I feel for all the emotionally charged Americans who have witnessed Hillary Clinton's headline speech at the Democratic Convention last night. I was having goosebumps while watching her talk as she was so eloquent and firm. Clinton could have gotten the democratic nomination win, but I really think Obama will hit the home run in this political marathon.
Watch the lengthy speech of Hillary Clinton where she mentions Barack's name more than thrice urging the supporters to rally behind Obama, Joe Biden, and their platform of change in the free world that is America.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Good Customer Service at SM
I turned bagaholic once again over the weekend. I found a Sylvia Santos shoulder bag last Sunday while strolling with husband and son. While at SM, I chose a bigger than usual black bag and I thought I can make use of all its space and compartments. Two days after, and carrying the bag for the first time at work, I suddenly realized the bag I chose was way too large for all my stuff. On my way home, I went back to the department store, headed to the bags section and luckily found the same sales lady who attended to me last Sunday.
Marby, the sales attendant for Sylvia Santos, was so efficient that she was able to facilitate my intention to exchange the large one to a much smaller bag, and of course because I still had the tape receipt and tag with me intact so it made the process easier and faster. I reckon I should have taken a picture of the sales lady and posted it here. Now I have a smaller bag plus I got a mobile phone leather case to boot.
I also commend the customer service staff at SM for making me such a happy customer yesterday, amidst the gloomy weather. As I approached their counter, they just asked me what the reason was for exchanging the product to another one. They made me wait for a while and soon after I was escorted back to the ladies' section to choose the smaller bag. This is how good communication and business etiquette can contribute to SM's renewed success in its businesses. I was right, SM has changed a lot since a repackaging of its image was done a few years ago.
Marby, the sales attendant for Sylvia Santos, was so efficient that she was able to facilitate my intention to exchange the large one to a much smaller bag, and of course because I still had the tape receipt and tag with me intact so it made the process easier and faster. I reckon I should have taken a picture of the sales lady and posted it here. Now I have a smaller bag plus I got a mobile phone leather case to boot.
I also commend the customer service staff at SM for making me such a happy customer yesterday, amidst the gloomy weather. As I approached their counter, they just asked me what the reason was for exchanging the product to another one. They made me wait for a while and soon after I was escorted back to the ladies' section to choose the smaller bag. This is how good communication and business etiquette can contribute to SM's renewed success in its businesses. I was right, SM has changed a lot since a repackaging of its image was done a few years ago.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Paul Potts
I am beginning to love opera because of Paul Potts and Nessun Dorma. First you have to see this.
Paul Potts, a phone salesman from Bristol, England, joined Britain's Got Talent in 2007. It was the first season of the competition and Simon Cowell was one of the judges. Back in school, Potts was often bullied by schoolmates that he became an introvert and developed shyness in his adult years. During his audition in Cardiff, Wales on June 9, his rendition of an operatic aria entitled "Nessun Dorma" composed by Italian Giacomo Puccini brought thousands of audience in awe of his prowess. To me, it was such a jaw-dropping performance. This led him to garner the highest count of public votes.
So in June 19, 2007, performing the same piece, Paul Robert Potts became the winner of the first series of Britain's Got Talent.
It was Potts' adrenal tumor, surgery, bicycle accident, and financial difficulties that led him to join the singing contest in England. With his £35 Tesco suit, he set foot on stage for his audition, and with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan never imagining that they were already judging their victorious tenor. Potts' audition performance earned 32,200,000 views on YouTube.
Nessun Dorma, "none shall sleep tonight" in English, was composed for the final act of an opera entitled "Turandot". Famous opera singers have interpreted this song, such as Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo. I also heard this in the ending of the romance comedy "The Mirror Has Two Faces" starring Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges.
Now the great news is that Paul Potts is performing here on October 8 at the PICC Plenary Hall. My instincts are egging me to watch him but we'll see about that because just look at the prices.
