Bench Universe

Yep, it is that much awaited time once more in Manila, Philippines... The time when Hot & Up and Coming Models, Actors, Starlets, and other celebrity struts their stuff on the runway... And i do mean their stuff, as most will be walking he Bench catwalk in their skivvies... Much to many screaming fans delight....

The date is set for the 13th and the 14th of this month, September... Sadly, will be relying on DVD and You Tube once more for coverage... I just cannot seem to time it right that I could be in Manila formone of these events... :(

Anyhow, one of the thrills the past few years for Bench Fans, myself included, is Jake Cuenca... It is said that this is to be his last year as he wants to take a break from being admired for his sexiness... But do not fret my friends, as he promises to be even bolder than ever for this event... Wonder how much BOLDER that could be when he stripped right down to a jockstrap a few years back? 

 

 

Well, for now, we will all just have to wait and see...

For now feast on past and present advert with Jake for Bench...

and TEASER POSTER for the BENCH UNIVERSE EVENT promoting the other celebrities that will be walking the catwalk in their skivvies - make sure everyone's Temperature Stays Hot!!!

 

COACH Celebrates 70th Anniversay

Last Saturday, Oct 22nd, I had the pleasure of attending the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the COACH brand - Taipei Style!!!

Thanks to my friend Sue (one of COACH Taiwan's VIP customers *WINKS*) and to some sort of  circumstances - I lucked out and both Cecilia and Juliana could not attend the event with her...  so it was my turn!!!!

I expected a fashion show, as seen from Previous years' coverage of the Annual Event - but since this was the brand's 70th BDay - they decided to treat their VIPs to, not just a fashion show, but to a mini - concert...  3 mini concerts really as three different acts did their thing:  Black Pearl & White Diamonds, A JAZZ BAND ACT that wowed the crowds with their songs Jazzy Grooves...  *****, whose name escapes me now as she has not been seen for quite some time but has a very nice voice that I like - even bought her DEBUT CD when it came out years ago....  and the STAR ATTRACTION for the nite, Vanness Wu - from F4 and Meteor Garden fame....   not really a Great singer but dances really well, and an excellent muscle flexer....   of late he is known for his Sexy MVs and Earl Jean  Sexy Ad campaign.....  and yes, there were still a couple of segments - in between acts - of Fashion Show....  pretty models strutting in their COACH clothing, promoting the new line of Men's & Women's Bags - what the Brand is more known for....

After it all...  on our way out... we happen upon Vanness Wu taking a few PRESS SHOT with COACH Taiwan's Higher Ups....  they were also joined by "Da Swei Ba" (Big Mouth) - another popular band - who was also in attendance but did not perform....  Star gazing was in full force for me that nite as saw a host of other familiar Fashion Models, TV and Music personalities....   Over all it was a Great Nite for  people and Star Gazing!!!  

The event was held in one of Taiwan's newest mall, ATT 4 Fun....  right on the top floor where the events room is used mainly for mini concerts of Taiwan's more popular acts...

 (Thanks Again, Sue!!!)

MORE PHOTOS HERE!

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.... :)

"Viva Senor Santo Niño "

Catholics all over the world celebrates today, Sunday: January 16, the feast day of the child Jesus known to many as the Sto. Niño. This day is revered in most Catholic countries and no more so, thank in the Philippines.

It is that time of the year when devotees show how much they revere the Sto. Nino not only by going to different churches but also by going out to the streets where they dance and shout "Viva Senor Santo Niño." The devotion to the Sto. Niño is so popular that Filipino artists continue to create images of it, garbed in different costumes.

Perhaps the BEST destination, in the Philippines, for this SPECIAL EVENT is Cebu City - where, one of the nation's oldest and grand churches, the Santo Niño Basilica is located. Here, the Santo Niño de Cebú ("Holy Child of Cebu") is permanently housed. It is a Roman Catholic figure of the Child Jesus highly similar to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Like the image's counterpart in Prague, the figure is clothed in expensive textile robes mostly donations from fervent devotees in the Philippines and abroad. The statue is the oldest Catholic relic in the Philippines.

