Tuesday with Apple: Series of Fortunate and Unfortunate Events

Tuesday with Apple:

Series of Fortunate and Unfortunate Events

I wrote this on my journal 2 weeks ago, however, series of errands delayed me in blogging this.

T

he meeting

Last October 23, me, Pao and Apple decided to meet up in Ayala Triangle, since it’s Apple’s leave and we haven’t seen her for more than a week. What’s that ‘c’ word, clingy? Yes, we’re like that. Hahaha

Anyway, I’m expecting that our Tuesdate will be well, but to my surprise it turned out like a space shuttle ride!

We met Apple at Ayala Triangle aroung 5:10 in the afternoon while she was sitting alone, distant from a guy who did the same. I approached Apple as I left Pao while she fixed her shoes. Apple and I had a little chitchat then immediately went to Pao. Since Pao’s toes were aching, I promised her that we’ll go to PLDT to get my shoes and lend it to her. But before that, we decided to eat first in Jollibee, across Ayala Triangle. While we’re ordering our food, Apple and I kept on chatting while Pao was gorging her eyes on Apple’s pre-birthday gift to her. After the food was served, it was like a mini birthday party because our food were chicken, spaghetti and ice cream. Unknown to us, that sumptuous meal prepared us for a great adventure.

We stayed at Jollibee for almost 2 hours, then we decided to go to PLDT to leave there our stuff and Pao’s shoes. As I got there, I changed my slippers into my bronze high-heeled shoes, so that Pao can use my red slippers. Afterwards, off to SGV bldg beside the office, to meet Ate Joanna, Apple’s close cousin. As she went down to meet us, she seemed amazed to see Apple on that day, because Apple’s schedule at JP Morgan is from 4pm-1am. So we kept on talking and talking. After 15 minutes, Pao comically said, “Let’s go to Makati Pen, our second home.” We laughed altogether, and then Apple excitedly answered, “Game!”

Then, we bid goodbye to Ate Joanna and we started walking and enjoying Ayala as the exquisiteness of its lights guided our way. When we’re already in front of Makati Pen’s entrance, we confidently went upstairs and entered the door to the restaurant which finally led us to the lobby. Then we went to restroom that looks like a hotel room too. The ambience was incomparable. “Let’s go up the 2^nd floor,” Pao demanded. When we’re by now at the receiving area, we sat at the sofas as we listened to the orchestra’s night serenade.

W

ho’s going to check-in?

We’re actually fan of checking in on facebook, so when Pao asked who’s going to check-in. I initiated. After doing it, we read Shem’s status on facebook and got bothered about it, so Apple got her phone promptly and dialed Shem’s number. Apple gave me the phone and let me talk to Shem. Then she answered hello. “Uy, anong anong nangyayari sa’yo?” “What’s happening with you?” I asked her. She answered with a cracking voice and said, “I experienced an intense palpitations and went to the hospital for a chain of test. Friend, I’m so afraid.” I comforted her and told her that everything will be fine. She thanked us for the call, believing that all is well. After the call, we decided to roam around the hotel.

‘Twas dazzling and meant for rich people, but we didn’t care. We walked were the rich people walk—head up high and oozing with confidence. J

It’s past 9 o’clock, so I told Pao that we should get our things in the office before it’s too late. So we returned there and got those. When got outside the office, out of the blue, Apple said, “Thina, I have another version of Gangnam style on my phone, come on and let’s dance.” “Hah, okay!” I answered. We looked for a place where we can make it happen, then tadah, we found the corridor empty , so Apple started playing the song, and I danced it in Thina’s style—oozing with craziness! Hahaha.. What the Fun! J

Then, we settled on strolling along Greenbelt.

A

pple purchased a Neil Gaiman book

She quickly saw Powerbooks, so she almost swiftly insisted us to get inside the store. We directly went to 2^nd floor, then she asked me the book that I like and she’d buy it for herself. So I recommended her to buy a Neil Gaiman’s book.

