No Monday Blues!!

Here we go again...  Another Monday..  another start of a new work week...  like most, am not ready but at the same time am glad it is..  Last week of May..  Then my FAVE month comes, June!!!    Last week was especially trying with so much waiting happening....   to a point that I think the stress got to me I ended up catching a cold - just woke up one morning feeling weak and sick... lasted over the weekend but am feeling better now....  trying to keep the strength up and the positive attitude - and praying that this week will end my waiting period!!!

Have a Great Week Ahead All!!!

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On a GOOD NOTE - over the week last I did get to do a few nice things:

Caught X-Men: Days of Future Past with Juju!

 

Went to CHURCH and was treated to a SANTACRUZAN Procession

 

and even saw Taiwanese Idol Will Pan Debut his Brand New CD!!!

And ended the week by watching the DVD of "About Time" with Fave actress, Rachel McAdams..  Such a delightful film..  Had everything in it that makes for a terrific feel good movie

- even the tragic parts included!!!

It's March!!!

Going Green For March..  Why Not!!!

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I can only hope that this month will be good..  So far, not so...  Starting the month with Allergies - i haven't had it this bad in a loooon time...  So bad that I have caugt a headcold in the process..  Boo Hoo..  And adding to the headcold are a few minor headaches brought on by work and little and not so little matters that needs dealing with...

Yes, so far the month is already testing my patience and it is only the 2nd!!!  Lol

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On a good note, I did have a little fun yesterday, the 1st of March...  Because of my headcold I was pretty much at home the whole day...  Then, not to go out of my wits, decided to let my feet do the walking and take me wherever!!!

Ended up in the XinYi District area and had the pleasure is seeing the Panda installation all over Taipei's City Hall..  Drawing quite a crowd, one has to line up for every single panda on display - that is if you want to pose ans snap a shot with the critters...  

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Also had the pleasure of running into Stephanie Sun's Promotional

CD Debut appearance at the Warner Village area..  

Got to hear her sing!  She has such a lovely voice, it has been a while since I heard her last..  

Truly a Welcomed Surprise!!!

Vanness Wu Live

Happen upon the Taipei Metro Street Dance Competition yesterday... Was meant to play with Juju outdoors but the sudden downpour caused us to ho underground...

What luck as the Press Conference was just starting... And Vanness Wu of the F4 fame was the event's spokesperson... Besides the obligatory photo shoot with the organizers and the events' sponsors, he wowed us all with a couple of numbers... Can't say am a fan of him or his singing, but can this boy dance! I actually feel he is one if the best around but he dies not get enough materials to showcase his strengths.... Not forgetting to mention, he is not bad to look at.. Not bad at all....

This is the 2nd time I have seen him perform live and i have to admit, am thrilled watching him dance.....

Fantastic Baby!!!

And Big Bang's ALIVE Concert at the Taipei Arena was, indeed!!!

Am still very much in Heaven and still humming their songs, hours after the midday concert they had today. I have liked their videos very much and they are even better in person... Such showmen!!! All 5 members had their own flares and styles but together, they are phenomenal..

And I was elated to recognized almost all of their songs.,. And was able to sway with the rest of the crowds!!!

So happy that we got these tickets.. Such great seats and worth every penny of the US$200 plus per tix... My only complain was that no one was allowed to snap photos... So all my photos were taken before the concert started... Boo Hoo!!!

Still, am Happy I got to see them... A Dream Concert!!!

 

 

Sunday, Sweet Sunday

Got up this morning at almost 9AM already... It was a sweet slumber, I suppose... Cleaned up a bit... Had my coffee... Then it was time for church...

Still reveling on the Summer Sun, I wore my summer colors... Armed with my Hat and glasses, (not to mention an umbrella) I set off in the midday sun, heady to Sunday Mass...

After mass, I headed off to XiMenDing to possibly catch a film or if there is any star gazing to be done... No movies(way too crowded!)... But did get to enjoy a couple of songs from Fish... She is out promoting her brand new CD... Not a personal fave, but nonetheless, entertaining...

Still, it was too hot to just stand or walk around, i continued my journey to the Warner Viewshow/Mitsukoshi area... Got there just in time to catch the next showing of Total Recall - which was pure high energy treat of a movie...   Kate Beckinsale more than filled Sharon Stone's shoes... she KICKED ASS!!!

Satisfied from the movie, I just went on to have my dinner then head on back home... Did have a minor incident during dinner but nothing that I could not handle - in my broken Chinese even! But am completely over it and refuse to even give it another second of my precious time... :)

So overall, it was a Sweet Sunday! Nitey nyt All!

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!

