other more.... but alas, distance and our busy scheds (he is a Flight Attendant for Philippine Airlines) do not allow us to get together much.... so it was much to my pleasure that he was actually able to come for a visit, even though it was only for 3 days... we made the most of these three days... went here and there... ate this and that.... and chatted a lot about life, loves and of course, family... needless to say it was GREAT to catch up... learn more about my family, and my Dad, from someone who was there... TRULY enjoyed his visit - and I cannot wait for the next one, hopefully if his sched permits, this coming September....

PHOTO ALBUMS of Jhay's visit - May 24th thru the 27th:
Day 1 - Taipei 101, Warner Village & Roa He Night Market

Day 2 - LongShan Temple, Sie Men Ding, CKS Memorial Hall & IKEA with Ann & David

Day 3 - POOL & Water Spa Relaxation plus Dan Shuie

Premiums Galore

Been so busy the last couple of months am sooooo behind even on one of my most FAVE pastimes in Taiwan - Collecting Premium Toys... and boy, oh boy, a fine time to behind., too... so many cool stuff have been put on the market since the beginning of May.... am not quite sure what is what yet.... so I have just been taking photos of the posters and the displays as I happen upon them.... so far here are the ones from 7-11, Family Mart & McDonalds...


7-11 brought Maruko-Chan, her family and friends...

...set in the classroom world of Maruko-chan... each of the premium vinyl toys is set on a school desk diorama that doubles for real working, useful things such as scissors, staplers, tape dispenser, hole puncher, etc.. So far I have this one to start of the collection... it doubles as a stapler...

Family Mart has the local PILI characters for their current Premium program...

and the latest SHREK Movie is the subject of McDonald's latest Happy Meal Toys....

"Nothing" much - just Janet!!!

So am playing catch up with work and my everyday routine after a week long visit to Manila (dealing with this and that plus family dramas).... upon my return, I did have a nice time showing my cousin Jhay around Taipei for a few days... since his departure yesterday morning, it is back lots of work (emails, shipping, etc) to catch up with... am already all worn out....

So much to BLOG about - but they are all STUCK in my mind... no energy yet to put them down... will get around it soon enough....

I did catch Janet Jackson on American Idol - via You Tube - still HOT as EVER! and I loved the new song she has out for the soundtrack of a Tyler Perry film that she is in - from the looks of the video.... slow grooves - which is just fine for my moods now.... here it is - ENJOY!

HAPPY FRIDAY ALL!!!

...alone....

well, here I am again.... past midnite and waiting for another flight.... i should be used to this - flying alone each and every month... i guess in a way I am, but still, it is a bit trying especially when flying in some un-God-ly hour... my flight is actually at 1:25AM - lols.....

Th airport is soooooo DEAD..... all the shops and restaurants closed.... nothing to do whatsoever.... THANK GOD there's WIFI, Facebook & Blogging.... kills the 2 looong hours i have to wait..

i see the plane now... so at least am smiling knowing the flight will not be delayed.... just an hour more....

GREAT WEEKEND TO YOU ALL!!!

♫♪Make You Feel My Love♫♪

When the rain is blowing in your face,
and the whole world is on your case,
I could offer you a warm embrace
to make you feel my love.

When the evening shadows and the stars appear,
and there is no one there to dry your tears,
I could hold you for a million years
to make you feel my love.

I know you haven't made your mi...nd up yet,
but I would never do you wrong.
I've known it from the moment that we met,
no doubt in my mind where you belong.

I'd go hungry; I'd go black and blue,
I'd go crawling down the avenue.
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
to make you feel my love.

The storms are raging on the rolling sea
and on the highway of regret.
Though winds of change are throwing wild and free,
you ain't seen nothing like me yet.

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true.
Nothing that I wouldn't do.
Go to the ends of the Earth for you,
to make you feel my love

2010 Taipei Toy Festival Update

Just got new INFO on the upcoming Taipei Toy Festival... and this time in ENGLISH... so am sharing....

================
2010 台北國際玩具創作大展
Taipei Toy Festival 2010

Date：8th to 11th, July,2010
Venue：Huashan Cultural-Creative Park
Open Daily from 10:00 to 20:30
===============

2010 Taipei Toy Festival
- celebrating the fantastic world of designer toys and collectibles

The 7th Annual Taipei Toy Festival (TTF), the only major designer toy exposition in Asia, will once again take place from July 8th to 11th at HUASHAN 1914 CREATIVE PARK, Taipei, Taiwan, celebrating the fantastic world of designer toys, products, and collectibles subsequent to previous six successful years.