Ticket Prices:
P4120.00
P3605.00
P2575.00
P1236.00
P772.50
Nevertheless, I am glad I found out about an extraordinary singing wonder. Paul Potts perhaps has changed the way I look at opera and a little more about life.
Paul Potts, a phone salesman from Bristol, England, joined Britain's Got Talent in 2007. It was the first season of the competition and Simon Cowell was one of the judges. Back in school, Potts was often bullied by schoolmates that he became an introvert and developed shyness in his adult years. During his audition in Cardiff, Wales on June 9, his rendition of an operatic aria entitled "Nessun Dorma" composed by Italian Giacomo Puccini brought thousands of audience in awe of his prowess. To me, it was such a jaw-dropping performance. This led him to garner the highest count of public votes.
So in June 19, 2007, performing the same piece, Paul Robert Potts became the winner of the first series of Britain's Got Talent.
It was Potts' adrenal tumor, surgery, bicycle accident, and financial difficulties that led him to join the singing contest in England. With his £35 Tesco suit, he set foot on stage for his audition, and with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan never imagining that they were already judging their victorious tenor. Potts' audition performance earned 32,200,000 views on YouTube.
Nessun Dorma, "none shall sleep tonight" in English, was composed for the final act of an opera entitled "Turandot". Famous opera singers have interpreted this song, such as Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo. I also heard this in the ending of the romance comedy "The Mirror Has Two Faces" starring Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges.
Now the great news is that Paul Potts is performing here on October 8 at the PICC Plenary Hall. My instincts are egging me to watch him but we'll see about that because just look at the prices.
Ticket Prices:
P4120.00
P3605.00
P2575.00
P1236.00
P772.50
Nevertheless, I am glad I found out about an extraordinary singing wonder. Paul Potts perhaps has changed the way I look at opera and a little more about life.
Just Seen: Y Tu Mamá También
Having matriculated from communication arts, I like watching cinematic movies as sensual or erotic as Like Water For Chocolate and Love in the Time of Cholera. So I was not surprised to find myself appreciating Y Tu Mamá También when I first saw it yesterday. These movies have a common denominator which revolves around the screenplay and its Mexican-style direction.
Y Tu Mamá También (And Your Mother Too) is a story of two friends Tenoch and Julio who meet the attractive older woman Luisa and take a road trip, a journey enveloped in sex, friendship, and life. Written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this Academy Award nominee masterpiece stars Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, and Maribel Verdú. Rated R for strong sexual content involving teens, drug use and language. My rating for this film is 4 out of 5 stars.
Y Tu Mamá También (And Your Mother Too) is a story of two friends Tenoch and Julio who meet the attractive older woman Luisa and take a road trip, a journey enveloped in sex, friendship, and life. Written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this Academy Award nominee masterpiece stars Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, and Maribel Verdú. Rated R for strong sexual content involving teens, drug use and language. My rating for this film is 4 out of 5 stars.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Scala and Kolacny Brothers: Blower's Daughter
Scala & Kolacny Brothers is a Belgian girls' choir, conducted by Stijn Kolacny and accompanied by Steven Kolacny on the piano. Formed in 1996 and winning the Belgian "Choir of the Year" contest in 2000, they have made 5 studio albums. Most songs are covers of well-known bands such as Radiohead, U2, Nirvana, Depeche Mode, and many others. (Wikipedia)
I am posting this song by the Scala and Kolacny Brothers entitled Blower's Daughter, originally sung by Damien Rice. I should say this is the most stirring of all versions. This reflective song depresses me but encourages me, inspires me, and uplifts me altogether as well.
I am posting this song by the Scala and Kolacny Brothers entitled Blower's Daughter, originally sung by Damien Rice. I should say this is the most stirring of all versions. This reflective song depresses me but encourages me, inspires me, and uplifts me altogether as well.
