kwakaduck / a two fold case

Yoga flame

2011-04-21T18:11:00.010+08:00

That’s one of the skills of Dhalism of Street Fighter, but that’s a whole different story. I’m talking about plain old Yoga.

I’ve been working, still for the same financial institution, though there has been some change in my designation, but the point is, I haven’t been doing anything else. Zero physical activity. Nil. Thus, I have been starting to feel unhealthy and been wanting to do something new which would push my body aiming for a healthier lifestyle.

Tried jogging around the village, even got new earphones for my iPod, but I just find it very boring. I even tried to do some jogging-biking mix in one run just to spice it up a bit, quite funny, but still it was pretty boring. Used to work out in a gym a few years back, did it almost everyday, and yes that was good for me. It’s just that I don’t have the luxury of time anymore to burn a few hours a day in a gym, and working out once a week is just useless (for me that is). And so my pursuit to find something to do began.

Read a lot about Bikram Yoga on the Internet and some magazines, and been wanting to try it out. Plus a new studio just opened in Alabang. It’s on the same building as Army Navy, Yellow Cab and Frutti Froyo. I’m sure everyone familiar with Alabang know where that is. Anyway, I even discussed it with my friends, girlfriend, brother, I don’t know who else, and everyone said to go ahead and try it out. I had some reservations on if I should go for it. Some of which is that I know Yoga has been perceived as an activity quite “soft” especially in the Filipino culture, or at least the environment I’m surrounded by. I knew that some would find it queer of me to do. Sounds really immature but I did think about it, and if it was something I really want to try out. So, I began to Yahoo my way into getting myself informed of this so-called Bikram Yoga (“Google” my way would be dishonest cause I usually use Yahoo, haha)

Found out that Bikram Yoga helps one find his/her “center”, I don’t know what the fuck that means but moving on…. Some literature said that this type of yoga was created by some dude for the physically adept. Found out a number of martial artists, even MMA fighters do some sort of Yoga, not necessarily Bikram, so I was like.. oh hells yeah ima try this shit. With the stuff I read and seen on YouTube, I just thought, why the hell is this then perceived as something peculiar for a guy to do?... fascinating how culture works.

Going to Bikram Yoga Alabang (BYA) was brewing on my head for a couple of days, maybe reached more than a week, then boom, something divine exposed itself on my computer monitor. Dealgrocer.com had a 10-session package at BYA for only P3,450 against the posted P5,500. So I said to myself, damn stupid, grab that coupon. So I did. (Sorry Patser, Jacky, I went ahead already, now it’s your turn, I think I get a discount if I get you guys to buy a package, so please do come with me.. hahaha)

Just a sec.. gotta take a piss.

And now I’m back.

One Friday afternoon, was able to get off work early (this doesn’t happen often) and was able to get a ride with Maximo going home. Got home early enough to catch the 8pm class, and so I got ready.

Grabbed my Yoga mat ohh yeah.. back pack, couple of towels, a tumbler of water, and so I went.

First thing Adam the yoga master asked me was “so, do you have any experience with Bikram or any other type of Yoga?” I answered a very honest “no”, he then asks “none at all?” this got me quite nervous, and so I replied “zero”. Quite nervous now, but then he goes “great, even better”, damn that was a relief.

Haven’t even started yet and I was already sweating like shit. The room was so fucking hot already. Adam goes “Nikkolas, just try to listen as much as you can, look at what the others around you are doing and try to do as much of the positions as you can”. I replied with a humble nod.

15 minutes in: damn this is tough.

20 minutes in: hmm.. I can do this…

25 minutes in: it’s getting hotter in this room… looking like shit already…

27 minutes in: fuck.. I’m feeling dizzy… I kinda feel cold sweat… I need water… don’t pass out fucker.. that would be embarrassing.. suck it in. Adam utters “if you feel like you need to take a knee.. go ahead.. it’s alright…” but I thought I didn’t need to, none of the students were taking a breather.. so I didn’t want to…

31 minutes in: fuck.. I gotta take a knee… and down I go. I was feeling so exhausted already.. took a glance at the clock.. “punyeta.. 1 hour pa?!” Drank water, already finished half of the tumbler, thought to myself.. “I gotta save this… there’s another hour to go”.

38 minutes in: I’m back up.

40 minutes in: I’m back down.

45 minutes in: I’m back up. This time, I was feeling quite better, just focused on my breathing, made sure that I was getting oxygen up my head… I can do this…

60 minutes in: I’m back down…

65 minutes in: I’m back up…. And seemed like I was just doing all the wrong positions… I couldn’t focus well anymore… tried copying what the others were doing.. still was getting them wrong.. Adam goes.. “Nikkolas, right hand over the left…. Yeah.. no.. you already had it… the other way… there it is.. perfect”. Whoo… damn… I don’t want to fucking die.. don’t pass out… jahe… just sit down if you can’t handle it…. I can do this.. suck it up..

75 minutes in: fuck, I couldn’t even do the positions wherein we were on our backs.. I was so exhausted already.. looked at the clock… 15 minutes.. kaya toh…

80 minutes in: konti nalang.. you can do this shit…

85 minutes in: cant even do the breathing exercise.. don’t pass out… 5 minutes more.. don’t fucking pass out!

90 minutes in: “that was a great class everyone.. let’s give Nikkolas a hand”.. and everyone claps… this felt awesome… I was so proud of myself.. that I didn’t just run out of that hell room.. everyone clapping for me felt so good.. and I accepted their cheer… whole heartedly.

Still was feeling quite dizzy… grabbed a bottle of Gatorade and just chugged it all down. After that bottle.. was feeling much better..

Afterwards, I felt really good.. felt all the tension, all the stress in my body were just flushed out. Got on my mobile and called my girlfriend and just talked about how good I felt.. I was really happy about it.

Things I learned:

· If you feel like giving up, just take a knee, it’s not something you should be ashamed about, be ashamed if you decide not to get back up.

· Listen. Listen to people trying to guide you. Even if times are so fucking tough already and you feel lost, listen to them; they won’t let you get into shit you can’t handle.

· Be aware of the people around you, observe and learn from them.

· There’s always some sort of gratification, relief once going through something tough. This feeling is priceless.

· Don’t fucking give up.

Photos from: DealGrocer

BYA Facebook Account

john & yoko + cold rock = a hole in my wallet

2010-11-04T21:12:00.009+08:00

greenbelt has pretty cool Christmas decoration this year.. simple but looks awesome.

I know John and Yoko is so... 2009? but it's my first time... so... whatever.

I like the lighting in this place.. not too bright.. and not too dark.. just right.

gayahin ko kaya toh for my room? haha

tuna sashimi.. my favorite.

dragon roll.... pretty good.

I love Japanese tea.

Wagyu beef + Bacon rice bowl
it was good.. but more wagyu beef please.

medyo namahalan ako...

my take on John and Yoko: pretty expensive, awesome ambiance (lights, tables and chairs, music).. much better than teriyaki boy (but more expensive so it better be), for some reason i think that joint is deteriorating (teriyaki boy).

will i go here again? hmmm... maybe.. i wanna try those set meals good for 4.. looks like fun.

cold rock

someone's happy.. she finally got her ice cream :p

coffee + butterfinger

Will Ferrell & Manny Pacquiao Sing "Imagine"

2010-11-02T21:09:00.000+08:00

Mabuhay ka Manny! :)

Jonas vs. Petronas

2010-11-01T22:40:00.007+08:00

Jonas Brothers

vs.

Petronas Twin Towers

took this shot while walking towards the towers... super kinikilig nako nito promise.. ang lupit eh.

one of those risky shots taken while walking the streets... they drive so fuckin' fast...

Suria KLCC, the most posh mall I've been in too.. I don't think I can afford to buy anything in there.. haha

boom. there it is. punyeta ang ganda nya.

they kinda look like grilled maize when the lights are turned off already.. haha

pretty cool water thing at Suria/Petronas...

main lobby entrance of the twin towers.. dios mio... ang lupet.

it's just magnificent.

how it looks during the day...

it's one massive structure.

shopping.

we weren't able to ask some random person to take our picture.. boo.

so which would you rather see up close?

The Jonas Brothers or the Petronas Twin Towers?

ultra cool 50's Diner.

2010-10-31T18:59:00.004+08:00

if there were colored photographs during the 50's, I imagine them looking like this... overly saturated but ultra cool.

Baguio City, October 2010

Bar

there was a juke box in the place.. wished it was working, but it was all for display.

what do you call a girl sailor? same? sailor din? haha.. sorry.