Lunch with DR Q!!!

well....  let me set things straight right off the bat - we did not actually have lunch together....  we were in the same restaurant, Wood Stone, @ 98 Bistro Building....  separate tables and different companions....  I was with Juliana having our regular get-together.... so Close Enough to having lunch with him, right?  hahahahahahahahaha

DR Q, for those of you not familiar with him, burst into the scene via One Million Star - Taiwan;'s Premiere Singing Contest...   his Season was a few years back...  as far back as 2007 (am not too sure on this...)....   anyway, I have liked him ever since....  he sings pretty well, dances well, and has such a lively personality....  sometimes, you forget the talent as you are just amused by the personality....

Since then, he has been a permanent fixture on Taiwan Television...  variety shows, Idol Soap Operas and of course, he returns to One Million Star frequently....  I know that he has been making the rounds at local Pubs Island-wide....  sadly, I have not been able to catch him in person yet...  due to Timing mostly....   for the most part, I learn about the gig too late, or am out of the country - which you know is once a month....  Now he is making the rounds even more, as his CD will be coming out this month....  and the lead song is already making regular rotations on both MTV and VH1...  Catchy song... and FUN video - just right up his personality...

MV LINK: http://youtu.be/kA0b-c70DZg

So needless to say, I did not miss the chance when I saw him walk past us a couple of times....  the third time - he was actually leaving already - just had to get up, walk over and talk to him...  and of course, snap a shot....  to all these, he graciously accommodated me....   and I must say, I was not disappointed.... he was as charming, lively, outgoing, and friendly as he seems to be on TV....  now am even more of a FAN!!!!

BIG SMILES ALL AROUND!

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....

Cyndi Loves You!!!

well, when she first debuted many years ago anyway.... now she uis just plain "Sticky".... well, maybe not - but that is th title of her latest album... the one she was promoting at Kaohsiung's Dream Mall when we happen upon her, over the Dragon Boat Festival Weekend....

It was a TREAT... though am not really a fan.... still I was entertained as she sang and danced through a couple of numbers... and signed her CDs and posed for photographs with all those who purchased the latest from her.... She actually sang well... and even dance better that I thought.... just really cannot stand her speaking voice..... another mature Idol speaking like a Teenage Girl.... that was the drawback for me...

"Superstar Showcase"

Last Jan 10th, had the BEST of LUCK, in being invited to see a Pre - Chinese New Year taping of a Variety /Concert Special at the Taipei Arena.... 4 hours of NON-Stop fun, Star Gazing, with so one after another POP star from Taiwan (old time faves: Will Pan, A-Lin, Elva Hsiao, Stanley, Show, etc... and new faves, Da Swei Ba, LOLLIPOP... and Taiwan's Hunkiest POP Star of the moment, Kenji Wu - who did the obligatory ripping of the top - with rain on stage during his performance - much too much, to everyone's delight...) , China (Shaolin Monks - LOVE THEM!!!), Hong Kong (long time FAVEs since way back in San Francisco - Daniel Chan & Gigi Leong) , USA (David Tao), Singapore (JJ) , Malaysia (Fish), Japan (new sensation Thelma Aoyama), & Korea (Boys Bands: CIRCUS & SHINEE, girl group: AFTERSCHOOL), England (up and coming Ballet Performer (Matthew Po)...

The show was fast paced... it did not feel like a long time at all.... the show's hosts, Harlem Yu and Swallow are such veteran variety hosts - they surely made everything fun and go by fast.... It did not matter that we were sitting quite far up.... we were still able to see well enough and enjoy all the production numbers and performances - thank God for 2 Big Screens broadcasting them on both sides of the stage..... it was just a (Hao High!)HIGH EXPERIENCE for me being there and seeing everyone perform LIVE.....

The show will be broadcast come Chinese New Year - first week of February... I cannot wait to see it again!!! Special Thanks to Peilin & Paula for a FUN NIGHT!!!

Newspaper Article Clipping of the Show!

Thanks for the Ticket, Peilin!!!

Thanks for the photos, Paula.... Nice Meeting You!!!
COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

Star Gazing Galore

Dateline: Sunday, August 14th... right after the Church service, and with the rain letting up a bit, I decided to hop on the bus and spend the afternoon at Simending - what better place to see Step Up 3D, than at this hip and happening area... and clearly it was the right choice as the very young audience we just - agag with excitement over the movie... you can feel the adrenaline in the room, with people getting into all that dancing and misic - myself included.... more than a couple of times, I found myself wanting to get up and dance... LOLs, that would have been a sight for all.... hahahahahaha

Anyway, with over an hour left before the movie started, i decided to walk about and as always, watch people and see what else is happening today... there's always something happening in this part of town, especially in the weekends.... as luck would have it, i came upon, not one, but two Star Appearances... 2 of (Taiwan) Chinese Speaking Worlds' Popular Idols, Jolin Tsai & Wang Lee Hom, were both out promoting their latest releases.... with the latter also promoting his latest film and directorial debut, "Love In Disguise"...