 After she bought the book, we’re off to anywhere our feet will take us.  Apple unexpectedly place Neil G.’s book in my paper bag. Pao and I wanted Apple to be familiar with Greenbelt, so as we kept on walking along the place, we became so thirsty. We’re so pickle-minded where to drink, so we ended up going to Mcdo and asked for 3 cups of cold water. Woah, after the water touched my mouth as it went down to my throat, I felt so refreshed. Then, we continued our conversation and sipped the water. Chatted and gulped the water. Laughed and slurped the water.

Suddenly, Apple asked me if she can get the book that she bought; hence, I gave it to her right away. She started taking off the plastic cover and had a difficulty smudging the price on the book. Then, she extended her hand and said, “O para sa’yo.” “This is for you.”  “Woah, thank you,” I humbly answered. I almost wanted to kiss her on her forehead. Hahaha… Actually, my event organizer instinct was turned on—so strange to her-- I silently know that she purchased the book for me. I’m used to surprises. Hahaha

Since, we won’t give an order for a meal in Mcdo, we continued chatting and then I asked her to sketch in our bulletin. At first, she was shy but all awhile she did one. As she was sketching me, Pao asked me to accompany her in fitting the red dress, Apple gave.It’s a beautiful and almost a perfect day as I said myself—which comes from our friendship with Apple.

S

ongs to an old man

Apple didn’t want to go home yet, so she asked us if we could have a videoke at Center Stage along Jupiter Ave or she could drink somewhere. Of course, I chose videoke. So, we chose to walk as we’re heading to Center Stage. I didn’t mind walking even with heels as long as I’m with my friends. We passed by Ayala Triange, but unluckily the lights were off. Well, those lights added flavor to the beauty of Ayala Triangle. Even though it was the scenario, I found Apple still stunned by the Japanese matrushka dolls in of the restaurants there. She’s one of a kind Japanese anime enthusiast.

As we continued walking along Ayala Avenue and we’re nearby Berlitz, Int’l school, an old man suddenly grabbed our attention. Yet, Pao was the first one to move. This old man had a hard time in walking, so Pao went to ask him what happened and I followed my sister. Apple was still a little far-away from him; maybe she wondered why did Pao talk to this old, strange man. Then, Pao started asking him. We found out that he has a wound on his lower right ankle due to complication from diabetes. He was unhesitant to tell his bitter tale about his 14-year old son who died 3 or 4 days ago as he hounded for food but unfortunately he had eaten a wrong food and got poisoned immediately. The old man continued telling my sister how much he hates the world, because as he went to some government officials to ask for financial help, they ended up ignoring him. We asked him where he lives and how much is his fare to get there. He said that he’s from Gen. Trias, Cavite and his fare is P140.00. So we instantly gave him P 150.00 and spaghetti. What bothered us most was when he let us read the message from his 12 year-old daughter telling that they need P 2,000 plus promissory note to pull-out the rotten body of his son from their house. It broke our heart when he said that if he can’t get that amount tomorrow, he’ll risk everything and will plot a hold-up anywhere. We told him to not to do it, but he’s decided. He even asked us to get away from him, since we already know his plan; he might end up doing bad thing to us. So, Pao and I walked away as fast as we could, but Apple remained calm in walking. She’s not scared because knowing the old man’s condition; he’s not capable to do such crime.

As the shadow followed my heels to Center Stage, we’re praying for him. Finally, our feet had landed to center stage at 11p.m. We picked up the songs from Gary V., Alanis Morisette and we realized that every song that we sang was connected to the old man. We sang and we prayed for him. We felt guilty because the series of fortunate events that happened to us was contrary to what the old man experienced.

Though we seemed to enjoy the night, deep down our heart we dedicated our songs to that old man.