Legendary Brands
Globe Telecom has been victorious for bringing the iPhone 3G first here in the Philippines. I first knew of this when I saw the news on the digital board along Ayala Avenue. And so as I am writing this, I bet their business centers are all swamped with long lines of customers anxious and excited to get their hands on the new hip gadget.
Late last year, my elder sister purchased the first generation version of iPhone. When I first saw it and held it, the feel is firm and sturdy in built, form and design. Of course, without a need for elaborating on its features, it is considered my many as the most complete multimedia tool out there. To translate, I am impressed of course with Apple's ingenuity to combine a computer, iPod, and mobile phone into one sleek techie toy. Nokia, on the other hand, boasts of the same ingenuity. My N82 has been performing beyond my expectations as a 5-megapixel camera phone with integrated music player, making me a complete and fulfilled user. The Blackberry, on the other hand, is something I really wish for, maybe in the future. By its looks, I'd say I will have fun time experimenting on its QWERTY keypad and its smartphone features.
In the end, I think it always boils down to our choice of mobile necessity whether we look at it as simple or revolutionary, and the way we communicate as phone users, from simple texting, to calling, video messaging and sending electronic mail.
Late last year, my elder sister purchased the first generation version of iPhone. When I first saw it and held it, the feel is firm and sturdy in built, form and design. Of course, without a need for elaborating on its features, it is considered my many as the most complete multimedia tool out there. To translate, I am impressed of course with Apple's ingenuity to combine a computer, iPod, and mobile phone into one sleek techie toy. Nokia, on the other hand, boasts of the same ingenuity. My N82 has been performing beyond my expectations as a 5-megapixel camera phone with integrated music player, making me a complete and fulfilled user. The Blackberry, on the other hand, is something I really wish for, maybe in the future. By its looks, I'd say I will have fun time experimenting on its QWERTY keypad and its smartphone features.
In the end, I think it always boils down to our choice of mobile necessity whether we look at it as simple or revolutionary, and the way we communicate as phone users, from simple texting, to calling, video messaging and sending electronic mail.
Happy Slip
I am not brave enough to put up video blogs. I guess I'm safer in this zone of writing online journals rather than being in front of a camera and blabbering about stuff. But when I want to check out video blogs, I watch this girl, who for me, is too real to be true, very talented in creating and editing these videos and earning good reviews on YouTube where she became popular. Most of all, she is a Filipina reflecting tradition and values of the Filipino heritage. There was a time too last year that I heard she was here to become the endorser or promoter of the Department of Tourism. Wise idea especially that she will be able to use her tube channel to showcase the beauty of our country to the world.
Christine calls her Youtube channel as Happy Slip, that being her screen name as well. So when she started her thing in the internet, a lot of netizens wondered why she called it as such. Her explanation in her page is a hilarious response with reference to her mother styled with a very "Filipino" kind of humor.
Here's her latest and very entertaining parody of the Beijing Olympic Games.
Christine calls her Youtube channel as Happy Slip, that being her screen name as well. So when she started her thing in the internet, a lot of netizens wondered why she called it as such. Her explanation in her page is a hilarious response with reference to her mother styled with a very "Filipino" kind of humor.
Here's her latest and very entertaining parody of the Beijing Olympic Games.
Technomarine Gel Straps
My Technomarine Cruise watch came with black and clear gel straps when I purchased it last year. It will be a year old with me this December but I noticed the clear gel strap turning quite grayish. I've tried alternating it with the black strap but it obviously looks mannish for me.
I am contemplating on getting a new strap but I found out there are just too many colors to choose from. By process of elimination though, my final list contained the pink, purple, and blue straps. They are all cute!
A Christmas gift for myself, maybe?
I am contemplating on getting a new strap but I found out there are just too many colors to choose from. By process of elimination though, my final list contained the pink, purple, and blue straps. They are all cute!
A Christmas gift for myself, maybe?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Best Wishes Mrs. Degeneres!