Themed “MONSTER vs. TOYS”, 2010 Taipei Toy Festival will host more than 100 specialty vendors and private providers from Japan, Hong Kong, U.S., Taiwan, Canada, France, among others. Many designers have announced the release of their own TTF limited edition vinyl toys during this venue. These highly collectible figurines will only be available during this 4-day event. This is a not-to-miss venue for worldwide toy fans and collectors.

2010 TTF features two themed posters for this year’s event, one designed by the renowned local artist Push by Push Comic and the famed Los Angeles-based artist Amanada Visell. Their different interpretations on “MONSTER vs. TOYS”, express the versatile aspects in this exceptional toy exposition. Admission tickets of 8 different designs by renowned artists are available for purchased. Collect them all.

TTF Catalogs, Designer Toys, from previous years have become collectibles among collectors for its thorough collection and exquisite photographs and quality printing. 2010 Designer Toys, the third issue, is expected to be another hit.

During the venue, there will be free giveaways for the first 500 visitors each day. The fans also have the chance to win prizes, such as Hong Kong-Taipei roundtrip airline tickets, passes to Hong Kong Disneyland, designer figurines, and a lot more.

2010 TTF also host the first Graphic Novel and Comic Book Fair, exhibiting graphic novels, comics and illustration books by animation artists from major Hollywood studios, as well as from Taiwan, Canada, Japan, France, etc. In addition, designer Ts, clothing lines, accessories and collectible sneakers will also be available on the exhibition floor.

For Artist Signing schedules, special Auction, and other information, please check out TTF official website! (www.taipeitoyfestival.com)

Daily hours are 10:00 to 20:30. Admission price is NT150 per day per person. See you in July in passionate Taipei.

The organizer, MONSTER TAIPEI INTERNATIONAL INC. stands on their vision to serve as a platform for connections, communications, information exchanges among the toy community; and to make Taipei Toy Festival a market place of the opportunity for new product launching, new brand announcement and a yearly fun gathering among global fans and collectors.

GENERAL INFORMATION-
TAIPEI TOY FESTIVAL 2010
DATE: July 8th~11th, 2010 (THU~SUN)
VENUE: HUASHAN 1914 CREATIVE PARK, Taipei, Taiwan
HOURS: 10:00~20:30
GENERAL ADMISSION @ NTD150/per
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.taipeitoyfestival.com
Blog: http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/monstergear08/
HUASHAN 1914 CREATIVE PARK: http://web.huashan1914.com/en/index.html
VISITING TAIWAN: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/
Contact organizer MONSTER TAIPEI mail to toyzone@ms36.hinet.net

Murakami X LV: Cosmic Blossom Collection

Cosmic Blossom Collection is the newest line in produced by Louis Vuitton in collaboration with a fave Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami.

I happen upon the Louis Vuitton window at Taipei's Breeze Center, right after seeing Iron Man 2... at first I was not totally IMPRESSED, as the window looked to HOT PINK for my taste... but as I got closer, I realised a familiar art adorning the purses - yes, they are by Murakami... so far I have only seen the bandannas (in 4 different designs) , as well as, purses and wallets in purplelish blue & reddish pinks... Nice collection, but I long for something similar to the very first collection - signature brown with the added Murakami touches... and who do I talk to and convince to reissue the Murakami Toys - Puti Panda in particular....

...kindness...

4 on Kindness

(led by one from a Personal Favorite of mine, Lao Tzu, Father of Taoism)

Kindness in words creates confidence, kindness in thinking creates profoundness, kindness in feeling creates love. -Lao Tzu

If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.

-Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch

The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines. -Charles Kuralt

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly
endless. -Mother Theresa

=======================================
I know that I will only pass once,

This troubled world of ours that we share.

Kindness, I hope, am able to pass,

Good deeds, i wish, I am able bear.

All these and more,

Let me share while I can.

For I know I shall never

Pass this way again.

-Baxter-Ramblings

Paella, Ironman 2 & friends

Tuesday, the of May 3rd, was a fun day for me... for it was another get - together with friends, Juliana & Sue... Juliana and I met over by Sue's workplace and headed on first to the restaurant, where Sue met us as she was just on an extended lunch break....

I was soooo elated with the place of choice: Cocina de Jackie - a cozy Spanish Restaurant!!! (I believe the owners lives in Spain for a bit and really loved it there - so when they returned they opened up this place... it got popular that they opened a second one, right across the street....) Sue has been here before as her office is only a couple of blocks away.... The food was delicious.... the place, simple but still evokes the essence of Spain... and the selection of MUSIC - FANTASTICO!!