I

 Don’t care, High-Heels

Our benefit concert ended at 1 a.m. so as Apple was ready to pay our bills using her credit card but unfortunately it wasn’t working. She called me over the phone and told me that’s she’s in an ATM  machine and she said that she withdrew only P600.00, our bill was around P900.00 so she asked us for P 300.00, I said ok. She returned to center stage feeling sorry but we told her that was really ok. So, before we pay our bills, we counted first our fare. We counted our lose coins. then tadah--we decided to stay overnight to Apple's aunt. But she said that instead of riding on a jeep or a taxi, we'd walk miles and miles. My feet was aching, but I tolerated the pain as long as I was walking with my friend and sister. 

We landed on Tita Venus' house at past 2 a.m. and we slept there fine.

Tomorrow is another day, but I won't forget that day. :)

--30--

Books to Remember

Lately, I’ve been feeling cloud 9 as I read some of the books from our popular, contemporary, stellar and incredible writers, who dig deep within the reader’s soul their every words, stories and life.

Lemme’ share with you some excerpts from those books:

1.       Writing’s a lot like cooking. Sometimes the cake won’t rise, no matter what you do, and every now and again the cake tastes better than you could ever have dreamed it would.

 – A Study in Emerald, Neil Gaiman’s Fragile Things

·         This is outrageous because he magically aligned Sherlock Holmes’ character to HP Lovecraft.

Dear Pareng Neil,

Please sprinkle me with your wisdom and talent in creating such depiction and storyline. Promise, I’ll be as dumbfound as you. Just a wishful thinking, I know maybe 1/16 of it might happen. But atleast, and, if it’ll take place I’ll be the proudest.J

Yours truly,

Mareng Thina

2.      “Your turn in the chair next time,” said October. "

I know,” said November.  He was pale and thin-lipped. He helped October out of the wooden chair. “I like your stories. Mine are always too dark.” “I don’t think so,” said October. “It’s just that your nights are longer. And you aren’t as warm.”   

    

  “ Put it like that,” said November, “And I feel better. I supposed we can’t help who we are.”

“That’s the spirit,” said his brother. And they touched hands as they walked away from the fire’s orange embers, taking their stories with them back into the dark. 

 – October in the chair, Neil Gaiman’s Fragile Things

·         Wooh, ang galing mo Pareng Neil!:D November is coming and I’m excited to every story that’ll unfold on that month. J

3.      Yes, I decided, a man can truly change. The events of the past year have taught me much about myself, and a few universal truths. I learned for instance, that while wounds can be inflicted easily upon those we love, it’s often much more difficult to heal them. Yet, the process of healing those wounds provided the richest experience of my life, leading me to believe that while I’ve often overestimate what I could accomplish in a day, I had underestimated what I could do in a year. But most of all, I learned that
 it’s possible for 2 people to fall inlove all over again, even when there’s been a lifetime disappointment between them. I’m not sure what to think about the swan and what I saw that night, and I must admit that being romantic still doesn’t come easily. It’s a daily struggle to reinvent myself, and part of me wonders whether it always will be. But so what? I hold tight to the lessons that Noah taught me about love and keeping it alive, and even if I never become a true romantic like Noah, it doesn’t mean that I’m ever going to stop trying.

– Wilson Lewis, Epilogue of Nicholas Sparks’ The Wedding

·         Upon reading this, I thought I’m good enough to grasp the author’s ending. But, am quite successful since I got a hint of the future sequences. The twist is excellent, passionate and memorable . . . smooth, sensitive writing . . . Definitely a novel that can hold its own. J

4.      A man sits alone in a cave.  His hair is long. His beard reaches his knees. He holds his chin the cup of his hands. He closes his eyes.                                                                                                                          He is listening to something. Voices. Endless voices. They rise from a pool in the corner of the cave. They are the voices of people on Earth. They want one thing only.                                                                                            Time.

- Mitch Albom’s The Time Keeper

·         Wonderful Analogy, yes? J Every one is engrossed once a theme of a story is about time. What more, if the tale is about the time itself? Mitch Albom will flutter you to the space of time, sometimes will return you to your senses, and then will cycle you once more on the marvel and mystery of time. His novel simply tells the oxymoron of loving and letting go your time.

