rehab

Oprah - Farewell Show

2011-05-25T23:24:00.001-04:00

When I was in the Philippines, I was watching re-runs of Oprah. I was fascinated by how she gives away her favorite things and such. A lot of talk shows were developed just like hers. The closest they’ve gotten is Kris Aquino’s show Today with Kris Aquino. Of course, when I said closest, it meant like I’m comparing apples and oranges. The similarity is that they are both fruits but definitely far from each other.

When I transferred here in the US, I should have had the chance to really watch it on time but, I never really gotten the time because of work. Nevertheless, I did catch it sometime at my patient’s house.

Thankfully, DVR has helped in recording shows that I would love to see commercial free. It was the final season of Oprah after 25 years and my housemate thought it will be important to watch them all. So we did – everyday.

With the help Oprah has extended to her viewers, myself included, has changed lives. In my lifetime, she is one hell of a lady to have had that task. A lot of viewers will miss her specially those who do not have cable. A lot of them are my elder patients.

Oprah has started her network called OWN – Oprah Winfrey Network. This has opened up a better medium, wider and much more powerful for her to reach more people with programs that she believes will help a lot more.

Amidst all these sincere cheers to Oprah and for her long time running show, I found this short description of her show on TV funny. I know Oprah has been an advocate to eliminate racism but….

Scotty McCreery, American Idol

2011-05-25T22:52:00.000-04:00

Well, even if I am not a fan, I’ve got to do this for the state that has become my home for almost five years.

Season 10’s American Idol is the high school student from Garner, NC, Scotty Mc Creery.!

American Idol, like any other reality based shows are my pastime to help me kill time. Every Monday would be a bore. I never got to enjoy fully Dancing with the Stars so I have been looking forward to Tuesdays for America’s Next Top Model and Glee. Wednesdays and Thursdays would be my AI days. Then, another boring Friday. Such a snooze.

Since the beginning of idol, news about the Garner native went around like a breath of fresh air for my patients who religiously watch AI. Well, something to look forward to I said. That came to passing until he was voted to be on Top 13.

I thought Paul McDonald had a good chance because I thought that he was veteran and much more seasoned but he was a big disappointment. LOL. He tried to play a lot of rock themed songs though his voice would have sounded better singing slow songs which highlight his low soft tones like James Blunt. Nevertheless, the show was a drag for a few weeks until Hailey’s progression on the show. She has found her niche and stopped second guessing herself on song choices. She became bold and boy, could she sing her heart out. But alas! No following for her.

I am sure this boy’s winning will be the topic for tomorrow’s conversations with patients. I hope they slept well tonight to have some energy to work with me tomorrow.

Garner would never be prouder. He has put this little town in the map. Kudos to him and good luck with his career. I know that at this age of free downloading and piracy, the country fans have some spare change to buy his CD and watch his concert.

Fung Fang Fing!!!

2011-05-20T22:53:00.002-04:00

After a long shower, trying to remove the stench of patients I have seen today, I received a text message from my brother. He said that he just wanted to let me know that he will propose to his girlfriend tonight. Fung Fang Fing! I felt a little stunned. Could this be true?! The next thing I saw on my blackberry was an e-mail from my sister asking me to call her. I did. She was happy about the news.

Well, my sister and my brother’s girlfriend have been getting along well lately. More so that they live in the same dormitory, and works at the same hospital. Both families have been attending each other’s gathering. I guess I felt left out. I am the only one who had no connection with this girl whatsoever.

When my brother and mom visited me last Thanksgiving, I was surprised when he handed me an image of the infant Jesus and told me that it was a gift from his girlfriend. OMG! That was nice. Come to think that I have only bought a small perfume at a discount store for her. LOL. I have long used that perfume in my bathroom when I want to have it smelling nice and clean.

People who knows me know that I will not let this thing pass without reciprocating to the gesture with an even grander effect. Thus, I bought her her first Coach bag. Upon receiving it from my brother, she immediately sent a text message thanking me for the best Christmas gift ever! I’m pretty sure she’ll have better presents now from my brother but, for now, I hold the record. LOL.

This intention may, and I know, have been coming along for awhile now. I have just been off the loop to know the details. No idea on the next step or plans for the wedding. But one consolation I have from this is that I know that my brother’s girlfriend is being petitioned to the US. If that happens, my brother has a chance of coming here. But of course, I could always go home to be with them whenever I get the chance and the budget of course.

Looking at this, I don’t know if I am prepared for it. He may be 28 and all grown up but he will always remain to be my baby brother. I miss him already.

The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business

2011-05-10T01:35:00.003-04:00

For the past few weeks, I have been hooked with The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business. Like any reality shows I have been following, I was rooting for two teams this season. These were the cowboys Jet and Cord McKoy and best friends Zev Glassenberg and Justin Kanew. I have seen the season the best friends were first on. I felt bad when they got eliminated after coming in 1st on the fourth leg of the race because of the lost passport.

This season, the buddies have done a lot better from being 4th from the bottom to 4th from top. I started to follow Justin at his tweeter account and befriend him on facebook. Just to get some updates on the race and also because I see that he replies to his followers. Reading tweeter has been my pastime to get to sleep. It has been helping a lot lately.

Cowboy brothers Jet and Cord got me hooked because of their accent. Living in the south made me appreciate the art of the long vowels and the mouth that barely opens. LOL. This will get me in trouble. I am amazed on how their accent goes. Don’t get me wrong. Coming from a different country, I have a very thick accent myself. But I guess it’s just the fascination of hearing it and associating it from the western movies I have seen (which were not a lot, I could barely remember one!). Nevertheless, the kind and gentle manner they have has shown that chivalry may not be dead after all.

It may just be me but do I see anything different with Jet? I see that he may be too a goody two shoes kind of guy that anything the bends the rules makes him cringe. Oh well, what have I been imagining?! The fact still remains that the cowboys were too strong of a team that others have ganged up on them during the Liechtenstein bike ride road block. Sisters Jen and Kisha ran a good race and eventually were first to arrive when it most mattered but I still think the cowboys were the biggest contender of all.

To add to the heartbreak of losing the cowboys in the 9th leg of the race, best friends Zev and Justin were eliminated before the last leg. I was sensing a temper building during a task that takes too long to get done; I admired how Justin was very supporting of Zev on the samba task. Zev was not the most coordinated man in the world, and boy, does he have the moves of Godzilla in amok. If I were Justin, I could have laughed all day. But that’s me; I find humor in a lot of ordinary things. Justin was very much refined for that. LOL.