Since am in Taiwan, I am not able to trek to Cebu to enjoy the festivities and celebrate this special day - but I did manage to go to church this Sunday and, in my own way, pay respect and pray to the Sto. Niño.

NOTE: 2 Photos Above are from my first ever visit to this GREAT HISTORICAL CHURCH... dated 1999!!!

murakami @ this year's Macys' Parade!!!

Renowned artist & LV frequent collaborator, Takashi Murakami, made a bold appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade both in person and with one of his iconic characters. KAWS was on hand to capture the artist who appeared on the cover of THE NEW ORDER with him for issue 2.　I can only WISH to have been there to see him and his giant balloons in person.... now that would have been something else to be Thankful for!!!

Flora Expo Opens In Cloudy Rainy Taipei

Last nite, so many of us here in Taipei were soooo looking forward to watching the fireworks to officially welcome the opening of the 2010 Taipei Flora Exhibition - truly one of the most anticipated BIG EVENTS this year.... lots of $$$ was spent for this fireworks of fireworks display to be.... Sadly, the weather did not cooperate... it was a rainy, cloudy nite.... so for the most part all that glitter and shimmering fireworks went off hidden behind the clouds....

Good thing we live by the Dajia river park where it should have been very visible...we did not have to travel far, deal with the traffic and parking, as most revelers did.... wish they could have postponed for another nite, a much clearer one but Oh Well....

Here's an excerpt I found from last nite's fireworks display- the clearest one so far.... Note: a short one as this was probably the most visible one the lenser got...

Yesterday also marked, Lyn's Birthday... so we had a little cake for her - a few friends stopped by and Jewel got out and came to visit our home for the very first time....

More Photos Here

Taipei Pride - FINALLY!!!

A little over 10 Years of living in Taiwan and I FINALLY got to see / attend the Annual Taiwan Pride Parade.... LOL.... Not because I never wanted to before... more like, I was never, ever around during the other times... either out of town or out of the country.... hard to also plan on this as it happens always in Autumn / Winter time... and am soooo used to San Francisco's annual summer time gay pride parades... where one can really dressed down and show lots of skins.... but that's another time, another story...

Anyway, so we braved the rain and coldness (bundled up a lot) to head down the Parade Route.... an hour's bus ride away.... it was TRULY WORTH IT for me, quite a lot of fun seeing so many beautiful people - just Happy and Proud to show off their TRUE COLORS.... and such beautiful colors they are, that of the Rainbow Flag.... all these peeps braving the rain and coldness - to show their Pride Colors...Because of the weather, i truly did not expect people to show lots of skins... but really, enough people did.... all sizes and shapes.... letting it all hang out.... almost makes one strip down and join in on the fun and the dancing about on the streets.... Braver and Bolder Peeps, I say!!!The whole contingencies are pretty International, too.... lots of EX PATS participating with their friends and better halves.... some great costumes.... a few really phenomenal Drags (i believe from the lad of Down Under)... parents, siblings, friends, and Pets - all rallying with their love ones... and Taiwan's Premiere Gay Dance Clubs, Funky (already a Legend) & JUMP (hip & trendy newcomer), were represented by floats - complete with hotties dancing about.... So many beautiful, indeed!!!

Even my fellow revelers were soooo diverse... young and old alike... some came scantily dressed (saw a man from Japan dressed in just his speedo & a rain jacket alone... and some came overly dressed, but just right for the current weather conditions (like me!)... No matter, a Fun Time was had by all of us spectators, that's for sure.....

MORE TAIWAN PRIDE PARADE PHOTOS HERE (CURRENTLY UPLOADING)

Purple Wednesday It Is!!!!

This Wednesday (10/20) – Wear Purple to Remember
===========
Too many young people have taken their lives because of anti-gay bullying. While there has been an outpouring of shock and support from public officials in the form of “It Gets Better” messages, we still must address the deeper societal issues driving a culture of relentless bullying – and we must send a strong message that such a culture is unacceptable.

Wear Purple this Wednesday, October 20 (that's today in my neck of the woods...), and Help participate in a day of remembrance... . The idea for this great event originated online, and nearly one million people are already participating on Facebook.