5.     His words – and Sarah’s words—drift up to the faraway cave, and the lonesome, bearded man sitting inside it. This man is Father Time.

You might think him a myth, a cartoon from a New Year’s card—ancient, haggard, clutching an hourglass, older than any one on the planet.

But Father Time is real.

And, in truth, he cannot age. Beneath the unruly beard and cascading hair—signs of life, not death—his body is lean, his skin unwrinkled, immune to the very thing he lords over.

Once, before he angered God, he was just another man,

fated to die when his days were done.

Banished to this cave, he must listen to the world’s every pleas—for more minutes, more hours, more years, more time.

He has been an eternity.

He has given up hope. But a clock ticks for all us, silently, somewhere.

Soon Father Time will be free. To return to Earth.

And finish what he started.

- Mitch Albom’s The Time Keeper

·         I love the characters and tone of this excerpt. It captivates me and makes me want to finish the book in one sitting. There’s a mishmash of smooth, crisp, and strong emotions as Father Time will return to Earth. The storyline’s pace is agitating yet controlled. J

6.      Consider the word “time.”

We use so many phrases with it. Pass time. Waste time. Kill time. Lose time. In good time. About time. Take your time. Save time. Along time. Right on time. Out of time. Mind the time. Be on Time. Spare time. Keep time. Stall for time. There are as many expressions with “time” as there are minutes in a day. But once, there was no word for it at all. Because no one was counting. Then Dor began.                                                                                                                                       And everything changed.

- Mitch Albom’s The Time Keeper

·         Thank you Father Time for monitoring the importance of yourself—it attracts people to become dear to you. J I have my own version of using the word time, and that’s. Time is Now. The story’s meaning embraces the fact that TIME should be used wisely—not too rush and not too slow—use it the way it should be.  Two people will learn that and they signify all the people in the world.J

--30—

Brave: Movie review

Brave's theatrical poster

Have you seen the movie Braveheart which is taken at Scotland? 

Be amazed as Disney Pixar’s latest masterpiece, Brave revives your senses never in such a magical and virtual way. 

In the film, set in the Highlands of Scotland, a skilled archer named Merida defies an age-old custom, causing chaos in her kingdom. After consulting a witch for help, her family becomes cursed and Merida is forced to undo the spell herself before it is too late. In the world where women nowadays love to color their hair with brown or its different shades, her thick burgundy curly hair outstands. Alike with her identical triplets’ hair: Hamish, Hubert and Harris. Their brunt characters are remarkable about this movie.

Families and kids of all ages flocked to watch this, earning it the top spot at the box office, with a $ 469,266,000.00. 

Based on the strength of the movie – little girls and likely their moms will want to watch this very original Disney Princess Merida again and again – Brave is an instant classic. And it marks the 13th straight number one movie opening for Pixar Animation Studio.

This is also the first movie from Pixar wherein the protagonist is woman—the strength of the movie is that men let the women speak their mind. Along the conversation between King Fergus and his wife, Queen Elinor, there’s a sense of understanding and compromise. Meanwhile as Merida is growing up the tension and misunderstanding involving her and her mom increases too. The heartfelt mother-daughter tale pushes the envelope of computer animation, while sticking with an original story that turns the classic Disney faerie tale inside out.

One the famous lines from the movie:

Princess Merida: I want my freedom!
Queen Elinor: But are you willing to pay the price your freedom will cost?

The music under and country songs insert exquisiteness of the Highlands of Scotland, and Pixar hired real Scottish actors like Craig Ferguson (Lord Macintosh) and Kelly Macdonald (Merida). 

When it comes to special effects, the will-o'-the-wisp (moving light that appears and disappears immediately) adds flavor to the movie setting. As it leads Merida to meet the witch and requested her to make a potion for her mother to change, but the spell made her mother turned into a bear. The twist in this film was heartfelt as the development of each character grows and fortifies.

The film is about changing your fate—Merida, Queen Elinor, king Fergus, the triplets slowly change as the movie ends. 