I want my future flat to have floors like this.. but smaller squares.. i don't know the technical term for it..

cool booths

portraits of the showbiz industry's greats.

chili burger

she = chicken + porkchop + minute steak + hotdog + french fries + ice cream scoop (all for Php175, sulit.)

food was not amazingly good.. but.. very affordable and the experience is something else. I recommend this for your next Baguio trip. they've got huge ass sandwiches too.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T13:26:00.005+08:00

Camp John Hay, Baguio City (October 2010)

dun dun... dun dun...

rawr.
Was going for an angry vampire, but this looks more like Golum.

this is my angry vampire fighting stance pose ala Twilight. ayos ba?

now this is one looks really freaky....

was actually nervous while reviewing these photos.. afraid I would see something on the background.. buti naman at wala!

Happy Halloween!

It has been said that this is the night girls can dress like a whore and be praised for it.... (not my own words :p) I say.. go for it and own that whore look! Just don't forget to post them pictures on facebook :)

speaking of facebook. great story. this deserves another blog post.

my epic malaysian birthday.

2010-10-27T21:04:00.026+08:00

To have a Malaysian birthday, you first have to check-in your luggage with an airline of your choice, flying to Malaysia.

Get a good travel buddy, in my case it's Patti.

And a bunch of friends to travel with... for this trip it was the following (in no particular order)
1. Karlo Anton A. Amora
2. Rachel Rosette E. Silva
3. Anna Patricia _. Serrano
4. Jaclyn _. Sarao
5. Katrina C? Kapunan
6. Jaime Antonio Rico M. Cuenco

Waiting to board the plane, was checking out Kim Chu on Patti's magazine, damn she's fine on this one.

12MN hit while we were thousands of feet above sea level, too bad i don't have any pictures of this.. thanks friends!

First thing we did in Malaysia was to hit Jalan Alor for some authentic street food. We met the nicest waitress ever, Sie.

Oyster Omelet, putsa panalo toh swear.

Chicken Wings.... oh.. solid.

White Chicken? uhm.. thought it was quite boring but the toge.. oh wow... Malaysia has some mean toge... wish ours was somewhat similar.

Fried rice... i can eat this alone, no need for ulam.
Food here was so damn good... we came back and had our last Malaysian supper at this spot.

These guys were singing songs from Bob Marley and Jason Mraz, they were awesome. It was cool hearing guys sing these songs with a different accent. Gave them I think 5RM, hope it was enough? hehe.

In the AM, we hit the trains (there's the Monorail which mostly goes around Bukit Bintang, KL Sentral, that kinda (city) area.. the Ampang Line, Sri Petaling Line, Kelana Jaya Line, which goes everywhere else.. I suggest get a map, it helps big time) with this itinerary in mind:
1.) Batu Caves
2.) Merdeka Square
3.) Shop
4.) My birthday dinner at Hakka. Why Hakka? Cause it's in the "Top 10 in KL" section in my trusty map. So I say screw it, we are hitting that joint.

It's so damn hard to cross the KL streets, cars so so fuckin' fast, pedestrian stoplights are on green for only a few seconds.. so you kinda gotta run.. I missed the toot toot toot toot toot of Hong Kong.

Came across some cool stuff on our pursuit of Bus No. 11, with the route that passes by the Batu Caves.

Tagging, Malay style.

Cool picture taken by Rachel.

Awesome architecture, I believe this is called "Transitional" of the 1880s.. These shop houses were built of brick. Usually accompanied by tiled roofs which replaced the timber and thatch hut. Why do I know this? My trusty map, it's on the "What influenced Kuala Lumpur Architecture" section. I repeat, you should get one..

For some reason, I just like taking photos of streets... I have one kick-ass night shot of some avenue with the Petronas towers as a view... it's on my facebook.

boom.. there it is.. that's one big statue? is that what you call it? and yeah.. we went up a million steps.. well it felt like a million.

Jaime Cuenco: Kwak Tolentino, you are the last one to arrive, I am sorry to tell you, you have been eliminated from the race.

Inside the Batu Caves, it was huge.. but.. I was not so overwhelmed.. I think our very own Callao Caves in Cagayan is much more astonishing.. see my previous blog on this.. it's down there somewhere.. fine here's the link -> click here

after Batu.. we hit Merdeka Square to get some Malaysian history up our asses... Architecture was amazing.. (as if I know a lot about it, but the buildings were just really nice, they seemed very well maintained)

then of course.. the series of the so called "jump shots" started.... there was a huge ass field in the center.. it was inevitable.

was never so happy to see a burger king, we had lunch at around 430pm. crazy.

then.... then....

kaboom! LX-5 bitches! haha... thanks to Patti :D what an awesome gift... best birthday gift EVER.. last year was a surprise party (see previous blog-> click here).. this year.. LX-5.. what about next year? :p

Her name is Lexi... I repeat -> I'm corny.. shut up.

We finally hit Hakka.. let's see what KL's Top Ten has to offer..

Had some killer roast duck.. I love duck.

Menu.. as I remember: (1) Roast Duck, (2) Birthday Noodles, (3) Fried Rice, (4) Beef with Broccoli, (5) Spareribs.... awesomeness..

Cheers!

Finally got to try Tiger beer.... eeeh... I'll grab a Stella Artois and/or a San Mig Light any day.

that's some view over dinner.

I'm a very happy birthday boy :)

we again hit the Monorail back to Bukit Bintang to experience some Malaysian night life.. we headed to Changkat Bukit Bintang and ended up at Healy Mac's on our pursuit for a private/steady place to drink.. we weren't up for some all night fist pumping action..

we were lucky and the staff were kind enough to give us a comfortable corner table.. just what we were looking for.

drinks up!

it was an epic birthday.. epic not in the sense that "epic" is a cool word to say nowadays.. but epic as surpassing the usual or ordinary.

Many thanks and love to the people who made this one... epic.

Preview: Twilight (Baguio Edition)

2010-10-25T22:56:00.003+08:00

Baguio, 2010

is it safe to go up to Baguio?

2010-10-23T05:06:00.002+08:00

read an article saying it wont hit N.Luzon directly if it stays on course..
so Katring.. please stay on course.. thanks.

it's alive!!!

2010-10-21T21:51:00.002+08:00

it has been awhile.. but my attempt to entertain you all shall begin once again...
dun dun duuuunnnnn...

Operation Santa Clause

2009-12-29T14:50:00.007+08:00

Christmas Eve, 2009

check out Santa's humps.

With his little helpers
Lia, Maita and Ila

Target locked: a bunch of kids

that's me... giving the next gift to Santa and whispering who it's for.

we do this every year... a tradition even waaay before i was one of these kids.

Happy Holidays!

*I still have tons of blogs to post... i will before work starts again.. boohoo.

blister range

2009-11-22T16:01:00.003+08:00

I've been meaning to get active on sports again, since i've been feeling a bit of a weakling lately. Haven't had a physical activity for quite a while now.. and I'm gonna try to change that.

i've been jogging around the village too.. and today i decided to hit the range after maybe a year and a half of not holding a club.

it felt good to hit again, felt my muscles being stretched to the limit.. im gonna pop alaxan later anticipating that i would feel this in the morning.

ang mahal na pala pumalo ngayon grabe.. i spent 470 pesos all in for an hour.. geezuz.. plus gatorade which i bought in 7eleven for 30 bucks.. a total of 500 pesos for an hour's worth of sweat.. damn.. money money..

this is what you get when you hit after a loooong time of not playing.
damn they fucking hurt.

was supposed to hit the mall after and get some new office clothes... but i got too tired.. and went home to eat pansit instead.

Testing 1 2 3

2009-11-07T14:14:00.000+08:00

Just testing posting a blog from my mobile... If it will actually work...

First limitation i noticed is that i dont have multiple windows on.. Like an article on the other which i would like to talk about or share with you guys... Hmm... I use a nokia E71... On an Opera Mini web browser... Any suggestions to make my mobile/blogging experience even better other that getting an iPhone? :p hit me back!

Ive got an interesting article to share... But im still too lazy to get my laptop.. I already tweeted the link so go check that out if u wanna :)

my Birthday Sex VIDEO

2009-10-21T07:05:00.001+08:00

my Birthday Sex

2009-10-20T21:35:00.006+08:00

october 2009

this is how they pulled it off....

around 12 noon.. IM from Rich.. something like "ui bro.. lakad mamaya? birthday ng kapatid ko sama ka, daan lang tayo then bahala na" (hey dude, what's the plan for tonight? it's my brother's birthday... come with.. let's just pass by then whatever)

picked me up at around 730... picked up Bianca.. then off to some bar in BF... oh Cedar... for some reason.. Rich was thirsty... one bottle after the other... i was getting a bit buzzed already... then..

my mom calls...

Mom: Nikki, can you come home?
Me: What?!? Why?!
Mom: I don't know.. you have to go with your dad to Calamba
Me: What?! Why?!
Mom: I don't know.. basta you have to go daw with him.. drive for him daw..
Me: Why? What happend ba?
Mom: I don't know eh...
Me: Kailangan ba talaga ako (does it really have to be me?)
Mom: Yeah, Kiko left na...
Me: Nakakahiya naman.....
Mom: Just say it's an emergency
Me: Sige sige..