You can sign and Take the Pledge on Facebook.... and hear/share stories by following this link:

It Gets Better Project

and check out another cool FB site, with lots of great PSA and testimonials from celebrities and ordinary people alike who "Gives A Damn"
===========================

"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. "

"If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them."

"In the present circumstances, no one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems. Every individual has a responsibility to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes are not sufficient; we must become actively engaged."-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, from "The Path to Tranquility

Love You 10,000 Years

What a Night!!!

On Friday the 6th, I was LUCKY enough to be invited to attend the Special Media Screening of this brand new movie, Love You 10,000 Years, starring Taiwanese Actor Vic Chou of Meteor Garden Fame (also of the boy band F4) ... it was such a FRENZY - with so much media.... A FUN movie... and the Japanese Actress Youko Kato....

At first I was not sure about going - since am not a biiiig FAN of Vic Chou, the movie's main star.. I was never into Meteor Garden... in fact I think, I only got to see one episode ever... in my life - though it seems it is always on TV.... But being the starstruck person that I am, I decided to go anyway.... what the heck, I would at least get to see beautiful people...

The story is quite simple: Japanese Girl leaves her native Japan for the first time, goes to Taiwan for 3 months to hone her Chinese, so she can move to the Shanghai's office of her company... of course, she falls for a Taiwanese boy - not just an ordinary boy - but a ROCKER with so many issues, including the fact that he has never had a relationship past the 3 month mark... so Perfect for them, right? WRONG! as all CHEESY love stories aimed at teenagers go: they fall deeply, madly in love in the midst of their fightings and cross racial adjustments.... Typical story, predictable & just mindless fun, really...

What makes it work for me are the colorful visual images the directors kept feeding the audiences.... the great Taipei locations used..... the familiar personalities sprinkled throughout the movie.... and the title song itself - I was hooked - very catchy and cheesily done in one segment of the movie... I loved it!!!! hahahhahahahahah

I actually liked the Japanese actress Youko Kato - do not really know her... she was soooo natural and it helped that she is not your typical Gorgeous starlet that makes it believable the role she is playing..... she handled her Chinese deliveries quite well - coming from a fellow foreigner trying to get by with his Chinese.... as for Vic Chou - well, am not too sure here.... again, I was never a fan.... never see what others see in him.... Yes he is not bad to look at... and looks good in clothes but that's about it for me.... I have never seen him in anything he's done that I can actually believe him in... and him playing a ROCKER here...well, I could think of many other Taiwanese actors more suitable for the role.... but anyway, am sure the movie will see - just because of his star appeal alone.... Actually when we got out of the cinema after the screening, I was AMAZED at how many people were outside - thousands really - all lined up for the next showing.... and to get a glimpse of this Taiwan Heartthrob...

The Movie's Theme Song

Big Thanks to my friend, Carry Lee, for knowing that this is just the kind of things I love attending.... here's hoping I did not get giddily excited that I will get invited again soon.... hahahahahahahahahaha

MORE PHOTOS HERE

more SEXINESS to start the week off....

Each and every year, during the Bench's "Ooooh So Sexy & Must See" Annual Fashion Show - one of the country's HUNK gets to be picked to end the show with a Bang.... and at the just concluded Bench Uncut Fashion Show, that is just what Jake Cuenca did - end the show with a BANG.... much too much to the audiences delights and screams....

Watch the video and you will see why Jake Cuenca was hand picked as the show stopper... have always admired all his UNDERWEAR Billboards and Ads for Bench - he seems soooo CONFIDENT & SURE of HIMSELF.... he knows what people wants and he gives it his all!!!Gotta hand it to Powers The Be @ Bench and it's Fashion Coordinators - with all the HUNKS roaming around the stage - must be very hard to pick who to end the show and leave everyone wanting more... well, so far sooooo good... Bench still thrills, titillates & delights....

Happy 4th of July All!!!

"Liberty, Equality & Justice For All"

May You All Have a Great, Fun & most especially SAFE Holiday Weekend!!!

"Freedom is what you do with what has been done to you."