And lest I forget, best wishes and cheers to my favorite Ellen Degeneres, 50, who wed Australian actress Portia De Rossi, 35, last August 16, 2008 in California.
In her website, Ellen says she would show photos of the wedding on her talk show when Season 6 starts on September 8.
In her website, Ellen says she would show photos of the wedding on her talk show when Season 6 starts on September 8.
No Butterface To Me
Why do some people call him butterface? Well no matter what they say, he is cute and has the perfect body.
Check him out gracing the cover of the next issue of Sports Illustrated. It's all about his eight golds and uber-male physique.
Check him out gracing the cover of the next issue of Sports Illustrated. It's all about his eight golds and uber-male physique.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Health News: Malunggay and Blood Pressure
While in the grocery last weekend, my husband and I agreed it was time to go to the next stage in our son's milk supplement. From Enfagrow 3 A+, we decided to go to its next step which is Enfakid A+ Stage 4. That night, many things crossed my mind and realized time indeed really flies fast. He is definitely off to nursery next year immediately after he turns 4 years old.
Meanwhile, I found out just recently that a malunggay tree sits in the backyard of our compound. Malunggay (Moringa, Sajina) is a kind of green vegetable that has triple the iron of spinach and more attributes than olive oil. Studies show a cup of malunggay has 400 grams of calcium while a cup of milk has 350 grams of calcium. The malunggay leaves are excellent sources of vitamin C, iron, protein, potassium, magnesium and zinc. This is why I was advised to eat as many malunggay as possible when I gave birth, to produce more breast milk for my baby. Now it will please me more to have dishes with malunggay in it from now on. We can start with chicken tinola by garnishing it with malunggay leaves.
Also, today's Philippine Star health section covers the new guidelines for hypertension and diabetes. It is good for us to know the baselines for when taking our blood pressure. We may notice everytime we visit our doctor, our blood pressure and pulse rate are taken preceding the consultation proper. During my birthday last week, my husband gifted me with this personal blood pressure wrist monitor. I found it so cute and so useful so that everyday, we monitor our blood pressure and pulse rate to ensure everything is okay.
The revised national blood pressure goals (top number is systolic/bottom number is diastolic) are: Normal if less than 120/less than 80; Prehypertension if 120-139/80-89; High blood pressure (HBP) if 140-higher/100-higher. To translate, a blood pressure reading of 120/80mmHg (millimeters in mercury) is considered normal, and likewise, a reading of 140/90mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, I found out just recently that a malunggay tree sits in the backyard of our compound. Malunggay (Moringa, Sajina) is a kind of green vegetable that has triple the iron of spinach and more attributes than olive oil. Studies show a cup of malunggay has 400 grams of calcium while a cup of milk has 350 grams of calcium. The malunggay leaves are excellent sources of vitamin C, iron, protein, potassium, magnesium and zinc. This is why I was advised to eat as many malunggay as possible when I gave birth, to produce more breast milk for my baby. Now it will please me more to have dishes with malunggay in it from now on. We can start with chicken tinola by garnishing it with malunggay leaves.
Also, today's Philippine Star health section covers the new guidelines for hypertension and diabetes. It is good for us to know the baselines for when taking our blood pressure. We may notice everytime we visit our doctor, our blood pressure and pulse rate are taken preceding the consultation proper. During my birthday last week, my husband gifted me with this personal blood pressure wrist monitor. I found it so cute and so useful so that everyday, we monitor our blood pressure and pulse rate to ensure everything is okay.
The revised national blood pressure goals (top number is systolic/bottom number is diastolic) are: Normal if less than 120/less than 80; Prehypertension if 120-139/80-89; High blood pressure (HBP) if 140-higher/100-higher. To translate, a blood pressure reading of 120/80mmHg (millimeters in mercury) is considered normal, and likewise, a reading of 140/90mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.