We ate our respective dishes.... I so love my PAELLA VALENCIANA... almost just like the one I had years ago in the province of Valencia - where Paella was actually born.... I have had paella in many other restaurants in ASIA and nothing came as close... till now, my dish was just as delicious - and just the right amount of serving... chatted the hours away and I even got my BAD ROBOT Bearbrick... hehehehehehe

Juliana also took in IRONMAN 2 (alas, Sue had to go back to work and could not join us!) Well, as most of my Facebook contact already knows (sorry again for ruining it for some of you... really did not know it came out in Taiwan before the US..LOL) - I really did not particularly like the movie.... maybe because I did not see the first one? maybe I expected too much more from what everyone else have told me? maybe it just suffering the CURSED FATE of SEQUELS? - It just did not appeal to me... only Scarlett's FIGHT SCENES made me sit up and take notice.... btw, did anyone else noticed, Scarlett's "now you see them, now you don't boobies" in the movie??? In some of the scenes they looked really full and in others - so flat... aaah the WONDERS of HOLLYWOOD!!! I Must add in fairness, I should add that Robert Downey Jr. is always a JOY to watch, especially when playing characters like this... with biting humour....

PHOTOS HERE

...feelings....

"Circumstances controls our feelings...

if only our feelings can control circumstances.."

Happy Mother's Day!!!

To My Mom.......and all the Mothers (and Mothers to be) of the World!!!

CROSS iHeart.

David just got back from his 10 day Europe Tour (his current OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD) of Czechoslovakia, Austria & Germany... brought back lots of GOODIES: chocolates, cookies, glasses, wine & cheeses, plus clothing from ZARA & H&M.... and even LOUIS VUITTON wallets (alas, not for us - these are bought as a FAVOR for a friend of his... hahahahahaha...)but the thing that I LOVE MOST - from all that he brought back - is the silver CROSS he got me from St. Michael's Basilica in Mondsee, Austria... quite simple really... just your ordinary black leather rope and the silver pendant of a silver cross... though I have seen this style before, I do not have any in my collection - yes, another long time OBSESSIONS of mine: Rosaries & Saints... along with a Pamphlet from the Basilica... loaded with photos of beautiful figurines/statues of Golden Gothic Saints - just right up my alley...

Truly a WELCOME ADDITION to my collection of Crosses from all over the world...

Above Photo: Some of My Rosary Collection

enjoying the silence.... well, i was.....

Quietly working since early this morning.... enjoying the peacefulness of the day.... a bit gloomy but not raining so it was OK to be indoors all day, working.... silence is golden after all, right???

well, just like the weather in Taipei lately, that changed really fast.... silence changed to noise... but I should not complain as it was not just any noise... it was actually from a parade for a nearby Temple.... so I ended up watching it - right through my very own window...

So this noisy interruption actually became a very nice break from working... of course, I had to take some photos...

found them on YOU TUBE

Like I had nothing else better to do - I searched for my latest STAR GAZING encounter on You Tube... and VOILA... found them (not too easy as I cannot type or read Chinese - LOLs.. so here they are... am sharing:

-am sooo HAPPY to have found this first one as one of my FAVE Chinese actresses, Shu Qi, is even in the video!!! She made watching the video worth it, for me...

This 2nd one - I realized the Group's name is AK not WOW... WOW is their song and album title, i believe.... and AK stand for their names: Andy & Kris... but am still convinced, Kris used to be called Kenji... oh well... their singing does not do anything for me... but they can surely dance....

Happy Birthday, Miss Mary!!!

I do not need to even say anything, right? you already know how I feel... (^_*)

LOVE YA MUCH, Mary E!!! Happy Birthday!!!

photography for me...

My friends and family are ALWAYS teasing me about having the camera in TOW - all the time... and I mean, all the time.... everywhere and anywhere.... and when I forget to carry it and happen upon something or someone I wish to photograph - I get SAD :((.... really sad....

Am the kind of person who would not hesitate to randomly ask people around to take photos for me and my friends - so everyone can be in the shot... nor would I hesitate to stop people on the street for a photo op -- especially if they are cute, HOT, or a celebrity I know (as you all know!)... hahahahahaaha...

When I think about it, I do feel BAD for my friends and family, when at meal times - no one is allowed to dig in till i have taken shots of each and every dish placed on the table... no one is allowed to leave a party or venue without getting their obligatory photo shoot with me.... most of my friends have already gave in and accepted this fact.... and some even looks out for me to stop others at their tracks from digging into a dish that I have not photographed yet... CRACKS ME UP all the time!!!