Mabuhay Philippines!!!

Yesterday, June 30th, 2010 - the Philippines Inaugurated the country's 15th President, Noy Noy Aquino. He is the son of much beloved former President, Cory Aquino & the country's slain martyr that became the symbol for People Power, Ninoy Aquino. Here's hoping that the apple really does not fall far from the tree... and that he can actually do some good for the country - especially curtailing all the corruptions that runs rampantly in all aspects of the government and the nation in all levels...

Of course none of this can be attained without the help, the voice of the people, the Pilipinos... so let's all do our share.... LESS TALK, MORE ACTIONS.... this reminds me of the famous line spoken by a much loved/admired former President of the United States, the late great, John F Kennedy:

"...ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

President Aquino's Full Speech:

Internationally known Filipina Singer singing the Philippine's National Anthem:

The What, Where & When of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

WHAT: The boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival are traditional customs to attempts to rescue the patriotic poet Chu Yuan. Chu Yuan drowned on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in 277 B.C. Chinese citizens now throw bamboo leaves filled with cooked rice into the water. Therefore the fish could eat the rice rather than the hero poet. This later on turned into the custom of eating tzungtzu (rouzhong or sticky rice) and rice dumplings.The Best & Worst Part of Chinese Dragon Boat Festival: The season for the YUMMY STICKY RICE.... I always end up eating way too much.... waaaah!!!

The celebration's is a time for protection from evil and disease for the rest of the year. It is done so by different practices such as hanging healthy herbs on the front door, drinking nutritious concoctions, and displaying portraits of evil's nemesis, Chung Kuei. If one manages to stand an egg on it's end at exactly 12:00 noon, the following year will be a lucky one.

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated by boat races in the shape of dragons. Competing teams row their boats forward to a drumbeat racing to reach the finish end first.


WHEN: The Dragon Boat Festival is a lunar holiday, occurring on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (that is today this year -- June 16th, 2010)

WHERE: The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is a significant holiday celebrated in China, and all over the world where there are people of Chinese origins.

Happy Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

Freedom, FIFA & Dragon Boats....

Today marks the 112th Anniversary of The Republic of the Philippines Independence... so MABUHAY to all Filipinos all over the world....

So it is another rainy afternoon in Taipei... well, actually it has bee a couple of really rainy days in Taipei... and it seems that the rain will not be letting up anytime soon.... but as always, I do not let this stop me from all the things I want to do and want to see.... and this weekend, being the Dragon Boat Festival weekend - there is much going on by Dajia River - close to the house, where we run....

and good thing we decided to weather the rain... it has been a while since I was able to see one of these festivals and it was worth getting a bit wet... the Dragon Boat races are always fun.... no matter if you have a favorite team to root for or not.... lots of people from all over the world participates in the races each year - and this year is no different.... then there's also a host of other things happening - including a "sticky rice wrapping contest... and numerous booths: food delicacies to try plus crafts and gift items to purchase or admire...

FOR MORE PHOTOS - PLS CLICK HERE

and the other BIG thing going on, as if we all do not know is FIFA - currently happening in South Africa... and with that comes one of my FAVE things: product sponsorships... so many things bearing the FIFA logos, mascots and participating teams' emblems... they have been turning up here and there - in clothing (PUMA, Adidas, Fred Perry), bags, drinks (Coca Cola & Heineken), Premiums (McDonald's in particular) and of course, toys.... my FAVE one so far being the colors of the South African flag representing the FLAG series in Bearbrick Series 20 collection - see photo below...

and speaking of Bearbricks, the new set Captain Kirk & Lt.Uhura have just been released, too... they will look good next to my Spock one, for sure!!!

Super Pinoy Sunday

This month marks the 112th Anniversary of the Philippines Independence.... and each year, this Holiday is celebrated in Taipei by the MECO Office (who handles all affairs of the Philippine Nationals in Taiwan) - in collaboration with many, many companies who benefits through the thousands of Filipino workers in the Island of Taiwan...