By this time.. i was both worried and pissed....

Rich: oh bro ano nangyari? (Bro, what happend?)
Me: ewan ko.. pinapauwi ako ng mom ko eh.. (I don't know.. my mom is asking me to come home)
Rich: ha? bakit? (what? why?)
Me: ewan ko pare.. weird nga eh. .samahan ko daw dad ko.. papa drive daw.. (I don't know dude, it's weird.. i have to accompany my dad.. asking me to drive for him)
Rich: oh? ngayon na? (Yeah? Now?)
Me: dein.. ok lang.. maya maya na.. (No, it's okay, let's wait a bit..)
Rich: sige last beer.. punta rin kami Giligans (Alright, let's finish this beer, we have a party to go to at Giligans anyway)
Me: okay..

In the village...

Rich: bro.. naiihi ako.. (Bro, I gotta piss)
Me: sige sige.. ihi ka lang diyan sa labas (go ahead, take a piss outside)
Bianca: kwak.. ako rin.. (Kwak, I have to go also)
Me: oh.. sige sige.. pasok ka.. (Oh, alright.. come inside)

I saw my brother's car outside.. and so i got pissed.. thinking.. "oh.. nandito pala siya, bat pinauwi pa ako!" (my brother is here, why did the have to let me go home?)

I rush through the gate... then i saw a woman sitting in the sala... I thought it was my brother's girlfriend.. as I got closer.. I saw it was Patti... with a cake with lit candles.. so i blew on them.. then.. i was like.. "oh.. is this why my mom asked me to come home?" suddenly....

people started to come out from inside the house...

damn.. they got me.

girlaloos

you got me bianca! showbiz ka talaga... swakto!
boylets

thank you Yellow Cab Alabang, you got here fast!

winner.

just settled down..

artista + poker player
I was with the both of you for 2 hours! you guys didn't crack.. not even a hint.. good job.
chix

cranium time..
Boys 4 Wins
Girls 0 Wins

I made a video.. showing.. THE MOMENT.... but YouTube caught me for copyright infringment.. I'll figure it out.. ill try Facebook maybe.... you gotta see this ;)

speech?...

mr. & mrs.

2009-10-11T15:19:00.016+08:00

Congratulations Ken & Azel Solano!

getting married.

congratulations!

don't they look happy? aww.. *tear*

mr. & mrs. solano

lucky bastard.

oops. she looked straight at me, maybe cause I was screaming my lungs off? "higher! higher! use your mouth bro!" damn.. jahe.. hahah!

aaaww... love..

their first dance.. awwww..

then they went MJ on us.. awesome

with the beautiful bride Azel

it was a lovely wedding you guys... I'm happy you've found each other... bless you both and i hope you'll have a wonderful life together.

so fucking hot, I can't breathe.

2009-10-03T12:59:00.004+08:00

i love you.

dios mio. round two.

2009-10-01T20:59:00.007+08:00

pambihira.. back to back..

(as of 8pm, October 1, 2009)

stay strong Pilipinas... we can get through this, we always do.
stick together team.

this just in: heard on BNO that the Laguna Lake is expected to overflow, especially as the new typhoon comes. If you have relatives, friends, or whatever that could be affected by this, please advice them to evacuate their homes already. If you can, take them in, and let another obstacle pass.

more info on Pepeng here

push those fucking buttons! no seriously. push them.

2009-09-28T21:22:00.003+08:00

Bling Bling.

2009-09-23T09:23:00.011+08:00

I am currently tasked to study the World Gold Market now, how it works and shit...

my nose is fucking bleeding.. I can't stop it from bleeding! haha!

if you're interested.. here are some of the terms the wicked traders use. You might get to use this once or twice in your life to either impress ladies, or impress their parents, especially if they are market traders, you need to know this shit.

if you are thinking of entering the market, wherein I believe in the NY COMEX, the minimum trade is 100 oz. Bid/Ask as of right now is USD 1,014.90-1015.90 so thats around minimum USD101,490??? hahaha... i'm not sure about this but that's how i understand it. If you have Golden Balls, by all means, trade the shit out of yourself.

Half of the terms here are used in all types of markets (equities, commodities, FX, whatever) excluding dry and wet. The other half are specific for Gold. Here goes:

Bar: Typical gold product, either for trading or for accumulation. Bars come in a variety of shapes weights and purities and different bars are favoured in different parts of the world.
Bear:Someone expecting prices to fall.
Bid/ask: Bid or buy is the price a dealer is prepared to pay for gold bullion. Ask or sell is the price offered by the seller. (see also definition of spread)
Bull: Someone expecting prices to rise
Bullion: Originally meaning "melting place" or "mint", probably from the French bouillon, boiling.
Bullion Coin: A legal tender coin whose market price depends on its gold content, rahter than its rarity or face value
Certificates: Gold certificates are a method of holding gold without taking delivery.
CFTC: Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the regulatory body in the US covering future markets
COMEX: the New York Commodity Exchange
Contango: The difference between a forward price and a nearby price when the former exceeds the latter
Delivery: The transfer of the asset from seller to buyer.
Delta: The proporortion by which the price of an option changes in response to a change in the price of the underlying asset.
European Option: An option that may only be exercised on the date of expiry.
Face Value: The nominal value given to legal tender coin or currency
Fineness: Gold purity. usually expressed in parts per thousand thus 995 or two nines five is 995/1000 or 99.5% pure.
Fix: The London gold fixing takes place twice daily over the telephone and sets aprice at which all known orders to buy and sell gold on a spot basis at the time of the fix can be settled. The London Fix is the world standard price.
Forward contract: a principal's contract that trades an asset for settlement on a specific date in the future. Each forward contract is "tailor-made"
Futures contract: an agreement to buy or sell a specific amount of a commodity or financial instrument at a particular price on a stipulated future date
GOFO: The Gold Offered Forward Rate (OR GO Forward Offered Rate), which is the rate at which dealers will lend gold against US dollars.
Gold Standard: A monetary system based on convertability into gold; paper backed and interchangeable with gold.
Hedging: The use of derivative instruments to protect agains price risk.
Karat: Unit of fineness, scaled from one to 24. 24 karat gold (pure gold) has at least 999 parts pure gold per thousand; 18-karat has 750 parts pure gold and 250 parts alloy, etc.
Liquidity: The quality possessed by a financial instrument of being readily convertible into cash without significant loss of value.
Lot: alternative term for a futures contract.
Mark to Market: The valuation of an open position as at current price levels.
Naked short: A seller of a contract who does not have the metal to back up his position
Spot Price: The price for spot delivery which in the gold market is two days from the trade date
Spread: The difference between Bid (the price a buyer is prepared to pay for gold) and Ask (the price at which a seller offeres to sell) prices.
Stale Bull: Speculator who has bough a commodity or trading instrument in the expectation of price rises and then sells on disappointment at the market's faiulre to fulfill his expectations.
Stop Loss Order: An order that will close out a loss making position when the price reached a specific level.
Troy Ounce: The standard weight in which gold is quoted in the international market, weighing 31.1035g

and my favorite:

Numismatic: Coins valued for their rarity, condition and beauty beyond the intrinsic value of their gold content.

Douche: You are Numismatic
Girl: What? Numismatic?
Douche: Yeah. You are rare, one of a kind, in exceptional condition and you have beauty beyond the intrinsic value of your golden heart.
Girl: *blush*

WTF?! hahah!

subukan mo nga! haha!

now i gotta go work.

image from here

Thank God It's Sunday.

2009-09-13T15:45:00.008+08:00

(from Tito Jojo Guingona's 2009 Calendar)

Man, I’ve been so busy with the banker life, well not as much as my peers, but you get my point. When I get home from Makati, I’m just too tired to do anything else but eat, watch TV and just lay on my dismantled bunk bed. Oh thank God it’s Sunday, and I have time to just chillax (that’s how the cool kids call chilling and relaxing nowadays, and I’m cool too).

I just checked the blog, and I noticed, people still do visit it, and I haven’t posted anything since august 17? Jahe naman, so here is another attempt to somewhat entertain you and put a smile on your face.

It’s sunny and windy! Just lovely after weeks of non-stop irritating rain which messes up my get-up to work. My Steve’s are getting wet! What up?! Sophia is here, we’re going to do nothing, together. We’re sweet like that.

I still haven’t read my August issue of Rogue cover to cover, and now is the time. Chillaxin (oh yeah) in our lanai, with my bro Chris Botti blowing his own trumpet with Sting, (a real trumpet, geez, you’ve got some dirty mind there) whose music can just relax you to the soul. With an attempt to make my own iced cafe’ mocha (Nescafe 3 in 1 + Ovaltine + Milk + Water + Ice), wasn’t very good but whatever, I just need some caffeine in my system due to last night.

