it's a Stormin' Inside & Out!

Yep, that pretty much sums up my trip this last week in Manila.... it was hella raining, storming most of the time outside... and storming emotionally on the inside....

Aug 7th will be Mom's 74th BDay... will not be there so we made the most of things and had a mini celebration... mini Chocolate cake to boot... it made my Mom Happy.... and made me even Happier.... and it also helped that my cousin (Mom's Niece) with family in tow, came to spend an afternoon with her, too.... but I know deep down she is emotionally sad...

Actually, this is the first thing I noticed when I arrived this time around... though she looked healthy, her movements tells me that she was in pain once more... and her eyes, like mine, do not lie.... sadness is sooo apparent... the first few days i was shaking it all off to the fact that her prescribed meds already run out and had expired... not wanting to go back for further prodding and tests, she had to make do with pain killers the last few days... and the appearance of more growing LUMPS on the side of her right breasts...Went back to Medical City... consulted with the Doctor... as she had stated before, even if my MOM agreed on an operation, it is already not advisable... we spoke at length and she prescribed some meds once more.... hoping that the meds will keep my Mom healthy and stopped more lumps from appearing... at least, suppress them from appearing too fast, too soon.... I can tell that the Meds I once again gave my Mom to take, gave her much hopes once more to be healthy and be able to still move around on her own... and this was enough for me....But one thing that took it's toll on me this time around, was when my Mom, while we were just hanging out, gabbing, laughing as we reminisce - pretty much all we do when we hang out - she stopped for a minute, got a serious look on her face and said: "Better talk about this now so we all know... when my time comes, I do not want anyone taking my body anywhere... I do not want to be buried where am not supposed to be.... I would rather be cremated and have my ashes spread in the ocean..." I think we all stopped from chatting and was just a bit shocked at first, then reality sat in.... and I was almost bursting in tears but kept it inside... You see, I know that this is something I should be prepared for... even the last doctor visit, I was reminded to be sure I know what to expect and what my Mom's wishes are when the time comes... just to be prepared... and though this definitely gives me an idea as to what to do - I could not help but feel LOST....

Lost... Lost like a little boy once more - not knowing what to make of thins.... Lost, as to wanting to be a little boy once more, so I do not have to face and make such decisions... Lost in thoughts as to why now my Mom brought this up... I could not help but think and wonder: "Is she feeling something that she is not telling us?" "Is she herself, preparing us... preparing me in her own way?" Maybe am just letting my imagination run once more... I do not really know... this is why I feel sooo LOST...

Later that same day, I found myself, in church once more... Praying.... Praying for more time... praying for less pain.... praying to find the strength for what else to come....

AstroBoy & The World of Tezuka Osamu

Had the pleasure of taking in a TRULY AMAZING EXHIBITION this morning: The World of Tezuka Osamu - world known Japanese Artist/Illustrator, Father & Creator of much loved ANIME/MANGA comics, animation, characters such as Black Jack, Princess Knight, Kimba: The White Lion, PIKOKO, Phoenix, Buddha, and of course, AstroBoy!!! Even if you are not an ANIME DIE HARD - you must have seen or heard of AstroBoy - especially with the recent Hollywood treatment....

In Japan, he is often referred to as the "Godfather of Anime"... and is likened to America's Walt Disney - admittedly, an inspiration to Master Tezuka in his formative years. Of special note: The distinctive "large eyes" style of Japanese animation is very much attributed to Mr. Tezuka. It is said that he drew inspirations on cartoons of the time such as Betty Boop, Walt Disney's Bambi and Mickey Mouse.

Born in 1928, he started to draw comics around his second year of elementary school. At an early age, he came to the realization that he could use manga as a means of helping to convince people to care for the world. It was after World War II, that he created his first piece of work (at age 17), Diary of Ma-chan and then Shin Takarajima (New Treasure Island), this is attributed as the beginning of the golden age of manga, a craze comparable to American comic books at the time. Hence, Japanese manga artists started referring to him as: "Manga-no-kami sama" (the god of manga). And there was no stopping him ever since....

A succession of COMICS that were translated to Manga Books, then on to Anime Films - and the rest they say is history... and what a legacy he has left for Manga Lovers the world over.... his tales and illustrations are timeless - and like his IDOL,Mr Disney, himself - Mr Tezuka and his works will live on for generations and generations to come....

And again, THANK YOU Juliana for making sure I get to see this EXHIBITION... TRULY MUCH APPRECIATED!!! And was a PLEASURE meeting Frank and Laurie, too - FINALLY!!! :)

COMPLETE EXHIBITION PHOTOS HERE

Captain America is GUILTY!!!