The best scene was definitely the Brazilian wax challenge. It was a torture for the beast friends. LOL. Could they have been any more hairy? Temper, temper. Waxing was not for the faint of hearts. Justin said it right: “I swear to God I will punch you in the face!”

This was one of the best seasons of TAR, at least from the few I have watched fully. Maybe next to TAR 4 where the team I was rooting for, Chip and Reichen, won.

The Amzaing Race 18, Desperate Housewives and The Celebrity Apprentice

2011-05-08T23:39:00.002-04:00

Tonight, I was juggling over three shows I was following for this season. They are the finale of The Amazing Race 18: Unfinished business, Desperate Housewives and Celebrity Apprentice. Thank God for DVR.

I started off with The Amazing Race finale as it got me hooked while I was rooting for two teams: the cowboys Jet and Cord, and best friends Zev and Justin. This may get me hanged, but having a friend who has Asperger’s Syndrome made me curious. If I were Justin, I will be having a hard laugh all day. I have previously watched Zev and Justin on The Amazing Race 15. I felt bad when they had to go home after finishing 1st on the fourth leg of the race as the team lost Zev’s passport. With the TAR rules, they were disqualified. I have admired the team’s dynamics to be best friends.

A few years back, my housemate got me hooked on Desperate Housewives. I started watching in season 4 but thanks to re-runs, I think I was able to watch every single episode. This will always be a mainstay on our Sunday nights.

Before I turned off the television and start on my notes that I have not finished since Thursday, I have to have a glimpse of what’s happening to Celebrity Apprentice. I have not watched the whole episode but had the critical time I needed to see - the boardroom scene. The disappointment of Zev and Justin finishing 4th on TAR was replaced by the joy of watching Star Jones being fired. It was all that I needed to have a goodnight sleep.

But of course, I will not sleep until some of my notes are finished. I have to do my job now.

It Gets Better

2010-10-17T02:44:00.000-04:00

Growing in an environment of religious family, learning in an all boys Catholic School, I have perceived that being gay was the wrong way to live. What I have not seen was the love around me.

I never felt the need to come out. I have always been the same old me. Straight people do not need to come out and celebrate their being straight. I am normal, just like anyone. Just like anyone, I am different.

Everyone surrounding me tried to straighten me up. I have admired their efforts now though I may not have understood that time. But you can't fix what was not broken. Maybe they have just not read the manual. I function differently. What made me strong were the group of friends I have made. We stuck together and have been strong for each other. Highschool was complicated enough to have your sexuality be a burden too. It did get me at times, maybe far more times than I imagined. But still, I am thankful for everyone who made me who I am today.

With recent news about gay teen suicides, it dawned to me that I was lucky enough to have friends who shared my feelings and loved me for who I am without pretensions. They were crazy enough to jive with my craziness too. And from that, I found my sanity.

The http://www.thetrevorproject.com/ opens its door to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth who finds it difficult to get through the harsh path at this time. For those who feel alone and can't find one who would understand them, you'll be surprised on how many people love you and what the future will hold for you... just live long enough to see it. It will get better.

13

2010-10-11T23:27:00.000-04:00

It was thirteen years ago. It seems like yesterday.

Vivid memories of my dad are an array of good memories. I am not a perfect son but, he was a perfect father. I miss him a lot.

Big Brother 12

2010-09-15T23:42:00.000-04:00

Hayden Moss just won $500,000 from the recent conclusion of Big Brother Season 12. This 24 year old college student from Tempe, Arizona got 4 out of the 7 jury votes.

Hayden is a member of the four man alliance called the Bra-Gade. This alliance was created on day two of the competition in the house. The members are Enzo “Meow-Meow”, Lane “The Beast”, Matt “The Brains” and Hayden “The Animal”. This is the only alliance that survived the competition till the end (at least for the three of them after they turned on their fellow member Matt).

Castings of votes were tight. The last member of the Jury, the recently evicted Enzo, got to cast the deciding vote for the winner.

224 Beaman

2010-09-03T20:11:00.001-04:00

Tonight is the last night I will spend here in my apartment. For more than three years, I have spent some valuable time in this place. It may be the best apartment as compared with my friends, but it was once a refuge.

This is where my boys and I hang out during weekends. I will cook some good homecooked meals or experiment on something new. This is where I prepard food I have brought on parties. One New Year's Eve celebration was spent here. Tonight, I will cook my last meal.

I once shared the apartment with a friend until he moved to Virginia to be with his family. His room has long been vacant and so will mine by tomorrow.

It would be set in history. Clinton was my home.

Bembol

2010-09-03T00:47:00.005-04:00

For my untreatable growing addiction for bags, I gave myself an early birthday gift. My second LV bag in Damier Graphite Canvas. A mini model of a name I will never forget.

One morning after working in the graveyard shift from my last job, my car would not start. My friends helped me fix it, but to no avail, it still would not start. It was starting to rain.

A guy came up and helped us. He said it was just dirty terminals of the battery. He went to his car, got a piece of scouring pad and cleaned the terminals. Viola!! My car is fixed!! I said my thank you and got his name. That night, I came to the office with a mini chocolate mousse cake that I love. It was a gesture of gratitude. I asked the supervisor I know to provide me the screen name of the guy who helped me. DLM. I sent him an e-mail. He replied. In the following days, I found myself chatting with him.

He was suave. He got his cool cocky moves. I was demure.

It was a little payback time. He asked a favor if I could help him go to his hometown in Laguna to bring his old computer and bike. Since my vehicle was a pick up truck, I said yes. It was my first time to go out with him. He was still practically a stranger. I was too trusting. I was firm with my decision. Nevertheless, I told VG about it. He was surprised with my stupidity. VG told me to be careful. He then succumbed to my delusion and reminded me to send him the address where I will be going. VG was protective. Was he thinking that I will get raped?!

I met up with DLM, and we got to his apartment to get his things. During the conversation, the wife topic suddenly came up. What?! Again?!

There I was, still with a married man. I played it cool. Brushing off the details of his then troubled married life, I still enjoyed his company. First stop was to get breakfast and drink my favorite green tea frapuccino from the starbucks where AL and I hang out. Then, off to Laguna.

