Ciao Ciao Italia

The other nite, I was watching the DVD of "ANGELS & DEMONS" for the 2nd time.... it has been over a year since I saw it last - so it was all somewhat new to me again... of course, since the film was mostly set in Rome, Italy - I could not help but be enthralled by the beauty of Italy once more.... brough back so many Great Memories from last year's trip... this month marks exactly one year since the trip... already a year had passed but everything still seems so fresh to me.... all the beautiful historical sights, the language, the food (Gelato Ice Cream each day and Pizza Margarita in Napoli especially), the people... just about everything...

So am reminiscing... looking back at all the photos taken... makes me wish to be back once more.... but for now, I will just be content with looking back and sharing some of my photos starting with this collage of photos from The Vatican visit... so happens it was on the 8th that we were there.... a SUnday so we lucked into attanding a mass service... and with today being Mama Mary's Birthday - everything seems to be just fitting....

MICHAELANGELO's PIETA - Sooooo Powerful!

In AWE of everything!

"il dolce far niente"

otherwise known to the English speaking world as "The Sweetness of Doing Nothing"... something I noticed was TRULY, quite noticeable all over Italy during this last trip....

Now, this practice is really not lost on me - though I grew up in San Francisco, California - where I, being a good little boy - focused on school, school work, and doing what my parents told me all throughout High School; to working my way through college..; and working almost 7 days a week right after college....

Still, any chance I got, I remember rejuvenating myself by relaxing at home, laying about... reading a book by the park... sitting in a cafe watching people walk by... wandering about the streets of San Francisco... Basically, doing things without really doing anything... much like the way the Italians do when they practice "l'arte di dolce far niente"...

I attribute this to my Origins, I suppose.... the Filipino and Spanish heritage must have a lot to do with it, as they too, as a nation of people know how to relax, have fun, and take life in stride.... so it is in my Blood..... couple that with having traveled at a very young age and witnessing these simple pleasures of life from different cultures - most especially in Central and South Americas....

and then there is also the belief that: everything happens for a reason... what is meant to be, will be.... or famously put into words in The Tao of Pooh: "everything is as it should be..." keeping all these in mind - why bother stress too much... instead, give your all in everything you do and believe in.... and still, find the balance and take the time to live life to the fullest and try one's best at Happiness.... whatever that maybe to you - even if it means practicing "il dolce far niente".....

Mangia*Prega*Ama

Just got back from watching Eat, Pray, Love - such a wonderful treat on this Saturday - I have been waiting to see this film for quite some time now.... was really hoping to see it before going to Europe but it was not out yet.... just finally came out yesterday, Oct 1st....

Boy, was it worth the wait... not just for the beautifully written lines.... the all too realistic and believable acting from everyone (from Julia Roberts; the 3 male leads, Javier, Billy & James; all the supporting casts that she gets to interact with all through the movie; and of course, location, location, location!!!! This movie takes you from New York, to Italy, to India, and Bali.

It was extra SPECIAL to see all the places that her character goes to, as all I have been to, and was more than HAPPY and EXCITED to spot special places - that are still FRESH in my mind... especially, Rome & Naples!!! and it was soooooo REAL.... all the location used in both Rome and Naples, were so familiar.... and it I even have photos of myself in most of the places.... even the local people reminds me of most of the ones we encountered and got to talk with......

The movie covers a lot of grounds in Liz Gilbert's life (author and protagonist in the book & film): literal, emotional, and spiritual. and Ryan Murphy (of GLEE fame) did a great job adapting and directing the film. Watching how the story unfolds, one can almost feel what Julia Robert's character is going through... Miss Roberts, have truly matured as a woman and an actress.... and is very much comfortable in her skin - and it shows.... It was a joy to see her, and go through life with her, in character, and be re-awakened along with her....

TRULY A MUST SEE FILM!!!

Poster Advert taken in Rome.

2 more Rosaries Added to the COLLECTION!!!

I was able to add 2 more to the ever-growing collection of rosaries.... these two mean even more to me as they were purchased by myself during my travels... with one being from St. Peter's Cathedral of the Holy City of VATICAN!!!!

...and from The Church of St Nizier in Lyons, France

For More of my Rosary & Saints Collection - Pls Click Here

Christy Turlington for Louis Vuitton

Italy, like America, Japan & The Philippines, runs rampant with giant billboards ads - one cannot miss them at all.... One after another celebrities and supermodels doing their sexiest bit for the top luxury brand products' new ad campaigns: Madonna for Dolce & Gabbana, Scarlett Johanssen for MANGO, Christian Ronaldo & his Abs for Armani; Juliannne Moore for BVULGARI & my FAVE one at the moment: Christy Turlington (along with a few other well known models) for Louis Vuitton Fall & Winter Collection...

Christy along with Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and a handful others (just about everyone in George Michael's FREEDOM Music Video), coined the phrase SUPERMODELS back in the late 80's/early 90's... but Christy is the one I liked most.... not only for her great looks and style but also, she was such a great fixture in the Bay Area where I grew up.... even now, she has done a few things, for the Bay Area - active in some causes plus invested on a few businesses....

And from these photos - her classic beauty has not fade one bit.... just had to share....