But really, if you get to know me long enough - you will realize that I do not do this because am ANAL, NARCISSISTIC, or CRAZY... I do this because I love capturing moments.... I love being able to look back and see where I have been... things I have seen.... billboards and quotes.... food I have eaten.... people I have met and MISSES!!! and just about everything and anything that speaks to me - and baffles my friends.... hahahaha

so, next time you find yourself out with me : alone or in a group - don't run away.... don't hide ur face.... and most especially PLS DO NOT BE MAD!!! have patience and accept my apologies now.... consider yourself warned.... I WILL TAKE YOUR PHOTO!!! Just RELAX and SHARE the FUN OF IT ALL with ME....

Now I leave you with something from Nigel Barker (AMTM Resident Judge & Professional Photographer & HOTTIE!:
'Photography for most people is a hobby, something they dabble in on vacation or just away to document life. The fact I could and actually do it for a job is a blessing." I can totally relate to the first part - as definitely, my photos will not be enough to make a living... hahahahahahahaha

"Carry Out" anyone?

LOVE LOVE LOVE this TIMBALAND song - catchy... kicky... and the VIDEO with Justin Timberlake dancing and singing about - SIZZLING!!! this is one "carry out" I would love to take home... hahahahahahaha

"Number one, I take two number threes ...

That's a whole lotta you and a side of me....

Now is a fool of myself to want you full of me....

And if its room for dessert then I want a piece"

DELICIOUS!!!!

teeny bopper - why not?

As I have mentioned in my preceding blog, SIEMENDING is the place to be for stars/celebrities to showcase/promote what they have coming out... and yesterday was not any different.... not just one but two Taiwan Acts were out and about, giving all their best, in promoting their newly released CDs...

First one is a popular Idol Drama (soap operas made with and geared for the Young Ones!)/Movie actor already, not sure but I think his first name is Mike (NOTE: have since found out his name is EDDIE.).... and also not sure but this might be his frist CD out.... I happen upon him when he was already done with his show and was already in the autographed signing and picture taking portion already... He seemed really nice and gracious... smiling and really talking with his fans.... and very touchy, too... not shy....

(He was GRACIOUS enough and posed the way his fans wanted him to..)

the other act I happen upon to was WOW, a two member boy band.... these two I have seen guesting in different things before.... one i believe is named Kenji.... and another one rose to fame because his mother posted his photos on the Internet and gained him popularity online - which caught the attentions of some showbiz people..... so, someone put the two of them together to form this boy band.... i got to see them do a couple of songs.... nice enough, cute bois singing catchy POP songs... am sure the young girls (and bois) of Taiwan will like them enough.... everyone at Siemending seems to like them already.... their CDs SOLD OUT fast... not sure if it was because of their talents, looks or both... or maybe because the boy who was in charge of selling their CDs a=is even hotter than they are!!! He should also be in SHOWBIZ.... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

New POP Duo: AK (Andy & Kris)

So that's my latest Star Gazing moment... alas, no photos with them were taken, as you would need to buy their CDs in order to do so... and i did not have CASH to do so... hahahahahaha
More Photos Here

the place to be on the weekends...

Spent most of the afternoon at SIEMENDING yesterday - right after church.... what a contrast! Froma solemn place to a really crowded, happening place.... LOLs!!!
Always a FUN place to be for snacks (so many, ever changing, themed restaurants)... shopping (something for everyone and every taste!).... People Watching (young and old alike in their weekend bests)... Shinjuku Plaza, bringing you a bit, make that a lot of Japan.... and on the weekends, STAR GAZING - as for sure, whoever has a new movie, TV show, book or record to promote - they will be doing a PROMOTIONAL TOUR here...

One of my first memories of this place was from way back in 1998.... my first visit to Taiwan... David took me there one evening on a weekend - as it is always a MUST SEE place if you are a tourist in Taiwan.... I was overwhelmed by the shops, the people, the lights, the delicacies.... was like being back in SHIBUYA or Harajuku... so many friendly people... beautiful people to photograph and lols, and some to photograph us (was younger and hipper then - hahahahahaha)... two young girls even asked to take photos with me and asked for my autographed - as later on I found out, David told them am indeed a Hong Kong star.... and they fell for it.... hahahahahahahahaAnyway, this ever changing place is a REAL MUST SEE when in Taipei.... never ceases to AMAZE me - and when bored and alone, I just take a trip there to be amused and entertained.... see a movie... sit in a cafe, or anywhere for that matter, just to people watch... you will be entertained, FOR SURE!!!

COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

"Come 1st of May"

woke up with this song running through my mind... hmmmmmm..... whatever could it mean??? I do not even really know this song.... maybe heard it a couple of times in my life only.... LOL...

HAPPY MAY 1St All!!!