Another, happy-ever-after film from Disney minus Merida's Prince charming. 

Originally, Brave's title is The bow and the bear

 One of the film's main setting

Draft illustration of Si Leah at ang magic palayok

7th Kiddie Party Checklist

1. Think of a theme. (polka dots, cartoons, disney character)
2. Create a team. (check na check.hehehe)
3. Timeline, budget and coordination.
4. Practice of the cotillion. Kiddos' dress and garments.
5. Search for a song in the cotillion.
6. Program which includes games, ice breaker, etc.
7. Venue is in Malate
8. Search for a catering, balloons, chairs, tables, b-day tarp, party poppers, bubbles,
cake, cupcakes, party hats (depending on the theme).
9. Sound system, photographer, videographer, emcee, clown or magician.
10. Patience with the kids.=)
11. Invitations.
12. Suppliers.

----waiting for another re-grouping for more details.----

Keep my cool, cause I'm excited much! :)

The best thing there is that me and the kid has the same birthday! :)))

Making sure that it'll turn out to be the most memorable celebration ever for the kid.;)

A tale of a Sanguine woman about Habagat

Amidst the recent deluge, Habagat that swamped Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces, we saw the intrinsic humor of Filipino people. This humor, coupled with an en0rmous amount of faith, proved to be the Pinoy’s floater in the swim of life. Happiness is found in the heroism displayed by those who did not think twice to rescue the helpless. In times of trouble, and despite their many differences, Filipinos hold hands and watch each other’s back and display the utmost act of kindness. In moments of need they become one. Every act of kindness automatically brings happiness to the soul.

My tale starts when a continuous heavy rain marsh our house. I came from office and walked along the flooded street of Pandacan. I saw how the flood slowly overflow our bungalow house, starting from the dining area going to our….opppss not there, please--bedroom. I heard the flood saying, no time to listen to your plea. Since, we’re all women in our house (me, my mom and my sister)—adrenaline rush, panic and alarm rolled into one arises our weak selves. So, imagine us rolling our sleeves up like a Macho man ready to put our stuff in a safer place. Good thing, my sister who’s the strongest among all of us, was so determined to save everything to the extent of huddling the water from the floor and putting it in three basins. Actually for almost two days that’s what we’re doing. But last Wednesday, no amount of strong arms can cease the flood’s overflow, even though we’re like practicing for a Dragon boat racing, Nadah-- so we let the flood flow. We compare the struggles that we experience from Ondoy to that night, and I think we’re more prepared and geared up.

I’m just glad that we’re born crazy and happy. We still see humor on our situation. We laugh at our folly while looking at some of the little garbage that we had. We continued watching the news and receive some updates from PAG-ASA. Yes, some of things were wrecked. We slept together frightened if we’d wake up floating in the flood. But hey, by God’s provision we literally woke, still with the flood, in which we could use for washing our face. But with faith, that we’re still alive. Yes, we’ve got bruised, traumatized and exhausted but it didn’t end us living angry with the situation—it made us more alert, braver and more grateful.

Because we’re also flooded with our relatives, friends, LOJ family, Media Ministry friends, officemates’ concerns, prayers and assistance. I know as I’m writing this, some of are brothers and sisters whose situation is worse than us. But I believe that in moments of defeat, like a phoenix rising from its ashes, God’s people will held their head high as they remain magnanimous. They’ll slowly restore what they lost 7 times fold. They’ll be more blessed.

Songs To Remember (Songs review)

FLEXING muscles in hands and legs, pivoting all over the stage. Gosh, never to mention the nostalgic alternative crossed-over into Enigmatic music, then turned into Juke box popular song for every scene. You could see a wooed and amazed crowd which results in an endless and loud applauses. Definitely, it’s a World-class performance as CCP & Ballet Philippines showcased once again a superb performance featuring Candice Acea, Ballet Philippines’ Principal dancer who won First Price, Senior Women’s Division at the recently concluded Helsinki International Ballet Competition. While her partner Jean Marc Cordero won a Special Jury Award for the Best in Pas de Deux Technique (partnering). Featuring works by BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales, Agnes Locsin, Alden Lugnasin and French choreographer Rheda.