Steady. But feakin’ a, our neighbor's helper is cutting their lawn with some irritating grass cutter. It’s so fucking noisy. It’s Sunday damn it! Can’t you do that tomorrow when everyone is at work!? Geez, trying to cover that annoying noise by pumping up the volume on Chris Botti’s trumpet. They are the worst neighbors ever. They used to call the cops (once or twice, even real cops, not just village security) on us when I would have parties back in HS and College. What a pooper. They even did a hate campaign on us. It was a failed attempt. Whatever, I won’t waste your time ranting about them; it’s just not worth it. Dump the bad vibes and let the good vibes roll. Yeah.

The August issue of Rogue is all about food. They feature tons of restaurants, food bloggers, filipino world-class chefs and a lot of stuff related to food. Restaurants, chefs, food and drinks have never been this interesting. If you want to try something new, away from the typical restaurants you find in shopping malls, and you just don’t know where to go? Grab a copy; I think they are still on the stands, hurry!

It’s getting gloomy and the wind is getting angry. It’s going to be a wet Sunday after all. Boohoo.

Pleasant wet Sunday to everyone. Keep it positive.

cranium high

2009-08-31T18:01:00.012+08:00

Friday night = tacos, fish-squid balls, kikiam, tsing tao beer, swimming, cranium, taboo, rock band

Cranium is this board game which combined all the fun board games into one, super fun, especially if you have competitive friends like Anton and Pat S, pikon friends like Rosy, malakas mangasar friends like JP, Patrick... a little boys vs. girls is always fun... Pat S: "Next time mixed teams naman" (cause they lost twice! hahaha :p)

This game tests your teams creativity, general knowledge, communication skills, english skills, in a very very very fun way... super laftrip lang.. but intellectual at the same time.. It's like, are you smarter than a 5th grader + pictionary + charades + monopoly's luck factor on the dice + whatever other game there is...

Our team = Kwak, Anton, Patrick, JP, Julius, Bianca
Queer team = Pat S, Rosy, Jacky, Jed, Rich

I repeat.. we won twice.. haha.. expert at spelling as a team backwards.. hahah! and JP's sculpting skills and drawing with his eyes closed skills, anton's acting skills (vibrator = anton acting as if he was putting something in between his legs looking up in the ceiling as if the satisfaction and pleasure he was getting was insane)

that's just a few examples of what crazy stuff cranium will make you do.. if you want to have a good time with your friends without the need for much alcohol.. cranium is the way to go since you can get everyone involved.. a little competition is always fun... rockband can only accomodate up to 4 players at a time and usually some guys just hog it the whole night.. haha..

image credits:
http://www.icv2.com/images/7228CraniumWowmd.jpg
http://www.criticalgamers.com/archives/pictures/Cranium-Wow-thumb.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmiller613/2765970688/

let's play grossology!

2009-08-23T10:31:00.013+08:00

kwakaduck + sophia + kiko + pam
holiday friday

It was Sophia's birthday last Wednesday, August 19, so they had this whole day of activities set for Friday. It's not everyday that I have a free day off from my banker life, so I decided to tag along and have some quality time with the prettiest little girl alive..... kiko :p

Agenda:
1. Science Discovery Center
2. Shop
3. Merienda
4. watch UP in 3D

location: Mall of Asia

the fish that answers all your questions
try it.

don't really want to experience a real one, i'm fine with this simulation room

fishical education

this was pretty fun, Sophie and I scored 4th place in football

apparently, we're all gross...

sulit ba?
NOPE
why?
First, there's not really much to do in here, highlight was the 3D film in the observatory, just cause it looked cool.. and grossology of course
Second, a lot of the displays were not working! obviously, the place isn't being maintained well.... sayang naman..
with SM advantage, it's 300 per person

+ gift from patti

date at Burgoo, she got a cookies n' cream milk shake
she had a blast drawing on the table

couldn't finish my Hamburgoo, damn was it good... one of the tastiest burgers i've had... pricey, but worth it man.. solid..

decided not to watch UP in 3D anymore cause the line just to buy tickets was ridiculous...

Kiko: let's watch nalang in alabang babe?
Sophia: Okay
Kiko: Why?
Sophia: Cause the line is so long...

That's some awesome kid.

amats? -- Gourmet's a.k.a. Charbroiled

2009-08-16T14:04:00.010+08:00

after -- Paolo's bday painom at altitude bar in , Aguirre-BF (no pictures sorry, was lazy)

decent place, quite small though, so medyo masikip, but the electric fan to person ratio is quite high, so that's good for none a/c joints.

after loads of beer, jager shots, girly shots, kropek, cheese sticks, french fries, mojos... we still had to go to Gourmet's a.k.a. Charbroiled... i don't know how it happend, but everyone calls that spot charbroiled now, i guess cause the word has the bigger font in the signage? haha..

if you're from the south, you probably know about this spot already, if you don't.... shame on you! you're missing a lot....

good vibes

i used to get Blue Thunder all the time, but i'm into Beef Takaw now..

our order:
4 Beef Takaws
5 Blue Thunders

we stick with the classics...

didn't say much about the food, but dude.. trust me.. winner.. swear.. i vouch for this.. haha.. price-quality ratio is exceptional... (will explain about this ratio soon, came up with this ratio after intense finance subjects in training)... you just have to go and try it.. perfect after a night of drinks... best after amats food trip spot.. better than mcdo breakfast menu..

closed? naah... mabait sila ate.. :p

and they cater too....

zoom in on the signage, may tatlong butiki.. hahaha! :P

Gourmet's Palate (Charbroiled) is located in BF Parañaque, Aguirre Avenue.. you can't miss it.

dancing time with the boys

2009-08-09T15:27:00.007+08:00

Giligan's Alabang
August 7, 2009

with special guest:

Jake Cuenca

and

Vincent Chase + Turtle

Here is how the night went...
Topics:
1. Work Talk
2. Lee girls (Festival Mall)... apparently they are hot, I have to see for myself
3. Tayong Dalawa
4. Bus
5. Cory Aquino
6. Tayong Dalawa
kwak: maganda ba yung tayong dalawa?
paolo and astuds in chorus: SOOOOBRRRAAA!!
astuds: sa tingin mo manonood ako nun?!
paolo: entourage ng Pilipinas pare!
kwak: ulul...
paolo: halo halo eh.. may melrose place..
astuds: may prison break.. CSI.. Love triangle.. kumpleto!
paolo and astuds in chorus: COCO MARTIN SOLID!
kwak: marami chix?
paolo and astuds in chorus: oo ngayon marami na

7. Jake Cuenca
astuds: (can relate) tangina ako yun eh! (during some scenes)
kwak: sino chix dun?
paolo: si Agot solid!

band plays: I'd still say yes
paolo: tangina favorite ko yan!

jp arrives and asks astuds: bench fix ba yan? (astuds got a new haircut)
astuds: oo pare. .sabi ko Jake Cuenca

8. Basketball
paolo: umaasa pako sa PBL.. mas mataas pa sa minimum wage kahit bangko ka lang..

9. Bench Fix

10. Girls gone wild
jp: solid pare.. kasi alam mo totoo talaga...

**then i stopped taking down note... imagine nalang what happend
(only slight dancing while in our counter were done during this night)

Liham ni Ninoy kay Noynoy

2009-08-07T20:44:00.007+08:00

I do hope and pray that I will have the same wisdom to bestow upon my future children and guide them very well.

"Son, my decision is in act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship"

"The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises of expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me."

"Forgive me for passing into your shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with care and protection I would have given them."

"Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage."

"The only advise I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience."

"There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength."

"Son, the ball is now in your hands"

THAT'S SOME GOOD SHIT.

taken from http://www.noynoy.ph
download the pdf file here.. it is easier to read..

Snake Eyes is still my favorite Joe

2009-08-06T19:30:00.011+08:00

Alabang Town Center
Cinema 3
August 5, 2009
Screen time: 9:30 pm

BONUS! was fortunate enough to catch the advanced screening. The best way to watch a movie, is to have NO EXPECTATIONS, if it is a good movie, it will be even better. If it turned out to be a sucky movie, you don't get disapointed. So banat lang.

I won't say anything about the story, as to not spoil it for you guys.. but I liked it a lot... people compare it with Transformers, but why compare? It was a very good adaptation of the cartoon, I got goosebumps on some scenes wherein childhood flashed back. I want to look for my box of G.I. Joe action figures, the chopper, the tanks.. and play like a ten-year old!

Snake Eyes is still my favorite Joe, angas dude. Sulit ang bayad ;)

movie poster from here
snake eyes poster from here

pepper lunch = fun dinner

2009-08-06T18:24:00.012+08:00

Alabang Town Center

Alright, I know that Pepper Lunch has been around for a little more than a year I think? And this is a bit of old news... but I was a PL Virgin, and with the same reason why you do things for the first time.. (not teenage hormones) but curiosity made me want to try Pepper Lunch.