One of the things I hated about me has surfaced. We got to the very narrow streets of his place. We then have to walk a few blocks to reach their home. It was not a pretty sight. I am thankful that I was a member of the theater guild club in high school. I was jolly on the outside.

He brought me around his childhood place. He showed me his school, the market he used to go to and even bought some grilled bananas. Fear factor. I managed to finish it because his mom was watching. Late afternoon came and I had to leave. His family tried to talk me out of it but, people who knows me well would bet that I will leave. And so I left.

Odd day. But I gained a friend in the process. And today... his birthday.

Major Major

2010-09-01T23:32:00.003-04:00

For the past eleven years, the delegate from the Philippines for the Miss Universe pageant has never entered the top 15. The last Philippine beauty to make it to the finals was Miriam Quiambao. She placed first runner up. That was in 1999. I remember that I went to AL's house and watched the pageant. I skipped my licensure examination review for that day.

It was not really about the Miss Universe pageant that's why I visited my friend. It was actually his oath taking day for passing the Philippine Licensure Examination for Nursing. He did not go. I know how important this day was for him. But his family, for unknown reasons til now, have bypassed it. I don't really know. It may have been that AL just did not like to go. At that time, I know it will help to just be there for him. Bonding time! It was just very timely that the pageant was being aired live. Spain, Philippines then, Botswana were called. Miss Botswana was the first delegate they have sent and she won.

This year, Maria Venus Raj was sent to represent the Philippines. Despite the controversies that has come out of the inconsistencies the Binibining Pilipinas Charities have found on her birth certificate that caused her to be dethroned, Raj has fought hard to be reinstated. She was the first winner who got dethroned and reinstated in the history of Binibining Pilipinas.

I was hoping she would win. I made a pact with my friend that we will watch the Miss Universe next year live if Raj wins. I was rooting for the poor girl from Bato, Camarines Sur, who lived in the middle of plain rice fields with no electricity, to win the prestigious event.

For the pinoy gays, Miss Universe is like the Olympics, the World Cup, or the Superbowl. They do devote their time and emotions to watch the pageant in the hopes that one day, the Philippines will take home the crown.

Maria Venus Raj placed fourth runner up. The judges may have felt her nervousness more than anything during the final interview. The Filipinos who are very conscious of their grammar have made fond of her answer. Asked by Stephen Baldwin on what is one big mistake she made in her life, and what did she do to make it better. Her answer, "In my 22 years of existence, I can say there is nothing major, major, I mean, problem I have done in my life because I am confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me".

One tough question to answer. No one would dare expose their wrong doings in international events.

Given the same question, if were in her shoes, I would have answered, "Recently, I was dethroned from representing my country in this pageant due to some inconsistencies with my birth record. I have fought hard to clarify the issues and be reinstated to be the delegate of the Philippines. Looking at my fellow Filipinos in the audience, there is only one thing on my mind right now. And that is - I hope I can make my country proud. (cue the tear on my left eye)".

In Line

2010-08-20T00:43:00.002-04:00

Today, I rushed to finish work as I have to get the computer I bought my sister for her birthday. To make my trip worthwhile, I decided to have an oil change until the geek squad finishes to ready the computer.

It was my first time to have the service done at Sear's at Triangle Town Center. Since I am to buy a present for a friend, I decided to do my shopping. Suprisingly, the wait to be attended was long and exceedingly slow. Lo and behold! There came man to fill the void of waiting! He was funny and has a good sense of humor. A good conversation with him will ease the painful waiting game. The convo went well until the wife bomb was let lose. Why do I always end up with the married men?!

Italiana Ristorante

2010-07-09T01:39:00.004-04:00

After paying my rent, I saw a new restaurant in downtown Clinton where I live. Italiana Ristorante. A beacon of light since I am a pasta lover. Just perfect. I am hungry and I haven't been cooking in a while.

In a small town, you cannot avoid the fact that people know each other. I was welcomed in the restaurant but, I think I was the only one who did not have a small chat with the maitre d’. Who am I kidding? He’s just the headwaiter. LOL. It was also a first for me to eat in a restaurant by myself.

For starters, I asked for the list of reds for drinks. To my surprise, no alcoholic beverages were sold at the restaurant so, I settled for the ever reliable old fashioned sweet tea of the south. One of my favorites, Italian wedding soup and lobster ravioli were ordered. At that time, the headwaiter discussed with me the art of mixing parmesan cheese with ground pepper to olive oil as dip to my bread. Well, that’s alright. He may be used to people coming in who do not know what to do. Though, I still prefer basil and roasted garlic as dip than cheese.

The soup was a little disappointing because it has a lot basil that it already was lump of greens in my soup. Meatballs were also missed. Well, anyway, I still have my main course. So I have let that pass. Here comes my lobster ravioli. Disappointingly again, the ravioli was meager with filling. I barely tasted the lobster. The sauce was too thin, and the pasta is doughy because it was a tad undercooked. I was looking around and people who ordered the same stuff as I did were very delighted with what they got. I bit my tongue for complaints. I did not want to ruin the happy ambiance of the two month old restaurant. Maybe I will just give them a heads up when I come back. Truly, I would like to come back and try their veal. I may be surprised, you know. In addition to that, I would also like to help my community in little ways I can.

My friends were telling me that I am not Chef Gordon Ramsay to critique the restaurant that is not seeking any Michelin stars. I guess I was just carried away from watching Hell’s Kitchen.

Pedals

2010-07-08T01:51:00.000-04:00

So, the plan I had yesterday didn't happen until today. At least one of them. I got my bike exercise machine for a reasonable price. It would be better if I benefit from it.

I went to the store and got it a little late at night so there won't be a lot of people in line at the cashier. One downfall for that is not a lot of help from the store for manpower. I carried the thing all the way to my car in a little push cart. Nevertheless. I don't want to get pissed so I just shrugged that off.

It took me a little over an hour to assemble it. Barely had time to try it for a couple of minutes. To my surprise, it was very quiet. I mean, really quiet. I could watch television or chat on the phone while I'm on it. The break in will be tomorrow. I am already tired now and need the much required sleep for my body. Let's see how far I could go on that bike.

Here's to a better health for me!!!