Candice and JM during their Helsinki International Ballet Competition

Lay-out design

Let me enumerate the cut-to-cut wow performances:

* Retro/70’s

-          The music under that they used is alternative with an emotional theme. The first two performers, a woman and man danced a combination of modern ballet, jazz, copeoara. Their expressive performance turned the audience hooked on the story that they’re telling. One thing that gives zest of humor on their stunts was the left and right bashing of their heads. Of course, the highlight was when Candice and John took the scene while wearing a 197o’s costume and changing the spectrum of light in different hues. Woah, the retro fever is contagious!

* Flexing-muscle man

-          This performance is one of the oddest yet catchy. The man mimics different kinds of animals’ movement. He loosens his muscles all over his body and keeps on flipping, flying in the air and evolving in an unusual creature during his scene. His facial expression gives justice to his performance too. Perfect!

*  Enigmatic and crippling

-          Sometimes, an art has its own way of expressing itself—whether it’s understandable or not, which makes it pleasing yet intriguing into one’s mind and perspective. That’s what’s exactly working on my mind while watching that longest yet one of the most “wow” piece.

The entrance of the warrior-like men gave me an idea that’s it’s going to be a huge performance. And my hunch was correct especially when the women, wearing an intricate designed dress started their act. I’m wondering where the setting is from, but it seems like it’s a tribe in which

women hold a certain control and fierceness—in the way they hold their dress and smash it, the way they look at the men and the way they walk held up-high. The music gives everyone an idea a sense of urgency and alertness, because of war—not just only between different parties, but also with gender equality. There were instances when women hold their skirts and bash it in the air, and the sound it produced, calls the spectator’s attention that she doesn’t want to remain passive. It consequently depicts a feminist view.

On the other hand, the color of their dress suits to the spotlight that they used. The intense music and sound effects add to the thrills and chills of an ascending sequence and the height of the show. The passion of their facial expression undeniably adds in conveying the moral of the narrative. The choreography is exceptionally fantastic. Honestly, to describe it as fantastic is underrated. Anyhow, the backdrop compliments the color of the performers’ garment.

Finally, when women do the silhouette dance it concludes that although they were born to be silent and passive (in the context of their environment), behind that they’ll still move gracefully.

Despite the fuzziness that I felt while watching it, the show’s impact is immense!

Intense!

* Mascara dance

-           On this part, I remember the Mascara festival in Bacolod. This also one of the funniest stunts in the whole performance. The music’s beat is catchy as well, opening your mind in the world of tribes and wildlife too.

* Music box

-          Does becoming a Ballerina/o became your childhood fantasy, especially when you look at the music box then once playing it, a ballerina will start pivoting?

Never mind what your answer is, this is what I thought of when I see a group of ballerinas dancing on this scene. It’s classic yet dreamy. It’ll transport you into a world of sweet wonderland.

*  The Highlight

-          Closed curtains. Hmmm… Am expecting a grandiose act on this and my anticipation was met. Open curtains….Voila, there are three huge chandeliers hanging above the ceiling, plus the entrance of Candice and JM. Hold up!  Am I in Helsinki or in another part of Europe? Ok, I pinched myself—I’m still in CCP. It made me sooo proud to watch these two performed, they’re so elegant and effortless. Their polka dots garments made me thought of candy version of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the chocolate factory or a Matruscka doll in Russia. Gosh, I turned out to be a fan girl waiting for their autograph after the performance. They garnered the loudest applause! Their world-class performance made perfectly convinced us why they won. =)

Itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny-yellow polka dots partner!

*  Juke box queen

-          “This is my life.” I became LSS with that jukebox song used on this performance. The frontliner here is one of the graceful dancers among all of them. She’s flexible and expert in a lot of ballet techniques. She received great compliments such as “bravo” and standing ovation from the people watching her.