First up was Jolin Tsai.... I saw what must have been over a thousand of people in line, so right away I got curious and ran over to see what was going on.... just in time as her opening act, a new band whose name escapes me now, was just about finished and were being signaled that Ms Tsai was good to go.... Off the stage they went and Ms Tsai made her appearance.... singing a couple of numbers from her new CD, then one of Taiwan's prominent hip DJs interviewed her for a bit, then it was media photo taking frenzy, before the actual autograph signing commenced... all this happening in the rain... lols, fans really endures so much for their idols...

I went in search of food as I have less than half an hour left.... and I saw another group gathering - so I was sidetracked once more and ran over there.... am so SAD to have found Wang Lee hom.... already in the final stages of autograph signing... I totally missed his singing and dancing.... and photo opt segments... haiiiis, I would have preferred him over Ms Tsai... after all, i already had the pleasure of sitting across the aisle from her on one of my flights.... so no longer a bid deal for me... hahahahaha

Anyway, Wang Lee Hom looked even better in person... actually looks as sweet as he does in his MVs and movies (Lust Caution, CHina Strike, etc)... he was graciously signing one after another - already extending the time set for today's event.... and the whole time, I see him humming along his songs that was being played as he greets his fans..... If I had more time - I would have bought the CD and got inline as well, just to shake his hand... I was totally STARSTRUCK here!!!!

So I went to see the movie already with so much adrenaline rush in my bones from all that Star Gazing.... I only wish I had known before hand about Lee Hom's appearance so that I might have planned my schedule better.... well, here's hoping there will be a next time.....

COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

MV for Lee Hom's Love Theme from the movie "Love in Disguise"

with "Amphetamine" - who says Friday the 13th is UNLUCKY!!!

Have always been told to watch out come Friday The 13th.... so many superstitions.... so many things to avoid and look out for.... overall it is to be a very UNLUCKY Day... so most of the time, I try to do little - especially if it involves being out and about... take extra precautions and all...

Well, what could have been a boring nite turned out rather nicely when I decided to see the Premiere showing of AMPHETAMINE on my own.... a brand new, Gay-Themed, movie from Hong Kong director, Scud.... Normally, I do not go run out to see these types of movies when they first come out, often I get disappointed... but after seeing the oh-so-artsy preview a couple of times - I knew I wanted to see it in the big screen....


...and am so very glad I did!!!Not only was it a very nice film.... I got to meet and hang with the leads and the director... YOWZA!!!

A little backstory on how the Nite unfolded for me: I was really hoping my friend would get us tickets for this film, but that did not happen... so later that nite, I decided to still go and see the last showing anyway - not even knowing the Showtime.... I decided, if I get there on time, I get to see it... if not, I at least, can feast on Burger King, which happens to be next door to the cinema... I did not only get there in plenty of time, I was able to treat myself to my Fave Chicken Sandwich at Burger King.... and I got there early enough to ENJOY the Press and Fan Personal Appearance of the movie's director and two male leads.... A COMPLETE SURPRISE, as I knew nothing about it.... I was just ushered into the room... Director Scud was funny and gave insights to the film... and the two male leads are just as charming (and HUNKY!) off screen, as they are on screen.... so this was an added treat, indeed...

MOVIE SYNOPSIS (From the Official Site)
Kafka, a straight fitness trainer meets Daniel, a passionate executive who happens to be gay. The young men fatefully fall in love and believe that their love can bridge anything, even their difference in sexuality and Kafka's drug habits.
Daniel does not regret his love for Kafka, who tries to love him back against his nature. But a dreadful memory from Kafka's past makes it difficult for their relationship to work. It turns out that their addiction to love proves more fatal than the drugs they use to explore the boundaries of their friendship...

The movie was artsy indeed.... great images especially on the dreaming/hallucinating scenes... the storyline was well written enough, and very compelling... I was truly moved and wanted to know more and more about Kafka.... why he turns to Amphetamine? why Daniel, a successful, handsome financier, could stay with Kafka and his addiction? Little by little the story unfolded and all questions were asked.... and keeping true to the movie's TAGLINE: "There is no way to quit a fateful love" - the movie chronicled their love affair: from their fateful meeting, their happy & adrenaline pumping adventures, and right down to their relationships' bittersweet ending...

Don't want to have to give away more of the story... rather, I will just recommend you go out and see the movie... and experience for yourself this emotional roller coaster of a relationship...

OFFICIAL SITE

Complete Photos Here

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

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