Movie Rewind: Someone Like You
Yesterday while my son took his afternoon nap, I had a nagging urge to flip through my old videos and see what I can interest myself with until I found one of my favorite classic romantic comedies that tackled the men-women psychology, that sort of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus kind of flick.
The movie Someone Like You of 2001 may have inspired me to write my own immortal Neanderthal Theory article which was published in February 2002. This treasured movie of mine is the story of Jane Goodale, about the one that got away and the one she never saw coming. Very real but also very hopeful when it comes to the plot. Ashley Judd and Hugh Jackman are sorely missed!
The story was what got me from the start. Before I sat down to write my article of long ago, I went all out to figure the inevitable distinction between man and woman, and the disparity between our actions and how our brain functions. It can be likened to Jane's character as she sought justification of what happened to her. Greatly convinced that men are like cows, she pushed her limits into over-analyzing the opposite sexes' behavior and mating habits. The movie was successful in portraying these stages of animal and male behavior, starting with the "presentation of the new cow" to the "attraction" and "establishment of intimacy". Not to be left out, however, is the "painful death of the new cow" also known as the "bitter end of a relationship." In fact, as it would be seen in the movie, a survey done on men shows that 95% are polygamous, and that only 5% are otherwise.
Anyway, back to the movie in general. I just hope for more romantic comedies like this to come. Everytime I see this movie, and I never get tired of replaying it once in a while, it kind of really puts me in my element of blabbering and blurting a lot when it comes to relationships. Enough said. =P
The movie Someone Like You of 2001 may have inspired me to write my own immortal Neanderthal Theory article which was published in February 2002. This treasured movie of mine is the story of Jane Goodale, about the one that got away and the one she never saw coming. Very real but also very hopeful when it comes to the plot. Ashley Judd and Hugh Jackman are sorely missed!
The story was what got me from the start. Before I sat down to write my article of long ago, I went all out to figure the inevitable distinction between man and woman, and the disparity between our actions and how our brain functions. It can be likened to Jane's character as she sought justification of what happened to her. Greatly convinced that men are like cows, she pushed her limits into over-analyzing the opposite sexes' behavior and mating habits. The movie was successful in portraying these stages of animal and male behavior, starting with the "presentation of the new cow" to the "attraction" and "establishment of intimacy". Not to be left out, however, is the "painful death of the new cow" also known as the "bitter end of a relationship." In fact, as it would be seen in the movie, a survey done on men shows that 95% are polygamous, and that only 5% are otherwise.
Anyway, back to the movie in general. I just hope for more romantic comedies like this to come. Everytime I see this movie, and I never get tired of replaying it once in a while, it kind of really puts me in my element of blabbering and blurting a lot when it comes to relationships. Enough said. =P
Sports Kings
So far at the Olympic Games, I happen to fancy two male athletes currently making their mark in the book of world records. Their outstanding show of excellence in their respective exhibitions made their fans really dumbfounded in amazement.
Without further ado, as I know the eyes of the entire universe are set on them now, I give you The Great Swimmer, The Pool Shark, The Baltimore Bullet winning a total of eight gold medals and breaking all world records,
and The Great Tennis Player, The Gladiator, The King of Clay, and most of all World Number 1 winning five Grand Slam titles.
Michael Phelps and Rafael Nadal. The world's greatest athletes, sports kings at its finest. They make the Olympics so much more spectacularly interesting to watch.
Without further ado, as I know the eyes of the entire universe are set on them now, I give you The Great Swimmer, The Pool Shark, The Baltimore Bullet winning a total of eight gold medals and breaking all world records,
and The Great Tennis Player, The Gladiator, The King of Clay, and most of all World Number 1 winning five Grand Slam titles.
Michael Phelps and Rafael Nadal. The world's greatest athletes, sports kings at its finest. They make the Olympics so much more spectacularly interesting to watch.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
New GA Cast Pictures
Can't wait for Season Five of Grey's Anatomy when it premieres on September 25. I heard it will be a two-hour season opening.