I haven't been to PL because I am the typical boy from the south, ang layo ng Rockwell just for dinner! I was always curious though, cause when I would be in Rockwell, there would always be a massive line outside the restaurant... so them coming to Alabang works for me. Opportunity to try what Pepper Lunch is all about.

It was my little sister's birth/death day.. so we heard mass.. then the big question....
my father: san tayo kakain? Sophie, where do you want to eat?
Patti (Styleloca) and I already had plans to go to Pepper Lunch so I suggested it, and so we went.

so many to choose from

for first timers, this is pretty helpful

as you can see, taob ang Pepper Lunch. haha!

Alright, so here's what i gotta say:
It was really fun dining here, you kinda cook your own food, season em' just how you like it, it was interesting, and the food was tasty. will I come back? Fo'sho! Caution: let the food cool down a bit, struggle for the really hungry ones like me, sunog ang tongue ko dude.. but it's cool.

Nega vibes:
There is this one minor thing I didn't like. I know it's like a fastfood joint, like you pay as you order, no service charge and stuff... BUT... come on.. may reklamo ako... we were all eating, having fun, enjoying the food, and as I said, the food is served really hot cause of the plate... I asked for more water... the dude said "Sir we have a dispenser here"... I was like (in my head cause na shock ako).. what the? you want me to get up and get my own water rather than just giving me a cup and you were standing so near already? and the place wasn't packed naman... yun lang.
Kiko: sungit ah..
My face was stunned
Mum: me na, (got my cup and got water from the dispenser)

The verdict:
I had a good time, good food, comfortable place, the smoke doesn't bother me, mas fun nga eh, may effect.. yun lang.. yung water mishap... BV... but it's okay.. i'll still come back...

Sophie enjoying the lava cake ala mode or something..

shout out to my family's little angel up in heaven... what up?!

Grassi's.... so so...

2009-08-03T21:06:00.014+08:00

alright, I passed by this restaurant on one sunny day and was so amazed on how the place looked, it wasn't the typical restaurant in Alabang. It looked super expensive to dine in, but when i took a glance at the menu, it wasn't naman.. so i saved it for a "romantic" dinner out...

saw an article about this spot on Rogue.... so the hype was sky rocketing.

i'm ready, bring it on.

Chorizo and Asparagus Risotto
i'm a fan of risotto, so it was okay for me. not amazing.

Slow Cooked Lamb Shank Moroccan Style
now, I love lamb.. and this lacked "lamb" for me.. yeah, it was really soft, but parang bitin sa lasa... lam mo yun? another, just okay dish.

this was really good! what is it? i forgot.. haha! some chicken stripes with honeydew sauce whatever? basta it was good :)

spot the interior...

so the inside is amazing.. really cozy.. classy... good service... dining experience is top notch.. but my expectations on the food were not met. if you get to read reviews on Grassi's food, it would be all praises... maybe cause they get to eat for free? haha..

so for the dudes who want to impress their ladies, and are too lazy to go up north, then Grassi's Alabang is the place to go.. she'll think you're classy and mayaman.. haha! and and.. get yourself familiar with the menu, so when you order, you pronounce them right, plus pogi points bro!

bromance no more.

2009-08-01T14:34:00.008+08:00

one of the best douchebags (rich alvarez) is inlove.

with Biancayatot, a pretty little up and coming interior designer. Actually, they have already been together for 7 months (going at 8 months this 8/8) i think? But it's my first time to sit down and drink with just the two of them, since I've been very busy with work.

contract states: I, Bianca B. Maloles, Filipino, of legal age, do solemnly swear that I will design the house of Nikkolas G. Tolentino for FREE.
Signed: Bianca B. Maloles & Nikkolas G. Tolentino
Witnessed: Rich DM. Alvarez

Kwak: Bianca, bakit si Rich? Di ko magets eh, bakit siya?!
Rich: *laughs* bakit nga ba? sabihin mo!
Bianca: ahh.. eewaan ko.. hihi (she has the tinyest and softest voice ever)

*rich taking a piss*
Kwakaduck: So inaalagaan mo ba bata ko?
Bianca: Nagaalagan kami.

yeeeeee.. soooobrangg cheeeeeesssyyy!!

if this doesn't get you to dance...

2009-07-30T18:56:00.006+08:00

I FUCKING DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL!
unless you're a robot :P

hahaha! solid toh!
*thank you astuds for sending me the link on YM

mister kabab

2009-07-30T13:01:00.006+08:00

U.P.-Ayala Technohub, Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City

this is the restaurant version of the very popular mister kabab in Q-ave. a friend named Muti brought me to that place a year ago since I was new in town and she said it's a must. One of the places North people love. The Q-ave spot is a very simple place, no airconditioning, and just a whole lot of chairs and tables..

this is the new spot, good a/c, quite dark but i guess it adds up to the ambience

i had the very popular "special chello kabab"
i'm sorry guys, but this I do not understand. i didn't like it (and i had this the first time, i just don't learn)

now what Styeloca got was really good. this i recommend. "Shawarma on Rice"

first time at Mister Kabab's? you MUST try OX-BRAIN.. yes... BRAIN..

tip: do not got to mister kabab without these....

:p

It's SONA today... what does she have to say?

2009-07-27T11:11:00.005+08:00

It's SONA today... what does she have to say?
we're gonna' find out in a few hours...

I witnessed the streets of Commonwealth during last year's SONA too, it was much more intense. A bunch of army men were there. Now, it's just a handful of PNP dudes sleeping.. seriously.. haha!

There were no demonstrators at first sight, I was amazed... then I saw that they were blocked from a mile away.. good job Sonny B! There weren't even much traffic? Hmm.. maybe later?

It's supposedly her last, but how come I have a feeling that it wont? Crazy government.. oh wait, I work for the government... make that kick-ass government!

what's going to happen in the last term of Madame President? let's wait and see..

It's SONA today... what does she have to say?

(random thought: ano kaya mas mataas ang tv/radio ratings? Pacquiao fight or SONA? i'm guessing Pacquiao fight.)

Meralco is a fucking gold mine

2009-07-16T22:12:00.005+08:00

you don't have to be a business management kid, finance wizard, math genius to understand that graph.

those smart/lucky bastards who bought MER shares on a low (52 week low of P43/share) and held it till today must be thinking of which Porsche/yacht/beach house or whatever they want to buy right at this moment. MER shares closed today at P175/share. Geeeezzuz.

remember those Lopez drama? selling shares to Manny Pangilinan-led PLDT, this is what happend after that. amazing. Guess whatever that dude touches turns to gold.

rich ass MOFO's!

Manila Electric Co.
Philippine Stock Exchange

AKO MISMO

2009-07-13T19:20:00.004+08:00

AKO MISMO
ang magmamalaki bilang isang Pilipino

AKO MISMO
ang magiging matapat at totoo

AKO MISMO
ang magmamahal sa sariling atin

at di magpapakasal sa isang dayuhan :p

San Mig high

2009-07-12T20:57:00.011+08:00

disclaimer: no illegal drugs were used during this night

anton amora a.k.a. kilabot ng gay doctors

*last night at manongs alabang...
*before drinking..
kwakaduck: gusto ko maamats, tagal na hindi eh, yung tipong di nako makapagbihis bago matulog, bagsak nalang sa kama..

*after drinking...
mission accomplished

rich alvarez a.k.a. scopealed

jacky sarao a.k.a. ang pinakamagandang immigration officer sa balat ng lupa

kwak tolentino a.k.a. di nakapagbihis pag uwi at bagsak sa kama

parental guidance recommended

2009-07-11T15:48:00.007+08:00

This blog may contain bad words, occasional "guy stuff", honesty, a 21-year old just being himself.

Last week, I found out that my beautiful niece Sophia reads my blog. On my thought bubble was "oh shoot, there are a lot of stuff she's not supposed to read" hahaha! But it's cool, she's got good parents so, they clean up my dirty work. I'll just try to tone down a little, as to service the needs of the younger audience.

this was when we had a little date in Starbucks Madrigal, she plays with her Nintendo DS sticking her tongue out when the game gets intense. the cutest thing.

she says i'm the most awesome tito.. right sophie? right? right?

photo creds: Wikipedia

what up AUSTRALIA?!

2009-07-06T10:55:00.000+08:00

July Six, Twenty-Zero Nine

i've got more visitors from Australia than my homeland?
What's up with that? haha!
What up AUSTRALIA?!
holla at me if you're from down under.. :p
Belgium? that's awesome..
comment if you're from any country
other than the Philippines! haha!

BlogPatrol is my statistician.
service is as free as Libre from the MRT stations

Flight survival kit / what’s on my iPod?