I knew that Capt America aka Chris Evans is the new GUCCI GUILTY pour homme... but I just saw these adverts last nite and it is SMOKING!!! Chris' piercing eyes are still that, PIERCING as EVER!!! I actually like his physique here - more than his overly bulging, Capt. America one... and as an added bonus, Evan Rachel Wood is his equally smoking hot babe in the advert.... both looking uber sexy in the film advert - just wished it translated more in the print ads.... only Chris's eyes shines...

Now, when is Captain America coming out again???

HP7.2 & the Ladies.....

okay okay, am probably going to get STONED for this but admittedly, am probably one of the few who did not get on the Harry Potter Bandwagon.... did not read a single book.... saw parts 1, 3, and last year's Harry Potter 7 . Part 1...

Though I did enjoy the first one, i just did not get hooked like most... so I skipped 2... but was dragged to 3.... and saw the 7th one just because there was nothing else to see at that time..... but this time, I really opted to go with the girls (Juliana, Sue & Cecilia - now, they are REAL FANS!)) to see what is to be the end - but then again, is there ever an end to something that just keep on making money??? am sure Hollywood will still find a way to bring back the franchise... in one form or another....

The movie delivered.... I actually enjoyed it very much and was entranced by all the things that was going on.... I was glued to the screen all 2 hrs plus of it.... even when that creepy snake was slithering about - and you know I cannot stand snakes... so many characters died - and not just minor ones... and though it is to be expected that GOOD will TRIUMPH OVER EVIL - you actually HOPED for this throughout.... this is nothing like the first kiddie one I saw many years ago.... it is more mature, darker, and much much more emotional... now I wish there would be a follow up....

Seeing was a total experience too.... so many people lined up to get tickets for the early show - under the heat of the beating sun.... still, you see nothing but excitement in their faces.... and in the theatre - you see how they really get into the film.... clapping, agitated and yes, crying.... I have not seen so many audiences get this emotionally involved since ET phoned home... LOL..... NOTE: TWILLIGHT SAGA does not count - another franchise I never got into... LOL....

THANKS FOR TAKING ME, LADIES!!!

Fun Friday All!!!

Yesterday was somewhat of a frustrating day..... actually the last few days, really.... so much waiting... wasting time... and dealing with nonsense.... all the frustrations led me to think about what to do to lift my spirits up... and in an instant, running came to mind... something I have not really done for over 3 months due to the knee giving out on me... since then, I have just been resting up the legs.... then late last month, i started little by little walking at the Gym's treadmill... all that's been good so far, so a slow run - I thought - might not be so bad.... and Boy, am I glad I did it!The run turned out to be a GREAT MOOD PICKER UPPER... it was sooooo refreshing to be out when the skies were not soooooo gloomy... out breathing the fresh air..... out seeing other runners, bikers, walkers all enjoying the day..... and out seeing all the lovely sceneries - natural and man made - that is on the path of the run.... here's a few shots....


So it was TRULY a GREAT THING... and you can bet I will, slowly but surely, will be getting back to running on a regular basis.... Good thing I was able to do this as it started raining once more in the early evening....

some WEEDS are good for ya!

Thanks to Juliana, I found my newest addiction... okay okay Obsession really.... Showtime's WEEDS.... already in it's 7th Season, I just got hooked watching Seasons 1 thru 5, in less than a week... LOL... it's humorous, raw, gritty, and well, casted.... so talented people are here - some I have liked over the years - in particular, lead & the show's central figure, Mary Louise Parker.... not that the others are reduced to supporting scenes only - they too, get to shine... and shine these other great talents do: Justin Kirk, Kevin Nealon, Elizabeth Perkins, etc... and I just have to give a special mention to new TV CRUSH, HOTTIE Hunter Parrish (he is the Nancy Botwin's just turned 18 son - and actually one of the more sane and matured character in the show....) did not even know he is the same as the bad boy in 17 Again....So many familiar and talented movie and TV faces have turned up, too: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jessica Biel, Alanis Morrisette, Mary Kate Olsen, Albert Brooks, Richard Dreyfuss, Kate del Castillo, to name a few.. all used and fitted in rather nicely, no one wasted in their roles - no matter how small or big, or how long they stayed in the show....

I love the way the show is written.... always on the verge of realism and the absurd.... almost like real life... but you do get those instances where something is just too shocking to believe... and yet you say to yourself: "it could happen..."

Anyway, am not much of a reviewer... just a fanatic - whenever a show really captivates me - and this one has got me captivated, through and through.... now bring on Season 6 before Season 7 finishes.....

truly not my day... LOL....

Started off with being awaken right before 7AM by, a nameless someone, talking on his cel phone - for a long time and loudly - right in front of my bedroom window.... so no escaping this.... had to get up waaaaay before my 7:30AM ALARM went off.... just had to say under my breath: "could be worse, could be raining..."