These are the latest cast pictures from Grey's Anatomy Insider, and they are killing me! Just kidding. I am just getting more and more excited counting down the days. Seriously!
These are the latest cast pictures from Grey's Anatomy Insider, and they are killing me! Just kidding. I am just getting more and more excited counting down the days. Seriously!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Just Seen: Definitely, Maybe
There were three women in the life of New Yorker Will Hayes. He then tells the story of his relationships to his daughter Maya who helps him realize that he too can have a happy ending despite being heartbroken.
This one is a light and funny romantic comedy, with me watching most of the characters for the first time like Ryan Reynolds who plays Will Hayes, and Isla Fisher who plays April. Abigail Breslin once again displays her full prowess in playing the role of the inquisitive and loving daughter of Will.
Definitely, Maybe is written and directed by Adam Brooks. Also stars Rachel Weisz and Elizabeth Banks.
This one is a light and funny romantic comedy, with me watching most of the characters for the first time like Ryan Reynolds who plays Will Hayes, and Isla Fisher who plays April. Abigail Breslin once again displays her full prowess in playing the role of the inquisitive and loving daughter of Will.
Definitely, Maybe is written and directed by Adam Brooks. Also stars Rachel Weisz and Elizabeth Banks.
Reunited
Apart from the swanky gifts the Chupsies gave me last week, my elder sister and I went to Cash and Carry to get her gift for me. When it comes to perfumes, we always resort to this "scent heaven".
I had quite a dilemma while choosing my new scent, I was juggling between new perfumes and the tried and tested ones. Finally I decided to go back to this floral fragrance by Giorgio Armani. This feminine scent possesses a blend of green florals, gardenia, and orange blossoms accompanied by amber, wood, and vanilla.
The scent of Acqua di Gio remains very refreshing to me. Honestly, I think I'll probably spend a longer time with Armani than the others.
I had quite a dilemma while choosing my new scent, I was juggling between new perfumes and the tried and tested ones. Finally I decided to go back to this floral fragrance by Giorgio Armani. This feminine scent possesses a blend of green florals, gardenia, and orange blossoms accompanied by amber, wood, and vanilla.
The scent of Acqua di Gio remains very refreshing to me. Honestly, I think I'll probably spend a longer time with Armani than the others.
PDA
I like watching this show more than Pinoy Idol. As an eternally frustrated chanteuse, I stand by to all the lessons taught by the voice mentors in every episode they air. Kitchy Molina, Monet Silvestre, Joey Reyes and headmaster Ryan Cayabyab are the teachers inside the Academy where the scholars get to live for four months of learning the fundamentals and becoming multimedia artists. What a perfect curriculum for a scholar living his or her dream.
From Wiki:
Pinoy Dream Academy (also known as PDA) is the Philippine version of Endemol's Star Academy. The format is similar to Big Brother, where a set number of finalists (billed as "scholars" throughout the series) would live inside the Academy for four months and will be trained by guest teachers to be multimedia performers. Activities in the Academy are being monitored 24/7 by the headmaster. It uses the tagline "The drama behind the dream".
What captures my interest more is the entire process they go through from scratch. From their first week they have been taught how to relax the jaw and exercise their facial muscles for enough air support, for better musicality and extended vocal range. All the while I thought singing was just belting out the words, but now I realized it is beyond the lyrics and harmony. To be an effective performer means you have to start with the technicalities and project your desired image to the audience. In the end, you come out as a unique artist, equipped with the talent and with the musical intelligence that will make you distinct from the other artists.
I really love this show despite its late airing schedule on television. And if I would play juror to these scholars, I would say their progress over the past weeks has been impressive and they are coming out better and better in each and every gala performance night.
Incidentally, the gala night is the best segment of the show for me. It kind of brings me back to the days where I joined singing competitions and aspired to be a singer. Seriously!