2009-07-05T13:52:00.001+08:00

July Five, Twenty-Zero Nine

Kwakaduck Flight Survival Kit

1. iPod
2. Skull Candy Headphones (maximum sound and comfort)
3. Rogue - June 2009 Issue (Rogue is just amazing - first thing I bought when I arrived in MLA last Friday)
4. My trusty white Parker Pen (same importance to me as my mobile)
5. Tissue paper from Chinese fastfood chain (for my game - read on)

It’s pretty hard to entertain yourself when you’re flying alone, especially if you have a mild mild mild case of A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) which I have diagnosed myself with. I don’t like idle time, I have to be doing something all the time.

At first, I kept on walking around the airport, looking at stuff in Island Souvenirs, which by the way have cheap and awesome graphic tees promoting the PI. Plus, another “I am not Korean” moment.

**kwakaduck is looking around, looking at shirts, shorts and everything else
Salesdude: Hi sir, would you like to try them on?
Kwakaduck: okay, where?
Salesdude: there there sir, at the back
**kwakaduck goes out of the dressing room
Salesdude: sir sir, okay? Okay?
Kwakaduck: no, no, too big, you have extra small? (yes, i am thin)
Salesdude: oh sorry sir, none
Kwakaduck: okay (then walks away)
Salesdudette: ui, may skull candy siya oh! (I look at her, she freaks out, she thought I wouldn’t understand)
Salesdude: sir sir! I like your skull candy, how much how much did you buy it?
Kwakaduck: ahhh.. 2 thousand I think?
Salesdude: pesos?
Kwakaduck: yes
Salesdude: oh, very nice, I like. Sir sir, we sell the big ones, big headphones, 8 thousand pesos, very nice
Kwakaduck: oh no, too big.
Salesdude: okay sir
**nice try dude, you’ll get someone to buy next time ;)

That was quite entertaining, then I continued walking around and decided to eat some Chinese even if I wasn’t hungry cause I just had breakfast (Mild 3x A.D.D it is). I got my iPod out of my pack and thought of listening to music while I enjoy my white chicken rice bowl (which I did not finish). Then BOOM-BOOM-POW, Idea. I decided to play a game, wherein I would turn on shuffle songs and listen to every song which plays (no skipping!). I know your iPods have songs that you didn’t really like and just put the whole album or whatever as to use the ridiculous GB yours have. So I got a tissue paper, put out my trusty pen, and started to right the songs. Let’s see how diverse my collection is:

1. Babyface – Everytime I Close My Eyes
2. Pedicab – Sagot Kita
3. Bamboo – Probinsyana
4. Global Deejays Vs. Benny Benassi – San Francisco Dreaming
5. Tim McGraw – Can’t Tell Me Nothing
6. Brand New Heavies – After Forever
7. Alicia Keys feat. John Mayer – Lesson Learned
8. Cos – What If
9. Glen Hansard – Gold
10. Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved
11. Bob Marley – Get Up, Stand Up
12. Sister Hazel – All For You
13. Snow Patrol – Whatever’s Left
14. The Beatles – Day Tripper
15. Erasure – Imagination
16. Fleetwood Mac – Coming Home
17. Oasis – Cigarettes and Alcohol
18. Ben Harper – Diamonds On the Inside
19. Norah Jones – Cold Cold Heart
20. Coldplay – Death and All His Friends
21. Beck – Hotwax
22. Young Jeezy feat. Akon – Soul Survivor
**credit to Styleloca cause 50% of the songs stored are hers
You should try doing this, I'm sure you'll be amazed and find songs you never knew you had.

Touchdown! I am in TUG once again. Picked up by the awesome staff of Hotel Kimikarlai. I missed room 307, my soft bed and 24/7 A/C. Reality BIT me – I have to start working and finish our Credit Application!

Due to several domestic flights I have been on this year, and have tried all three major domestic airlines (Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and PAL Express) I am thinking of blogging about some booking tips, experiences I have had, comments, which could help you guys. I’m no expert! But what the hell? So watch out for it.

Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009 Writing Project

2009-07-04T22:34:00.001+08:00

one night in room 307, I came across a show on QTV which was about blogging/bloggers and everything involved. Different blogs were featured like celebrity blogs, fashion blogs, online shopping blogs, etc. Then a segment was shown featuring this blog called "influential bloggers" which was having a "writing project" on the emerging influential blogs for the year, so i checked the website out.

since I am very new to this blog thing, I didnt really know any "influential" blogs out there, since I only follow the same blogs as Styleloca does (she knows more about these stuff). The good thing was, they posted others' top 10 emerging influential blogs, so I began to view the blogs they voted for and try come up with my own list. I have already spent a few days browsing a bunch of blogs, from food blogs, travel blogs, personal blogs, and what seemed to me as "bashing blogs"... but I still can't complete my list.. here are the most interesting and "influential" emerging blogs I have seen so far...

1. Numbrd
2. Patay Gutom
3. Lakwatsero
4. Let's Go Sago!
5. The Accidental Teacher
6. Flair Candy

i will seek for the remaining 4 blogs.. in time.. in time...
maybe i can vote for my own blog? :p

Influential Blogger
Writing Project

blue skies

2009-07-03T07:36:00.001+08:00

july three, twenty-zero nine
good weather, let's keep them skies blue
I'll be flying today.. let's keep it as clear as possible
just a few moments in MLA, then back to TUG on Sunday
*apir!*

PAGASA

re-post: atonement (2008)

2009-07-02T13:18:00.000+08:00

are you one of those people who watch movies they have already watched a bunch of times and then watches them again when they catch it on HBO/Cinemax or any other movie channel? Well, I am.

Atonement was on this movie channel here in TUG and I caught it when it just started. Very fortunate. After watching the film AGAIN, I was still blown away as if it was my first time to see it and I remembered that I made a "review/blog" about this film when it was nominated for a bunch of Oscar's last year. So I decided to re-post it here.

Blog entry: Atonement (Oscar's best picture nominees review #3)
Dated: February Seventeen, Twenty-Zero Eight

This film was nothing like I expected. I thought it was going to be a typical cheesy, dramatic love story, in a pre-WWII setting. I don’t even classify it as a love story; it’s more of a mystery drama film. It’s another simple made complicated story.

Keira Knightley was beautiful as always, complementing her acting talents, damn, she’s the love of my life. The interesting factor I found in this film was that there were no lead roles; they were all supporting each other. I thought Keira Knightley and James McAvoy would be the leads on this one because they were in the poster; but I was wrong. The only nominated actor/actress in this film is Saoirse Ronan as the 13-year old Briony Tallis. I believe she deserves this nomination a lot and I am routing for her, hoping she would win best actress in a supporting role. She was cute, interesting, smart, and natural. A superb acting job for such a young girl; she is somewhat the English version of Dakota Fanning.

It’s a movie wherein while you're watching, you’re not really sure what’s it about and who’s it about. You would be a bit confused if it’s an epic romance, a mystery, a war movie; but when you reach the latter part of the film, everything will be cleared up and it will surely blow your mind. Something I never expected.

One of the best endings I have ever seen in a movie. Enjoy!

Next review: No Country for Old Men

Kwakaduck Vs. Styleloca

2009-06-30T16:37:00.000+08:00

June twenty seven – twenty zero nine

6 am: Van terminal headed to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. As most of you may know I do look like a Korean (well that’s what everyone says) and Styleloca does look Korean/Chinese herself. Travelling together or just going around a mall makes the experience just more interesting. Conductors, drivers, dispatchers talk to us in English as if we haven’t been in this country for twenty one years. It’s just funny, and I often play along when this happens.

Dispatcher: Sta. Ana? Sta. Ana? Two of you? Here, Here, about to leave, five minutes
Kwakaduck: Yes.. Yes.. Okay..
Dispatcher: Sit at the back?
Kwakaduck: No.. No.. (points at the front seat)
Dispatcher: Okay.. Okay..
Looking Korean has its pros and cons (but that deserves another blog entry).

After 30 minutes, we rolled out. The van didn’t have a/c but it was early in the morning and the breeze was just fine. We had our iPods to keep us entertained. John Mayer, Keane, Stereophonics, The Killers were in my playlist for the trip getting there. Three-fourths in the trip, a not so pleasant surprise was bestowed upon us. A fucking HUGE Spider was roaming around the top of the car! (see picture) we were freaking out. It was quite embarrassing that we were both genuinely afraid, while everyone else couldn’t care less.

The amazing landscapes seen outside our windows made the three-hour trip to Sta. Ana not long at all. I love driving around the countryside and seeing the wonders of nature, far from traffic, pollution, tall buildings, malls, which the cities bring.

Boom. We have arrived and yet another “I am not Korean” moment. When we got off the van, we walked towards the tricycle terminal to be brought to the resort. 50 meters away from the terminal, the drivers and dispatchers, were shouting “Kawaii.. Kawaii” so loud while waiving their hands. Kawaii is even a Japanese word right? Doesn’t matter. Anyway it was a bit embarrassing. So again, I played a long.