Like in years' pasts, a host of celebrities are flown in to stage a concert for the OFWs - ushering in the celebration of this Filipino Holiday... for the last few years, the venue has been the Taoyuan Covered Stadium in Taoyuan City - almost an hour outside of Taipei - but much more convenient for a lot of OFWs as most factories are around the vicinity... it is also GREAT to have it at this venue as June is already rainy season in Taiwan - and having the stadium covered helps get the show going - come rain or shine...Now I have never been to one of these concerts - for one reason or another... at times I happen to be out of the country... the particular stars I do not know or care for, or the venue just way too far.... but this year was to be different... I could not have missed it as one of my MOST FAVE Filipino singer/actor is the main draw - Mark Bautista... so it mattered not, that the venue is a long bus ride on a gloomy Sunday afternoon... I had to be there and see/hear this idol of mine sing LIVE!!! I have missed his concerts in the US, Philippines and once, even in Taiwan ( a few years back)...

and boy was I ever glad - he did not disappoint - his voice so Pure, so Manly, and so Full of Emotions.... even more so than on his CDs... he is just as entertaining & charming in person... talking to the crowds, making jokes, getting on all fours to kiss one or two people on the audience, and bringing that familiar BUDDY feeling to the people so far away from home.... he sang some of his hits and a few oldies... he did this all to my AMAZEMENT and ENJOYMENT!!! A total entertainer, indeed!!!

and as a BONUS treat, a few other entertainers were there that completely entertained.... the popular band SPONGECOLA rocked everyone; the beautiful Vina Morales sang and dance her heart out - giving every song her all; and the oh-so-funny Giselle Sanchez -- I know nothing of this woman but am sure to never forget her... she had everyone laughing till our stomachs ache from the very get-go... and the audience themselves, touched me so.... the smiles, the laughter, the joys are all apparent - ever so happy to see familiar faces from back home... and enjoying and savoring every minute and every moment of this Special Super Pinoy Sunday...

COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

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

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!

Taipei Toy Festival 2010

Set your calendars and make way for 2010's Taipei Toy Festival!!! Happening in July for 4 consecutive days - the 8th thru the 11th...If it's anything like 2009's Taipei Toy Festival - then it will be another MUST SEE, MUST EXPERIENCE, oh-so-much FUN Event - filled with toy designer/artists from all over the world... meet n greet... exhibitions.... and yeah TOYS to add to the collection!!!

SEE YOU THERE!!!

DEC. 1st - WORLD AIDS DAY!!!

Don't forget to wear your RED RIBBON and HELP SPREAD AIDS AWARENESS in however you can.... do this in honour of the brothers & sisters - the world over - who has fought this battle and lost... and those who are still fighting the battle... we are all in this together....

READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE:

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAYS

close call of a different kind...

so I had to catch an 8AM flight this morning back to Taiwan... which means I have to be at the Airport by 6AM... need to leave the house by a little after 5AM... which means getting up at 4:30AM to get ready... This all means I would need to get to bed at a decent hour and setting the alarm to wake me up -- even cut short Ace's graduation dinner so I can get home to sleep.... So I did the latter -- then how come I almost missed my flight?

Well, I must have been even more tired than I thought - I actually did my biggest fear of all - I slept through the alarm... good thing I had another one set from way back when - and it still goes off every morning at the same time... 6AM! the time am supposed to get to the airport... anyway, took a TAXI bribed him extra to rush me to the airport...

Got there at 7AM, Manila Traffic is always the shits, as they were taking down the Taipei sign down at the check in counters... begged to be admitted and I was... and I had 20 mins to pay the airport tax, go through IMMIGRATION & SECURITY CHECK.... and go directly to board my flight... WHEW!!!

since am writing this BLOG here in Taiwan - I did make it back... but that is the last time I will ever want to cut it that close when flying... the stress is not worth it at all... just so not me.... am chucking this all to Philippine Airlines - for having a weird sched... yeah, that's right, I already do not like them - I might as well put the blame on them here, too.... NOW I FEEL BETTER.... hahahhahaha

On that note, I bid you all GOOD NITE or GOOD MORNING - depends where you are in this beautiful world of ours! HAPPY FRIDAY and a GREAT WEEKEND to you all!!!