From Wiki:
Pinoy Dream Academy (also known as PDA) is the Philippine version of Endemol's Star Academy. The format is similar to Big Brother, where a set number of finalists (billed as "scholars" throughout the series) would live inside the Academy for four months and will be trained by guest teachers to be multimedia performers. Activities in the Academy are being monitored 24/7 by the headmaster. It uses the tagline "The drama behind the dream".
What captures my interest more is the entire process they go through from scratch. From their first week they have been taught how to relax the jaw and exercise their facial muscles for enough air support, for better musicality and extended vocal range. All the while I thought singing was just belting out the words, but now I realized it is beyond the lyrics and harmony. To be an effective performer means you have to start with the technicalities and project your desired image to the audience. In the end, you come out as a unique artist, equipped with the talent and with the musical intelligence that will make you distinct from the other artists.
I really love this show despite its late airing schedule on television. And if I would play juror to these scholars, I would say their progress over the past weeks has been impressive and they are coming out better and better in each and every gala performance night.
Incidentally, the gala night is the best segment of the show for me. It kind of brings me back to the days where I joined singing competitions and aspired to be a singer. Seriously!
Monday, August 11, 2008
All Things Beijing
While we are savoring historic moments on television because of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, let me just blurt my deep awe and amazement at that opening ceremonies they held last August 8 at 8:08 in the evening, more specifically the full spectacle of lighting of the torch. It had a very creative concept of depicting the glory in sports and it was successfully shown in that event.
Li Ning, famous Chinese gymnast, was the final Olympic torch bearer, he was hung very high and circled the "Bird's Nest" to complete the final meters leading to the lighting of the torch. This is I think the most memorable torch-lighting ceremony I would remember for many years to come.
However, the biggest highlight in the entire Olympics for me would be the Beijing National Stadium which is a massive and radiant piece of architecture. Many see its shape and appearance as resembling a "bird's nest".
And last Saturday, while we were discussing the beautifully-held ceremonies in Beijing, my sister and I saw this inlay text around the Coke packaging at Luk Yuen.
Now I wonder what my name stands for in Mandarin.
Li Ning, famous Chinese gymnast, was the final Olympic torch bearer, he was hung very high and circled the "Bird's Nest" to complete the final meters leading to the lighting of the torch. This is I think the most memorable torch-lighting ceremony I would remember for many years to come.
However, the biggest highlight in the entire Olympics for me would be the Beijing National Stadium which is a massive and radiant piece of architecture. Many see its shape and appearance as resembling a "bird's nest".
And last Saturday, while we were discussing the beautifully-held ceremonies in Beijing, my sister and I saw this inlay text around the Coke packaging at Luk Yuen.
Now I wonder what my name stands for in Mandarin.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Pre-Birthday Celebration
Despite the drizzly weather, and as always, our Chupsie reunion was such a blast. My friends never fail to shower me with surprises on my birthday. And so dinner time alternated with our picture-taking. It has been more than a month since we got together at Yazzie's wedding. We called our meeting last night our "regroup" session. Here are photos from last night's dinner.
I was even more elated when after dinner my dear friends gave me their very cute presents. Lizza and the girls really knew what I thought I needed and of course I love my new bag, tumbler and that little notebook that Yazzie even had personalized for us.
Over the years I come to think that our friendship has grown stronger. We all met way back in 1999 when we were with Coca-Cola and I am so thankful for years and years of friendship with these guys. A couple of days ago while I was doing some spring cleaning at home, I found this friendship bracelet we bought in that underground Goldcrest mall in Glorietta which we all have.
Lastly, thanks to Jason for his treat of refreshing and relaxing drinks from Starbucks. And while we were having that siesta after dinner, we viewed Yazzie's wedding and Phuket photos, and they were very good photos indeed.
I was even more elated when after dinner my dear friends gave me their very cute presents. Lizza and the girls really knew what I thought I needed and of course I love my new bag, tumbler and that little notebook that Yazzie even had personalized for us.