No

2010-07-06T21:18:00.001-04:00

I'm at a fork road of petty decision makings although, I am pretty much decided on what I plan to do. First, due to my uncontrollable, unmanageable, disobedient weight gain, and maximizing the use of my expensive treadmill as a clothes hanger, I have decided to buy a stationary bike that I could use when I chat. Riding while talking will be better than running while talking. The latter really makes me out of breath. I plan to buy it tonight, around midnight, when I have finished cleaning my place and working on my notes. Knowing me, I may just be able to do one task.

Secondly, I plan to be friendly with my neighbor. He has approached me a couple of times already, trying to be friendly. Let me take that back. He may really just be friendly. He had his birthday last July 4th. Let's see if I could return the favor of being the friendly one. Might as well just be a bitch, and that will come out naturally. Darn, I have even forgotten his name. Beer will be a major help for this task, or at least anything alcoholic.

Finally, I may learn how to say no to an invitation. Sadly, the invite comes from my relatives in MI. I know they will be all excited about this upcoming reunion and they are really all hoping that everyone can make it. What made me stand up to them? Cyndi Lauper. We have tickets for the blues album tour of Ms. Lauper. This came in first, to be fair. I can't resist hearing her classic hits, if she will be playing them. I have already made plans with friends too. And we are celebrating CL's birthday that day too. Plus, my cousin will not be able to make it too. And I plan to bring my mom and brother and sister to see me this November, so we can have another reunion. (Granted that my siblings get visas.) So, given that the excuses keep on piling, it's only easy for me to tip the high hopes of meeting my relatives. But, I promise to make it up to them.

No is one letter shorter than Yes. But it seems to be harder to express for me.

Friendshifts

2010-07-03T00:53:00.001-04:00

When I came here in US, I bonded with a group of guys whom I have shared house with during the training period before we were off to our different offices. We had different, extremely different personalities, but have managed to glue quickly. The five of us have shared a lot of our firsts in this country. It was an effort on my part to blend with them while trying to gauge their reaction to my lifestyle.

Among them all, I got along better with AD. I may sound conceited, but I think I had the most influence as to his style in clothing, choice in food, and lifestyle. I have seen him grow from his rural roots. LOL. Nevertheless, he is someone I enjoy being with.

Rivalry among a group of men may not be very familiar to me. Somehow this commaraderie have slipped into closely non-existent. AD and BD had a misunderstanding that brought about deterioration to this group. I, myself, am guilty of this break up when my college friends came and I have spent most of my time with them. By this time, AD had found his girl. Just a good timing. I shared an apartment with AM, until he resigned from our company and moved to Virginia to be with his wife.

I still have managed to open my time, at least of what remains of it, for an old get together. This never happened. Sometimes I would still find myself spending weekends with AD. An act that others who have just known us speculate that we were an item. Jealousy may be, this has made me drift away from BD and RS (different from my RS in HS) as I have spent lesser time with them. Eventually, DB and RS have shared an apartment and found a new group of friends.

I miss the group. It may never be the same again. AD has married his girl. I keep in touch with him as much as I can. DB works in the same office with me, though we seldom talk now. RS will be joining our office in a few weeks. He still is the same quiet boy, though disappointingly, turned to be colder with his affect.

One thing I have learned from this is how being passive with friendship has taken us apart. I, too, have changed. But I still miss them all.

Sugar Bear

2010-07-02T02:35:00.001-04:00

It was late... very late in the evening and still RS called just to report that our HS principal has arrived in NJ. I would have wanted to come and meet up with them, but I already have set plans for the long weekend. I will be watching Adam Lambert's concert at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC. The concert will be on Saturday, then by Sunday at 2 am, I should be ready to drive about 5.5 hours to attend a morning Christening of my friend's daughter in VA. Hectic schedule? You bet.

Late night talks with RS have always been a rollercoaster, specially tonight. I have seen a soft spot in him I haven't seen before. He is one who regard friends dearly. In return, he is vunerable to his feelings, that he is easily hurt by them. The price for being a softee.

I am more used to RS being silly. I do not even have to put out the story about my diary that he stole and read, and have others read. A part of my growing up years that I had to weather in an all boys school. In reality, I do not even have an ill-feeling about that today. I cannot recall an ill-feeling about it before too. There should have been, but it must be buried deep down in me. Or simply put as forgiven and forgotten.

I love RS, and everyone who has significantly touched my life. They are the little blocks who molded me to who I am today. A wrecked bitch. LOL.

LSS. Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight".

Miss

2010-06-02T22:49:00.000-04:00

Darkness slowly creeps.
Rain seeps into the cracks
of the roof
of the old shack.
In the corner,
sitting
on the filthy wet floor
I wait for you.
I miss you.

Warmth

2010-06-02T22:27:00.000-04:00

Staring blankly
at the flickering light
from the last piece of coal.
I wanted to get closer
before death stabs me
with a kiss
of the cold, cold night.
My body is numb,
I could not move.
Eyes start to get blurry;
tears crystallize
as they fall
along the icy cheeks
of the snow queen.

November

2010-06-02T21:20:00.002-04:00

There he stood
in the middle
of the busy street
for a thousand years.
People passing by,
ignoring his reality.
He screams from pain,
yet no one notices.
Death is nothing
compared
to being forgotten.
But
something stronger
has made him stay…

Masks

2010-06-02T21:12:00.001-04:00

And there he ran,
troubled by his worried mind…
looking around
he saw a crowd of strangers
in masks.
He was alone.
He doubted.
If only he closed his eyes,
he would have felt
the beating
of his trusting heart.
In math,
four is twice two.
But the heart knows
that two
is not twice one…
it is the state
of having a company.

Angel

2010-05-10T19:08:00.000-04:00

The air breathes
the faint stench
of an old death.
The only sign of life
are the night crawlers
feeding on the still corpse.
Against the black velvet night
shines my knight’s silver wings.
My angel has fallen…
the battle was lost.
As I leave,
I blew a kiss
from my trembling hands
covered with bloody tears.
I bid my knight
goodbye.

Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T22:30:00.000-05:00

Fashion world mourns as we say our goodbyes to Lee Alexander McQueen.

The great British designer was found dead at his Victorian house in Mayfair last February 11. Police stated that death was not suspicious, though they have not confirmed that the death was a suicide.