I think I JINXED myself with these murmurs as when I started packing a few more things to take to the PO to ship - as soon as I was all packed and all ready to go - it started pouring.... and I mean pouring with THUNDER to boot.....

Of course, just as when I was all naaah not that bad... more like a bit irritating.... oh well, at least it made for an entry for my 365 project... and most of all, tomorrow is another day.... a chance to do right and to do even better.... :)

but the highlight for today is the site of Jewel and Wu Papa both dead asleep on the couch... we were at the park for a little over an hour... came back in, and I went to take a leak and the minute I come out, there they were - both fast asleep... could not pass up the opportunity to snap them.... hahahahahahaha...

tokidoki X Marvel = Fun Frenzies

The holy alliance between tokidoki and Marvel Comics takes center stage this month when as shipments of Tokidoki x Marvel Frenzies arrives in stores worldwide. This blind box keychain series features 20 of your favorite Marvel heroes and villains Tokidoki-fied into total cuteness. They retail for $5.99 each.

Yes, Marvel’s most popular characters have been re-worked by tokidoki's own Simone Legno to create a collectible assortment of 20 tokidoki x MARVEL Frenzies. All our favorite Marvel characters, like Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, Iron Man, Wolverine, Fantastic Four's Human Torch, the Mighty Thor, Captain America, etc... have been given mini tokidoki makeovers!

TRAFFIC HAZZARDS

Bench is at it again.... causing FREEWAY HAZARDS, right on Manila's busiest traffic road, EDSA... how you may ask? well, it is with their newest Underwear Billboards, of course.... this time with the Philippines' Rugby Team.... Ripped Athlete's shows off their packages, eeeeer, I mean their physiques, clad in nothing but Bench's undies - in giant billboards all along Edsa.... sounds familiar??? Yes, it is the same sight for the People Power Revolution years ago... and quite notorious for the giant, attention grabbing, traffic causing Billboards adorning it's stretch - like these newest installations....

KABAYAN JAM 2011

My 2nd time being in Taipei that a MAJOR Pinoy Event was going on... so, never mind that the venue is far away....; never mind that I had no one to go with....; never mind that the skies are GLOOMY & there's raindrops now and then...; never mind that I really do not know all the stars or like for that matter.....; OFF I WENT and Boy, was I GLAD I DID!!!

Held once more at the Taoyuan Arena Stadium - the event is mainly to give entertainment to all the OFW in Taiwan... and come they do.... from all parts of Taiwan.... Just see/hear/enjoy some of their FAVE STARS, get a restful fun day, and mostly to bond with one another.... (NOTE: it is always a PLEASURE for me to see groups of them huddling together.... talking and laughing.... bonding..... SADLY, though I think am such a FRIENDLY GUY - i do not come off as one to most of them... I even hear them talk about me in TAGALOG not knowing I can speak and understand the language...LOL.... ost of them think am either Chinese, Japanese or Hong Kongese anyway... hahahahahahaha...)

The concert, though not as FUN as last year's, my first time to attend such events - was still pretty entertaining.... mostly because the headliner host is Pokwang... such a really funny lady..... she reminds me sooooo much of the DRAG QUEENS in shows that I have seen in America.... actually I have seen her on TV a few times while in Manila... and have always thought she is either a DRAG QUEEN or a TRANSEXUAL.... till I was corrected and was told she is TRULY A WOMAN!!! Matters Not - she is FUNNY as Hell!!! I was laughing my ass off... and if I had room - I know I would have been rolling on the floor in laughter....2nd Performer to come out is Christine Reyes... do not really know her but have seen her in magazines and on TV when in Manila.... Not sure what it is about her people like... she looked like she had many things done (to her face) at an early age (though I could be wrong on this!)... and, for the life of her, she really could not sing at all.... even got the audience to sing the high parts of her songs... and forgot words to one of them... and she only had to sing 2 songs... LOL..Last major star to come out was Gerald Anderson - of course, there has to bee one HUNKY STAR, right??? HUNKY he is but no match for last year's Mark Bautista.... singing was OK, though am not sure if he was singing LIVE or LIP SYNCHING... still he was very easy on the eyes.... :)

Just Like Heaven!!!