Over the years I come to think that our friendship has grown stronger. We all met way back in 1999 when we were with Coca-Cola and I am so thankful for years and years of friendship with these guys. A couple of days ago while I was doing some spring cleaning at home, I found this friendship bracelet we bought in that underground Goldcrest mall in Glorietta which we all have.
Lastly, thanks to Jason for his treat of refreshing and relaxing drinks from Starbucks. And while we were having that siesta after dinner, we viewed Yazzie's wedding and Phuket photos, and they were very good photos indeed.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
You Don't Mess With The Zohan
There are three reasons why I liked this movie. First and the most obvious would be Adam Sandler, followed by the equally talented Rob Schneider, and of course The Diva Mariah Carey who plays a special role in the latter part.
Created by Sandler's own outfit Happy Madison Productions, the movie brought the house down by the trademark antics of Sandler and always-the-sidekick Scheider. This film is just too entertaining.
The funniest scene for me was the first time Zohan was allowed to cut and style a client's hair. The shampooing part made me snicker a lot, Adam Sandler is still unbeatable when it comes to this kind of humor. Sandler's outfits are always a knock-out.
The last part was fun as well, with Mariah's hit song I'll Be Loving You Long Time capping the movie leading to the credits. The lyrics and the melody are too classy. Here's a video of the top rating song by The Diva which she performed at the recently held Teen's Choice Awards.
Created by Sandler's own outfit Happy Madison Productions, the movie brought the house down by the trademark antics of Sandler and always-the-sidekick Scheider. This film is just too entertaining.
The funniest scene for me was the first time Zohan was allowed to cut and style a client's hair. The shampooing part made me snicker a lot, Adam Sandler is still unbeatable when it comes to this kind of humor. Sandler's outfits are always a knock-out.
The last part was fun as well, with Mariah's hit song I'll Be Loving You Long Time capping the movie leading to the credits. The lyrics and the melody are too classy. Here's a video of the top rating song by The Diva which she performed at the recently held Teen's Choice Awards.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The X-Files: I Want To Believe
You're a kid of the '90s if you know Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Their on-screen affair makes you crave for more episode after episode. My sister had a deep crush on David Duchovny who played Mulder in the mystery and science fiction television series. And long before CSI or even House M.D. came into existence, X-Files had already leapt barrels of success in television.
So it came as refreshing news to me that a movie sequel was showing. I had a chance to see it and I simply loved it to bits. The element of coolness in Mulder and Scully once again set the stage for the effectiveness of the film.
About sixty percent of the film was shot in snow in the rural hills of Virginia and Canada, and technically, this may have been tough for the crew and backstage people. But it came out cinematically well.
The story was simple and I think it was the dynamic duo being brought back to the screen that was the vision of the film, and thereby proving that the formula of X-Files has not changed at all. Now I remember the distinct X-Files theme song and it definitely brings me back to that decade when this phenomenon came to life.
The X-Files: I Want To Believe stars David Duchovny as Fox Mulder, Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, and Amanda Peet as Dakota Whitney. The movie was written and directed by Chris Carter.
So it came as refreshing news to me that a movie sequel was showing. I had a chance to see it and I simply loved it to bits. The element of coolness in Mulder and Scully once again set the stage for the effectiveness of the film.
About sixty percent of the film was shot in snow in the rural hills of Virginia and Canada, and technically, this may have been tough for the crew and backstage people. But it came out cinematically well.
The story was simple and I think it was the dynamic duo being brought back to the screen that was the vision of the film, and thereby proving that the formula of X-Files has not changed at all. Now I remember the distinct X-Files theme song and it definitely brings me back to that decade when this phenomenon came to life.
The X-Files: I Want To Believe stars David Duchovny as Fox Mulder, Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, and Amanda Peet as Dakota Whitney. The movie was written and directed by Chris Carter.
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