McQueen was known for his avant garde designs. His latest looks include the famous hoof shoes worn by Lady Gaga on her "Bad Romance" video.

Michael Voltaggio is Top Chef

2009-12-10T01:05:00.001-05:00

"I just don't want Bryan (Voltaggio) to be Top Chef... Food, it's me. It's how I express myself. My emotion is in it. I didn't get good grades in high school, I cooked after school, I've never got a paid check for anything else. This is all I've ever done in my whole life, it's all I know how to do, it's all I'll ever do. I love what I do."

Michael Voltaggio, 30, won Top Chef: Las Vegas, the sixth season of the Bravo's Top Chef series. Chef Michael bested 16 other chefs including his runner up, older brother Chef Bryan Voltaggio. Of the fourteen episodes this season, Chef Michael has won four of the challenges including the finale. He also won two of the quickfire challenges winning an instant $15,000 and a 2010 Toyota Prius.

This season's Top Chef started in Las Vegas, Nevada and has concluded in Napa Valley, California. Top favorites include the top four Chefs who competed in the first part of the finale in Napa Valley. These include Chefs Jennifer Carroll, Kevin Gillespie, Bryan Voltaggio and Michael Voltaggio.

Most interesting and probably the most memorable event in any of the Top Chef series is the competition between the Voltaggio brothers. Both have come out to be in the lead in most of the challenges.

Chef Michael's winning menu include Cream of Dehydrated Broccoli, Fried Broccoli and Spot Prawn for his Childhood Dish; Dashi-Glazed Rockfish, Sweet and Sour Crab Salad with Squash and Meyer Lemon for his Mystery Box Dish; Fennel-Scented Squab Breast, Pistachio Cassoulet and Textures of Mushrooms for this Chef's Choice Dish; and Chocolate Caramel Coulant, Butternut Squash Brulee and Butternut Ice Cream and Candied Pumpkin Seeds for his Dessert.

At the quickfire challenge on episode 9, Chef Rick Moonen was a guest judge. Chef Moonen is a celebrated seafood chef and an advocate for sustainable seafood. I had the chance to sample his cuisine at his Rick Moonen's RM Seafood restaurant at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. It was Kevin's treat and that made it more sumptuous.

Studs and Spikes

2009-11-28T01:26:00.002-05:00

Due to some constraints in time, I opted to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with friends. Surely, I missed tasting the dinner prepared by my cousin in MI. He is currently studying at Culinary Institute of America in NY. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the adventure of cooking my first turkey.

Armed with knowledge learned from Chef Alton Brown, I had the foundation on the basic how to's of turkey cooking. Being a Filipino, I modified the the taste to suit our distinct palate. It was respectable for a first timer. The fowl was juicy, flavorful, and had crispy skin. The sides I prepared were stuffed shell pasta with Italian meat sauce, and apple onion and pistachio stuffin muffin. We ate at 6pm, which was late as I was informed by friends, because thanksgiving dinner usually starts at 3pm. What?! I didn't know that!

The most challenging part was Black Friday. We went to an outlet mall 30 mins away from our place attempting to buy ridiculously discounted name brand items. At 30 degrees F, 12 midnight, standing in line and only had a simple jacket to wear, I have resolved to never repeat such hideous idea. Sometimes we attempt to do crazy things.

Still, Black Friday shopping continued in the afternoon after waking from the much needed sleep. This time was a success because I was able to buy John Varvatos Converse high top shoes. They may not be the sought after silver chucks, but mine had studs and spikes. Cool! They may be so last season but, at half the price, I'll grab them!

Irina is In!

2009-11-24T23:13:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday marked the finale of Project Runway season 6. Winning designer Irina Shabayeva, a Republic of Georgia native, showed her design concept "modern warrior women of NYC". Though her collection lacked a play with color, she was noted for her impeccable tailoring on the clothes. Her t-shirts on heavy, bulky coats were a refreshing take on style. The collection was coherent and had a strong point of view.

Judges Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, Suzy Menkes and Heidi Klum favored Irena over fellow finalists Althea Harper and Carol Hannah Whitfield.

As the winning designer, Irina will receive an editorial feature in an issue of Marie Claire magazine, a cash prize of $100,000 to start their own line, and an all-expense-paid trip for two in Paris. Her model, Kalyn Hemphill, will receive 25 grand in cash and will take part in the winning designer's fashion spread in Marie Claire.

The dress above is the holiday dress that will be sold at select Macy's stores and at Macys.com early part of December 2009. Irina had the opportunity to exclusively design a dress for INC International Concepts after winning the Macy's challenge on Project Runway.

Wicked

2009-11-24T02:44:00.001-05:00

After watching the "Kurt vs Rachel diva off" on the "Wheels" episode of Glee on FOX, "Defying Gravity" has been playing on my mind every chance I find my thoughts travelling freely in the vast unknown. It has been very evident that I had some lines of the song written as a shoutout on my facebook page. Funny thing is that not a lot of my friends are familiar with the song that they have asked me what's wrong. Well, nothing is wrong. I just posted a portion of the lyrics of a song.

On my birthday last 2008, I celebrated it with a friend in NY. Gotta love NY. As a treat for accompanying me on my trip, we planned to watch a broadway show. I suggested Wicked. She was not familiar with the musical that time and I wanted to please her so we opted to watch Lion King on its 10th anniversary.

Never have I heard such intense rough black voices. The sound of voices during the entrance was raw and pure power. The story is a classic as we have all seen with the disney picture.

I can't wait to come to NY again early next year and this time, I'll surely be watching Wicked. To make my trip worthwhile, I may watch Billy Elliot or Avenue Q too. Seems like it would be an expensive trip. I better start saving for it.

For Your Entertainment

2009-11-23T00:20:00.001-05:00

Crazy AMA's got me to witness Jennifer Lopez perform her song Louboutins and do a stunt of jumping off a man's back and falling on her bottom. Good thing she's got a good cushion there. :-) Very professionally, she continued to finish her boxing inspired number.

The performance to cap the night was from my favorite American Idol contestant, Adam Lambert. He sang his single "For Your Entertainment" from his solo debut album, Adam Lambert For Your Entertainment, which will be out on November 23.