...and that's just how it was for me last Thursday, the 7th... It was the 1st day of the Annual Taipei Toy Festival (a 4 Day Event)..... of course, I braved the crowds right away and went.... along with my Partner in Toys Crime, Juliana..... just look at this COLLAGE with all these COOL, FUN, & EXCITING TOYS! okay, okay, not all mine... I WISH!!!
It was a Great Day.... wish I could have brought home all that I wanted - but one MUST have limits, right?? Mind you, I still came home with a lot... and thinking of going back for more later today..... hahahahahahahahahaha

Tons of tpoys to look at from some FAVE designers.... Be@rbricks galore, Stay Real, Hot Toyz, C.I. Boys, etc... and even a bit of STAR GAZING as, Scandal Ridden Hong Kong Star, EDISON CHEN made an appearance debuting his CLOT designed tees and Toys - and some authograph signings and photo taking.... too bad it was waaaaay tooo CROWDED - could not even get close.... so had to take a few shots by ZOOMING the camera - hence, not too sharp...

Treated myself, the iPhone really to a new case, TOFU!!!!

MEET BUBI!!!

For me, this BUBI is the most FAVE one that DEBUTED at this show.... have always wanted a Little Boy Blue type character... and he comes quite close.... Designed by Au Yeung from the Series: "The Bubblegum Adventures of Periwinkle". So far there are three variations issued for "Episode 1: London Raindrops". Well basically it is just one boy but each Blind Box, he could come with an umbrella (Easiest to get.); a back pack (Harder to get..); or this one, with a hat (My most FAVE!)... each one also comes with a blown bubblegum that he can hold or put in his mouth.... FUN!!!

Anyway, have UPLOADED a few photos here if you care to see:
Taipei Toy Festival 2011 on FLICKR
-will be UPLOADING more this weekend... just way too much goodies.... Just Like Heaven, indeed....

9 month old today!!!

Just got up... almost 9AM.... quite late for me, but i am BEAT.... tired from babysitting I guess.... did not get home from Jewel's house till almost midnite last nite.... it was a looong day of babysitting.... longer it seems, as she has been quite CLINGY lately... just wants to be held most of the time.... cries when you put her down.... boo hoo...

Last nite she did the funniest thing - she actually slept on my left leg for a whole hour.... her left arm and leg holding on to me; while the right arm and legs were left dangling.... it did not look comfortable to me and I could feel each time she turned/moved, left arm held on even tighter... though the leg was quite tired, I did not have the heart to wake her or move her, she has been sick the last few days and was not getting enough sleep...

Jewel turns 9 months old today....

and continuing on the subject of Be@rbricks....

...I have already COMPLETED the Hi*Life X Jimmy Liao X Be@rbricks for 2011... all 9 of them!!!!

Have actually completed them middle of last month, even took photos but never got around to posting them..... I Just Love their WHIMSICAL LOOKS!!!

Cannot wait till the 2012 Offerings - sure hope there will be one then... :)

Secrets and All!!!

Okay... am behind on this Be@rbrick News as well, am sure... but just in case, here goes... SERIES 22 has been announced and revealed a few months back, and I believe they have started popping up here and there as the release date was the end of June....

Awesomeness if you ask me, though I need to be good so am going after the following only: FLAG, Pirates of the Caribbean, Cars2, & Green Lantern - of course! I am tempted by that UNO and the CUTE clown looking bear, too though.... MUST RESIST!!!

and now, even the special SECRET ones have been revealed, too... OH BOY!!! CHECK THEM OUT!!! SECRET SPECIALS

Now this is a TOUGH ONE!!! Forget what I want - how do you get them? and at what cost? waaaaah...... (Sue, are you reading/listening???) I really would love three of them, APE (multicolored camou), Boy of London (Black one with BOY print) & Happy Socks (whimsical one with the colorful striped Socks) - they will all fit in nicely with my Designer Bearbrick Collection....

ROLLING IN THE DEEP

MY NEW LSS ditty...

"The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling..."

it's JULY - wha-wha-what!!!

Has it really been that long since I BLOGGED last? I cannot believe it is already JULY... sometimes I really do not know why everything is moving so fast.... and most just PASSING ME BY.... it seems I never ran out of things to do.... to take care of.... to attend to..... and between shuttling from Taipei to Manila each month - i do lose track of things....

Just recently, I have been told (in a good way - I HOPE!) " I worry because I know, you are always taking care of someone... people..." sadly it was said during a heated argument.... but I suppose this is TRUE.... it is in my nature.... have always been and most likely, will always be.... it just seems like, if I am to choose between putting my needs before others - I always choose others first..... at the moment, am mainly taking care of my MOM in Manila... and in Taipei - Jewel.... that's between everything else that I am doing: work & everyday life.... HAIIIIIS!!!

is it my upbringing? is it a need to please? or just a genuine love for others? in all HONESTY, I cannot say.... so let's just CHUCK IT to ALL OF THE ABOVE..... anyway, am in Taipei, at least till the last week of JULY - so this should let me catch up with a few things.... breathe a little... all remains to be seen.... will just have to take it day by day.... going with the flow - as I am accustomed to....

HAPPY JULY ALL!!!