Tricycle Driver: Sunset? Sunset? (Sunset is this exclusive casino and resort for Japanese rich mofos. Sunset has its own airstrip, that’s how rich ass the people who go there are) Oh, that was why they were shouting Kawaii.
Kwakaduck: No..No.. Jotay’s..
Tricycle Driver: Jotay’s? Okay Okay.

Jotay’s Resort was more than what I expected, considering that the price was reasonable, and that we were in the middle of nowhere and not yet one of the prime tourist spots in the country. The staff was young, nice and very polite. We were quite beat from the travel and took a nap for an hour or so before having lunch. Food was pretty okay, nothing special but good enough. Being beside the sea made me think that seafood would be cheap, I found out that I was wrong. Crabs were Php500/Kilo, prawns were around Php250 for 3 pieces, but it was cooked well, very tasty and fresh.

After lunch, we hopped on the bangka and the 50 minute ride to Palaui Island began. On the way there, we were fortunate enough to see a dolphin (yes, just one) swim around. I was not able to take a picture because of my excitement. The scenery on the way to Palaui is just astonishing. You get to see the 3 sisters, the Nostrils, wonderful birds catching fish as they fly around sea (I don’t know what they’re called). You get to pass small beaches with ultra white sand along the way. I kept on saying “I love this shit” on the boat, as if I was a kid inside Toys R’ Us for the first time. Then Boom-Boom-Pow, after a long wait, you get a glimpse of Cape Engaño, the lighthouse at the tip of the island and the ultra white beach. I couldn’t help but say “Damn, that’s fucking amazing”.

After a quick dip in the cold waters of the sea, we started our trek up Palaui to the Lighthouse. You have to cross this jungle first, and once you cross, you are then sent to what seemed like a different dimension. Vast neon green hills, bluer than blue waters of the sea (see picture). It was truly amazing. The Sun was Sizzzzling Hot! (Kho, 2009) (I have to stop quoting this!) more than ever. My tumbler of water might not be enough for the two of us because of the scorching heat. Half way up, Styleloca wasn’t feeling very well. I was afraid she would faint or something! WE WE'RE FAR AWAY FROM A HOSPITAL. It was just too hot, and the only physical activity she has is when she goes around the mall and fixes clothes and other girly stuff. That’s it. She just needed to take occasional breaks and some water. She made it *apir!*

You know those movie scenes were they look lost in some jungle then arrives at one spectacular place? That’s how it felt upon reaching the lighthouse. The lighthouse was completed in 1892 by the Spaniards to do what lighthouses do for ships in sail. During this time, it was just basic, to give light as a signal, that’s about it. First thing I noticed was the amount of detail put into this place. That’s one thing I find spectacular about things the Spaniards left, is their attention to detail. It was built with large bricks with a view which almost made me pee on my shorts. (you’ve got to see them photographs). We spent more than an hour appreciating the beauty of this place, taking photographs of anything and everything, even me levitating (I have superhuman powers – see picture). The extreme heat gave us the urge to start our trek down and take a swim in the clear blue waters. It was unfortunate that it was already getting late, and the tide was starting to rise, the bangkero thought that it might not be safe to go Anguib Island which is another 40 minutes away. It is said to have even whiter and finer sand in this beach. Boo. Maybe next time?

Back in Jotay’s, and enjoyed the beach + the sunset. I played around with the waves, which made me miss surfing. I want to go again (surf), I must go again (surf). It was a very peaceful place; I think we were the only tourists at that time. Others were locals enjoying their weekend. Ended the night with prawns, and beer, we were beat.

Morning came, enjoyed the sun and water for the last time before leaving, had breakfast. My favourite bacon and eggs + coffee, Styleloca had Tapsilog + Minute Maid. We chose to ride the bus going back to Tuguegarao, Florida bus line has trips from Sta. Ana to Cubao which departs at 130 pm and 330 pm. We chose this since we would be travelling in the afternoon and no a/c in the afternoon would mean dehydration for the both of us. It was a comfortable bus, a/c was okay, and seats were spacious, good job.

I therefore conclude that this trip has been one of the most awesome experiences I have had during my Tuguegarao stint, but I do hope there is more to come. Bring it on Cagayan. I have two more weeks of TUG-X before we go back to MLA.

Need information about Sta. Ana? I’ll be glad to tell you what I know. :)

more photos on Facebook

dios mio.

2009-06-30T16:30:00.000+08:00

i felt like dizzy. haha.
i need to develop a stronger gut.
think faster, decide quicker
and be able to have the best position possible.

TUG-X Day 19: Here comes a new challenger

2009-06-26T20:03:00.000+08:00

Codename: Styleloca
Favorite Attack: Smack down with her Style Guide
Finishing Move: The Stare of Death, then style your clothes after
Fashion Arena Wonder Girl - Let's see how she does in TUG-X

I'm fucking lovin' it

2009-06-25T20:52:00.000+08:00

The delivery boy was doing I do not know what not and left work early today, damn it. My craving for a Big Mac and Nuggets was just too intense and I could not bear the thought of those two not touching my lips, stroking my tongue, slowly going down my throat and filling my tummy. I got up on my ass, from this damn soft and comfortable bed I’m back on right now, got on a tricycle and said "Kuya, sa Mcdo po"

I was greeted by Janice with a smile and said "Good evening Sir! Welcome to Mc Donald's!” I responded with a tone that would not make my hunger be obvious. Tried to speak slowly as to hide my eagerness as I see the big images of French Fries, Burgers and Sundaes on the menu. "One Big Mac Meal, Go Big Time, Orange Juice yung drink, and six piece Chicken Nuggets please" were the poetry spoken. Those sweet words can make a politician win an election by a landslide, those sweet words can sweep any woman off her feet, those sweet words, ohh, so sweet words.

I was planning to take these wonderful things home, planned to put myself in a trance while I slowly divulge myself with these art pieces created by this maestro hired by Mc Donald's Tuguegarao branch. Maestro needed more time to prepare. I was first served with large crisp French Fries dipped in this sweet ketchup which some can eat alone. Those delicate art pieces arrived, and I was off. "Kuya, sa Arellano, sa Kimikarlai Hotel po".

Got home, laid out these art pieces on the floor and stared at them, appreciating its beauty. They were so beautiful, but my mouth was watering, as if it were being teased, as if it was forbidden. I began to hold the Big Mac so delicately, as for the juice, sauce, lettuce, cheese, burger patty would not move and destroy the perfection of this amazing burger. First bite, visions of my first time flashed through my head, it was even better than my first. 5 minutes, and it was gone. I moved on to the golden brown nuggets dipped in spectacular barbeque sauce which can make all your problems go away. Comfort was what I felt. Every bite made me feel as if I was back home, remembering those late night cravings satisfied. There is no better feeling. I'm fucking lovin' it.

I should get paid for this shit.

a love letter

2009-06-25T16:32:00.001+08:00

june twenty five - twenty zero nine

Dear Feria,
Please head west, or better yet, calm down.
I'm going to another nature trip this Saturday!
Hope you cooperate.
I'm going to Sta. Ana, Cagayan which is at the tip of Luzon, Eastern part, hope that does not attract you much.
I'm excited for the beach, and most especially, the 19th century lighthouse built by the Spaniards.
I can already imagine the awesome shots... whoo...

Always,
Kwak

PAGASA

bear called his other bear friends for a drink

2009-06-23T09:52:00.000+08:00

(Bloomberg)

june twenty three, twenty zero nine

after having breakfast, cnn told me about what was happening in the market abroad
it still ain't over.. this time it was because of the report given by the World Bank

Bloomberg: June 22 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. and European stocks tumbled, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index down the most in two months, as the World Bank said the recession will be deeper than previously forecast. Treasuries rose, while oil fell below $67 a barrel and metals slumped. read report here

The Pinoy traders are probably going nuts as we speak.... wonder how PSE will close today.

the slump continues...

photograph from here

TUG-X Day 14: Sizzzzling Hot! (Kho, 2009)

2009-06-22T15:07:00.000+08:00

effin' a! what a freakin' hot day!

today's hi: 34 deg. C. oh please no!
wind chill: 38 deg. C.! this is fucking crazy

on yahoo messenger:
miguel javier: fuck monday man! i hate 'him'!

what's up with today? i feel like shit.

this just in: (on yahoo messenger)
Kai Kapunan: dude, ano ba dyan? disyerto na?

random thought: if there weren't any airconditioning here in the branch.. siguro kasing lagkit ko na si Hayden Kho sa video?