The production was gothic, glammed rock and roll with a little or too much of entertainment ranging from S&M, crotch grabbing, head-shoving to crotch dance, gay kissing, and trip and tumble stunts. He surely got my attention. His voice could have been better as seen from his AI days. I am left astounded whether that performance will get me to rush to buy his album. It seems that I am not moving yet. Hopefully, his album will be better than his performance at the 2009 AMA's.

Iron Chef Jose Garces

2009-11-22T23:41:00.002-05:00

The Latin Chef from Chicago bested nine other renowned chefs to gain the title "The Next Iron Chef". Jose Garces, chef and owner of five restaurants in Philadelphia, Amada, Tinto, Distrito, Chifa and Village Whiskey, and one restaurant in Chicago, Mercat a la Planxa, outshined Chef Jehangir Mehta on battle racks and ribs.

For a second, I thought that my cousin's favorite, Chef Mehta, had the edge at the battle in Kitchen Stadium. It was apparent though, at the judges panel, the three Iron Chefs- Morimoto, Symon and Flay, were rooting for Chef Garces' impeccable cooking technique more than Chef Mehta's bold take on creativity and plating.

Here is the winning menu of Iron Chef Garces: Buffalo Tartare with kobe sirloin and Buffalo Rib Steak cooked au poivre, Carnitas Tacos using pork spareribs, Pork Loin crusted with mustard and herbs, Beef Short Rib Pizza with balsamic marmalade, and Baby Back Ribs with spicy barbeque sauce.

I am not much of a fan for Latin cuisine but I would surely want to stop by taste his dishes if I pass by Philly.

Mirror

2009-10-20T01:38:00.001-04:00

Last weekend, I have discovered something in me. It was not about conquering 2,280 ft of hike atop the Chimney Rock but, realizing the pain so familiar through someone else's eyes.

I just watched my story right in front of me. This time, I did not try to struggle. I have just let it run its course. I share the pain of an acquaintance. Living at the moment, cherishing the little time left to appreciate what you have before letting go.

Is it a gift or is it a curse? Love. Forbidden. Bound to play the rules of God and of man. The game was never easy. Some win and some lose. I have lost by the time I started to play.

Tour

2009-10-14T02:25:00.000-04:00

It's late and I have got a lot of things to do. My daily patient notes remain untouched. I have to prepare for the trip to the mountains this weekend. Lastly, I have to learn how to use my new phone.

I am not a techy guy but, I try my best to go with the flow of the times. Earlier, I felt the need to upgrade my phone. My poor flip phone has reached its critical stage. The screen has developed a liquified form of pixel which the health department will classify as unsanitary. I think I burned up what's inside the LCD with three years of long hours of talk time. Complaints were also received from friends who were getting a busy signal even if I have been patiently waiting for their calls, thinking I was left out of the group. While trying to fill in a gap in my schedule for the day, I stopped by my network with determination to replace my sickly phone.

After a warm welcome at the door, I immediately turned my way to the new phones. I wanted an iphone initially but, my friends and I have resolved to stay with our current network due to confidential issues. LOL. Since my nework does not carry the apple product, I settled for another fruit, the blackberry. Customer service was great. The lady have answered most of my questions satisfactorily. The only problem I have is that I am not a "manual" person. I have an allergic reaction to a manual, for whatever product it may be. Nevertheless, I have patiently killed time understanding and absorbing all the information the lady gave me. She also tried to transfers my voicemail and contacts. Transferring the voicemail was a success but, the transfer of contacts was a dreaded calvary. I have to manually transfer all my contacts which left me awake 'til the wee hours. I have to stop at J. I badly need sleep to make it to work later.

I hope I find time to fit learning to use the features of the phone and optimize its use. I have paid big bucks to let it be just in paperweight mode all the time. May the gods of technology smile upon me.

Let's see...I still have 30 days to figure out if this phone works for me. Otherwise, I'll shove myself back to the cave of the primates.

Play

2009-10-12T23:03:00.003-04:00

I love perfumes. It's one of the bonding moments my friends and I had in high school. One of the teachers actually tagged our group as the "fragrant ones". I didn't know if I'll be flattered, specially if it was an old man on his retirement who would compliment us. We went to his wake a few years ago bringing flowers, just to remind him that we were the "fragrant ones".

Perfume as gift is classic for me. It is quite expected if I want to play it safe. I have been complimented for good choices anyway. :-) Usually, I shop for perfume with AL. We try all bottles and samples until our noses can't keep up with us. And both of us get our fragant presents from RD when he comes home. And we'll be wearing them on the first night out that week.

The perfumes I have worn ranges from Armani to Zegna. Some bad choices in between. I used to have a scent I wear to work, to shopping, meeting friends, bar hopping, to church, to bed, and just about anything. It's been a while since I bought my last bottle. I still have stocks of them but I wanted to try the new fragrance of Givenchy Play. If it will be the intense or not, I do not know yet but, I really wanted to scout for a new scent. Maybe next time AL will be with me to shop for perfumes.

Easter in October

2009-10-05T23:54:00.001-04:00

I received a call today from an old classmate (late call). Just a chat on the usual how are you's, then he asked about one profile in facebook. This profile was using Bin Laden's pictures. Apparently, he's staying in the Middle East. The comments we've made on his post have gotten into a regular chat and fast becoming into an epic.

As always, RS have been asking when I'll visit them in NY/NJ area. I have visited the states a few times already and I have deliberately not contacted them everytime. One of the reasons is that of time constraints, the other is that they may be expecting the old me... which I think the new me ate up. LOL.

I will try my best to see them next time I fly to NY, which may be the time I will renew my passport at the end of the year.

The conversation will not be complete unless the name of his cousin, Garfield, will find its way into the topic. I told him I have just talked to his cousin a few weeks ago. RS still thinks of high school. I can't help it. Neither can he, I think. After all, he was the one who discovered the archaic form of blogging called the diary.. my diary. Then, I became a legend.... loved by all. He also found out that he was an Easter bunny... but that's another story. LOL.

Appleman

2009-10-05T23:24:00.001-04:00

Stress marks my first day at work in Dunn. I get a new computer, new work phone, new area, new office, new faces and names to memorize, and the same old work. I think getting around the area is the most stressful of them all. I'll get used to it eventually.

I took a deep breath before I started blogging. A conscious effort and visualization of putting my mind in relax mode for a while. I need a new strategy to make this easier this time. I should be wiser. Thankfully, old friends will help me along the way.

To relax myself, I watched the premier of The Next Iron Chef. Yes, I just recorded it. I recorded the repeat from 12 midnight to 1:30 am. My DVR can only record two shows at the same time and I was already recording Desperate Housewives and Hootie and the Blowfish's concert in Charleston. I am more inclined to a chef who is very bold with what he prepares. This season, I am starting to like the style of Nate Appleman. The 2009 James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year and part-owner of Pulino's Bar and Pizzeria in NY which will open sometime in December.

It is just the first episode anyway. There will be more to see in the next battles to come. Appleman happened to win the first challenge with his unlaid egg yolk carbonara with chicken intestines (or fallopian tubes?) and zabaglione with unlaid egg yolk crumble. Mmmmmm, yummy. Hopefully next time they will feature more usual edible food and show their extraordinary take on it. I don't do a lot of fear factor. :-)

Cheers!!!

2009-10-04T21:42:00.004-04:00

This afternoon, I went back to the old office in Burgaw where I have spent most of my three years of stay working as a therapist. I shredded all clutter paperwork and threw all the junk I keep on my table. Clean slate just like how I started.

I do not want to sound too sentimental because as the three year contract I signed with my current company nears its end, I have not been enjoying coming to the office anymore. Changes with the people I work with had a lot of influence. Throughout my stay, I worked with three patient care coordinators, three support staffs, two occupational therapists, one certified occupational therapist assistant, two nurses, one aide, one physical therapist, one social worker, and one physical therapist assistant.

I loved the first people I worked with. They made me feel welcome and it did ease missing the kind of bonding you have when working with fellow Filipinos. My first months of stay is a lot of getting-to-know stage and a lot of adjustments while trying to understand each others' culture. The laidback lifestyle drove me crazy! Driving long hours throughout the day wore me out. Still, by the time patients open their doors, I put a big smile on my face. High school theater guild did me wonders.

The ever changing policies with insurance companies and wide array of personalities you would meet at every home kept me in my toes. Well, maybe for the first few months. As time passed by, I found myself barefoot deeply rooted in the mud. LOL. I guess you will never tame the bitch in me.

Thinking of the number of patients I have spent time with, both willingly and regretfully, a select few had a niche in my cold, dark heart. They were the few I had long conversations with outside work time, leisure walks on the farm, exchanged recipes, discussed other cultures and felt very close with. They taught me how to operate a tractor, pointed the best entertainment in the city, suggested what to do's in a city they lived in and of course, recommended the best restaurants.

Definitely, I will miss my work friends. The small, non-patient related talks we have every staff meetings will be missed. My head is focused on the good memories that happened in the office. The not-so-nice ones will be laughed at in a few more days. Evidently, I skipped the ones I would like to have a regression with a psychoanalyst in the future. :-) Alright, it cannot be just skipped. The handful of people, patients and co-workers, who made my life a living itch, so annoying that it cannot be scratched, I bid you good riddance!

As I raise my strong double shot cosmopolitan, I say cheers to every extraordinary event that served as a fiber to build a beautiful tapestry called my three year stay in Burgaw!

Superstitions etc.

2009-10-02T22:43:00.001-04:00

Call me superstitious!

Well, I don't really categorize myself as one but, there is one incident that always happens when I hear a certain Tracy Chapman song -- "Fast Car". I swear, I am not makng this up but, everytime I hear that song I am at risk for a vehicular accident. Proof came in earlier, at around 1:30 pm, after I got my chicken nuggets at the drive thru of McDonald's in Wallace, a pick up truck rammed my car.

It was just a soft thug that caused much damage to the foil-thin door of my car. I immediately asked the driver if she was hurt. She said she's fine and asked me back. I am still in one piece, so I thought I was ok. She told me it was her first time to be involved in a car accident, all 73 years of her life. I lied. I said it was my first time too. Virgin. Could I fake this one?!

Of course, to my defense, I never ran into anyone or have been involved in an accident that was my fault. It has always been that my car was stationary and someone runs into me. This would be my fourth time. Not a virgin but, I won't consider myself a pro. Friends in the Philippines know how I drive. I can drive while I'm one case of beer or three bottles of tequilla drunk and not be in an accident. I can drive with a lead foot trying to beat time hopeful that I won't be late for work and still I don't get involved in a mishap. But if I were stationary, that will be a different story.

Not that I have really counted on it but, one common denominator when I get into an accident is Tracy Chapman's song "Fast Car". It's either the song is currently playing when it happens or I have heard the song before the accident. Eerie, the supposed to be trivia becomes more of a fact.

Ealier today I was at the office doing my last check on some paperwork that I need to finish before I transfer to another office on Monday. Suddenly, I heard "Fast Car" on the radio. I had the urge to get out of the building so I won't hear it. Instead, I stayed throughout the song because I was on hold on the phone. I really had a bad omen about this. Intuition.

I love Tracy Chapman. I love her take on songs, their messages, easy melody that makes you join her singing. I have two of her albums. Fast Car is one of her songs I enjoy most, along with "The Promise". Is there something about that song? If I hear it play in my car, I would deliberately change the tuner. How can I deny the fact, though I know its just crazy imagination, that I usually hear it before or during an accident? What would Madame Auring say?

Paraiso

2009-10-01T00:16:00.004-04:00

One summer night five, six years ago, I was with VG and we decided to have a naughty nightout. Somewhere along the dark roads of Bulacan, we dared to entertain ourselves with cheap music and slow dancing. Maybe cheap was not the appropriate word for that because the bill caused me all the cold cash in my wallet. As long as we have gas, we'll be ok. We headed out home as the newly discovered hideout was about to close. I still vividly remember the laughs we had and how well mannered my friend was in a jungle of hustlers. Believe me, it was his idea. I only obliged to his request.

While laughing heavily about the remarkable fun time we had, the traffic on the pitch black service road in the wee hours caught our attention. I hate traffic. That is a declaration. No questions asked.   I am a safe drag race driver. More to our surprise, a young lad was knocking at VG's side of the window.  VG was afraid that there was a violent man running amok or something that will endanger us. The lad shouted for help. There was an accident.