TUG-X Day 11: client call

2009-06-19T15:13:00.000+08:00

great temperature for a client call... hot damn.

calling on:
#1 Councilor since the Mayor and Vice-Mayor are in Canada for some conference
City Treasurer
City Accountant
City Development Planning Officer

that's some freakin' city hall you got there Tuguegarao, looks like a country club/hotel

yan ang account officer!

one of the few things I dislike about this City
(hate is too much of a strong word)

so we should go kalesa on their ass!

then.... a pleasant surprise....
Sir Obet! finally.. someone from back home...

in this picture (L-R): Jaime Cuenco, Sir Obet Castolo,
AVP Minerva Virtucio, Mgr. Noli Lucero,
Nikkolas Tolentino, AVP Evelyn Ventura

This just in: Sinanta part two! yeeaahmeehn..

TUG-X Day 10: Fear Factor Tuguegarao

2009-06-18T20:12:00.000+08:00

Jaime: Go go go go!
Ma'am Ivie: ooh.. waaaahaha!
Jaime: Kainin mo.. kainin mo! mmmmmmwaaahahaha!
Beautiful TUG women: nagtitilian
Jaime: whooo! whooo! whooo!
Ma'am Ivie: oh how's the taste? wala naman diba?
Ate Wendy: oh.. wala naman.. parang wala lang..
Ms. Loy: tingnan mo itsura mo.... lumabas pagka intsik mo!

cant believe I did it... haha! what an experience, I'm gonna be telling this story to my future kids... haha!

in Ilokano, it's called Abal-Abal, first they said it was cockroach from the bukid, so they're clean, and I'm one of those guys afraid of ipis! what more eat em'.. after doing it... I went out and the guard said it wasn't cockroach, it was a beetle or salagubang... same thing man...

a bear in the market

2009-06-17T20:48:00.000+08:00

stocks are down.... good thing I don't have any...haha! when will this yogi bear leave and a raging bull arrive? if you're a fortune teller, let me know... let's start buying :p

PSE Website

TUG-X Day 9: show & tell

2009-06-17T20:17:00.000+08:00

9:11 in the a.m., sitting on my desk (yes, I have owned this desk, only for a month though), enthusiastic since our coach for this Related Learning Experience, the Tuguegarao Branch Head will be arriving at around 10 a.m. Hoping that our task for the rest of the month will be cleared up and mapped accordingly. Finally, we can get some work done other than goofing around in the branch, entertaining the branch ladies by any means possible, looking for things to fool around with like hopping on an armoured car, counting a shit load of money, and other sorts of activities.

Just finished reading “Show & Tell” an article by Paolo Lorenzana of Rogue, focusing briefly on the life and experiences of Georgina Wilson. I still can’t quite catch my breath because of both the astounding beauty of Ms. Georgina Wilson, and the astonishing words by Mr. Lorenzana. You have to read it to know what I’m talking about. read article here
An excerpt from this article -> “There is an unspoken jurisdiction you may submit to when you are in the presence of Georgina Wilson. It’s almost like the world is a street that’s just been put on pause and she’s having a dandy time walking through it.” Hot damn, wish that kind of poetry would just go airborne from my mind.

Georgina Wilson photograph by Mark Nicdao on Rogue

TUG-X Day 5: nature trippin' tuguegarao style

2009-06-17T19:31:00.000+08:00

Upon arrival to Callao, I was pessimistic because all I saw was a river, and a mountain. The Mighty Kuya Randy said that we had to ride a bangka to cross the river and go all the way up the mountain and enter the cave, and so we went. The gruelling steps started which I failed to count since my mind was so focused upon climbing. Jaime took a lot of breaks (haha!) which was fine since I also needed them. Surprisingly, a Lawin (hawk) showed up, grabbed the camera and kept on shooting, wished Jaime had a telephoto lens with him, but it was good enough, cropping action will do.

We then reached the cave, I was immediately blown away. It was my first time to see something like this with my own eyes, Discovery Channelesque, it was awesome. First thing I noticed was how huge the cave was, the chapel inside is the first attraction you would see. It was so mysterious, quite creepy, but not like any chapel I have seen, that’s fo’sho. Started to go around the cave, took shots of anything interesting that came across us. It was just astonishing, it felt cool inside, minimal sunlight, ground temperature, it had an amazing feel, a great experience, I am truly glad. Fortunately, Kuya Randy used to be a photographer for his college paper, his shots were pretty good, it made us look as one of those wacky and enthusiastic guys in Discovery Channel, like Ben Grylls from Man vs. Wild which by the way is an awesome show. You just have to see the pictures, you just have to.

After two hours of taking pictures and going around the cave, we decided to go back and have lunch; all the spelunking made us hungry. There was only one place where you could eat at, and they took advantage of it. It was just like any other carinderia, but priced as if it was McDonalds. Whatever, we were just too hungry to complain. We didn’t have enough of nature just yet, so we decided to take kayaks and go around the river. It was hella fun, but not as amazing as the cave. Unluckily, it rained really hard last night which made the water look a little brownish. The sun was scorching, good thing we already applied two layers of sun block on our skin. The interesting part was when you reach “Mororan” which was a small area wherein water from inside the mountain fell. It looked like rainfall. The water was so cold and refreshing, spent 15 minutes just lying there. We continued on and reached the sight of a Bat Cave. No, not that bat. The guide said that the bats would go storming out of the cave at around 6 in the afternoon, we were 4 hours off. Continued on by the river, went for a quick dip in the water at the designated area just to cool our body temperatures off. We then started to kayak back, another 5 minutes in Mororan, then went on back. One more 45-minute tricycle ride back to Tuguegarao and the hotel. I was so beat, shower, pancit for merienda then siesta time it was.

more photos on facebook

TUG-X Day 3: Inday Celebration

2009-06-17T19:02:00.000+08:00

June Eleven / Twenty-Zero nine

First time to celebrate this as a part of the Development Bank of the Philippines, and apparently, everyone is required to come in to work with their Filipino inspired attire. I didn’t bring any so I had to shop for something to wear; I was able to come up with the easiest attire, a “magsasaka”. I had blue jeans and flip flops with me, so I just got myself a white camisa de chino and an orange bandana inspired by Mr. Hayden Kho in JM, which logo looked like SM. It was quite funny walking the streets of Arellano to work wearing that outfit, but I didn’t care, no one knew who I was anyway. The women from the branch had their Barot’ Sayas, it was classic. The Bank’s clients were quite amused of how everyone was dressed, Filipino pride it was. We brought Jaime’s camera to work and I waited for the right moment to bring it out and shoot the ladies. Once we did, they all went crazy. Goal #4 up by a point. Ma’am Ivie the branch cashier made us eat this local delicacy “Sinanta” which was this spicy noodle soup with chicken, mushrooms and other stuff, it was really good, Jaime had 3 servings.

TUG-X Day 2: first day of work

2009-06-17T18:30:00.000+08:00

June Ten, Twenty-Zero Nine

Goal #1: present myself very well
Goal #2: establish rapport
Goal #3: meet everyone in the branch
Goal #4: win their hearts
Goal #5: get some actual work done

Results: (rate 1-5, 5 being the highest and most successful)
Goal #1: 4 (my shirt was a bit wrinkled due to the travel)
Goal #2: 4 (I can be shy at times, especially when meeting people for the very first time)
Goal #3: 3 (some were just too busy)
Goal #4: 3 (still working on it, this can’t be done in a day)
Goal #5: 2 (it was unclear what we had to do because our coach wasn’t around)
Grand total of: 16/25

TUG-X Day 1: the flight to tuguegarao

2009-06-17T18:14:00.000+08:00

Good thing our flight departs at 1230, had time to pack my bags in the a.m., though I had to wake up at 7. Had brunch and off to NAIA T-3. 2nd time in this terminal and for those of you who have yet to see this one, it is quite impressive. Really bright, modern, awesome a/c. Maleta was overweight, dude, i’ll be gone for a month, it should be. Jaime arrives in the airport and we had our last manila meal, Yellow Cab. Note: he already had two whoppers that morning. Flight was okay, haven’t been on a CebuPac flight since 2006, seated at 2B, Tin Tin the flight attendant was very close to us, had a bit of a taray vibe, but she was fine.

Arrival at Tuguegarao Airport, first thing you notice, is the scorching heat. Siryoso the Sun is angry in this part of Luzon. Extreme heat, extreme Sun, in addition to that, you barely can feel the wind. Tricycle ride to Kimiralai Hotel, funny sounding name for a hotel right? Upon arrival to the hotel, we were greeted by a friendly and pretty looking girl named Grace. Had a room already reserved for us with the help of Jamie’s friend Mila. Went straight up to room 307 and blasted the a/c on. Clean and nice room, TV, Wi-Fi, a good friend, I think I may just survive.

TUG-X (The Tuguegarao Experience)

2009-06-17T18:09:00.000+08:00

30 Days in Tuguegaraowith two main goals:
1.) To finish my work and do it well
2.) To experience everything Tuguegarao style