VG and I looked at each other for a moment. Years of friendship earn you a power for telepathy. Read each other's thoughts. We decided to help. At that hour, you will be lucky if help from the police will come in an hour. And because we regard ourselves as supreme beings, thinking we are the most beautiful creatures that ever graced the earth, the high heavens smiled at us and help arrived in five minutes in the form of the local town surveillance team, more popularly known as barangay tanods, a therapist and a pharmacist.

The report was that a collision happened between a motorcycle and a bicycle. Weird thing to happen considering the time. The boy riding the bicycle was rushed to a nearby primary hospital. The two young men on the motorcycle however were still at the scene. The driver of the motorcycle was doing ok. The passenger however, sustained cuts and was having intense pain on his left leg. Since no other vehicle was available at that time, we decided to bring the lad to the hospital too.

Inside my pick up truck, I asked VG to attend to the wounds with the boxes of alcohol swabs I have diligently collected at work. I call that stealing with a noble purpose. I continued with asking about some information and the accident.   It must be the strong alcohol I have paid four times its price at the bar but, I swear, was my friend flirting? I have to give it to VG. I could never think of a worse time and situation to flirt.

At the hospital, the only person manning the so-called emergency room was a newly graduate nurse. All she did was to attend to the wounds with cotton and alcohol. I doubted if they even have any stronger pain medication other than paracetamol. I talked to the boy riding the bike. He told me his version of the story. Clearly I was not after the truth. I only wanted to get his parents' numbers and call them right away. Just for the record, upon quickly doing an assessment, there were no major problems, no head trauma, no fractures... just bruises and abrasions.   The patient I brought in however, was still in pain. Since some of my patient's friends are at the hospital now and would be able to talk to the boy's parents once they come in, we decided to bring my patient to the hospital I know in Pampanga. I still know some people who work at the emergency room whom I know won't give me a hard time. Well, the real agenda was to play drunk cupid. It was a dating game show. Thirty minutes of question and answer on every out of this world topics were covered. VG even tried to pair me up with the patient's best friend. Mind blowing! We laughed so hard when we came to know that the best friend just got married a week ago. What's with the married people?! I need a break!

A short stop at the bank was needed. None of us had any cash. Charity works round the clock. Anything to make that night memorable for my friend, I would do.

At the hospital, none of my friends were on duty. Nevertheless, the staff attended us well.   An x-ray was done to finally rule out possible fracture. The wounds were cleaned and wrapped. It was early morning. I thought it was time to put everything in order. Prescribed with strong pain medications and antibiotics, we went to the pharmacy to buy the medicines. This is the shining moment of the pharmacist to show his importance and to announce to take one to two tablets every 4-6 hours for the pain medication and one capsule two times a day for the the antibiotics. The sun is about to rise. I really need to call it quits.

The patient's gang in bikes, gathered at a gasoline station nearby the accident area, were worried. Revelation. Their friends came out of my truck along with two gorgeous bundles of fabulousness. The amazement in their eyes was all worth the adventure. They said their thank you's, we said our welcomes, all said their goodbyes, and that was the show for the night.

Around lunch time, I woke up with a message on my phone. VG thinks he is in love. I need a bottle of Absolut Vodka... Grey Goose will be a treat... Jose Cuervo will put me back to sleep!

Two days later, I was invited to a dinner. Some kind of gesture of appreciation for all the help we have extended. The patient was doing well, no fracture, just a bad sprain. I politely declined the invite. With a smile, I thought to myself.... if you only knew my type....

Rebel Chef

2009-09-29T23:45:00.005-04:00

This Sunday will mark the second season's premier of "The Next Iron Chef". I haven't really looked at the competitors but, I am very curious about the renowned chefs who joined this year.

Last year's winner was chef Michael Symon, owner of restaurants Lola, and Lolita in Cleveland, Ohio, and Roast in Detroit, Michigan. I have not gone, yet, to any of his restaurants to try his food. :-( Though I have been to Michigan multiple times to visit relatives for different reasons and occasions, I somehow always miss to sneak some time to go to Detroit and eat at Roast. That will be one of my agenda next time I'll be in Michigan, the other is to go to the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island. Maybe I could pay a visit to my aunt and cousins in Cleveland then eat at Lola or Lolita. I just hope he opens one in New York or Las Vegas. His blog Symon Says keeps me updated with his stuff, and recently he won a James Beard Award.

I religiously watched last year's TNIC and I was rooting for Symon since the beginning. Well, aside from the fact too that I have watched him before at Food Network's Melting Pot where he is one of the rotating hosts, his rebel personality really sticks out from the pack. This 40 year old biker, golf enthusiast and culinary rebel made me curious to see the different tattoos he has. I still wanted to try his chocolate covered bacon. Dare?

Enter Sandman

2009-09-29T01:48:00.003-04:00

It's late and I am not sleepy at all. I have watched the series I recorded earlier to somehow feel sleepy if I get tired. Apparently, it did not work as I find myself blogging.

Searching through my mellow collection of music, I was hopeful that it will magically send me off to sleep. I came across some of my most played songs, Astrud Gilberto's "A Certain Sadness", Jason Mraz' "Mr. Curiosity", Shane Mack's "Lie To Me", and Metallica's "Enter Sandman". Well, Enter Sandman became more of a wish than a song.

Here! Films' "Shelter" is one of the few movies I've watched more than once. Soundtrack has a cool vibe of a laid back, relaxed sound of the California surf. The movie is really good too. I guess that was subjective. The film was quite true to its emotions.

I don't think I have the time to watch Shelter again because I really wanted to sleep but, I have searched if Shane Mack finally has his own album out. What a bummer!! None!

Expat

2009-09-28T00:40:00.003-04:00

I received a notice from the post on my birthday for a parcel from the Philippines. I got excited to get my gifts from my brother and sister.

The brown bag contained a shirt with a Philippine map embroidery, a Philippine flag jacket, and a statuette of Mary, Help of Christians. I had a big smile on my face. My brother took notice of my remarks with the jacket (it was intentional). Thank you for the gifts!!!

Last May, I watched my first concert of Lea Salonga with a friend in Las Vegas. I have watched her in a musical before with "Baby: The Musical" in Manila. Well, my friend is more of the fanatic and it was just right for me to accompany her in this trip (as she kept me company with two of mine). She has watched a lot of her concerts that she already knows some of Lea's small talks after a song. She's heard it all before but she was still very happy to witness the concert. The song "Taylor, the Latte Boy" was sung for days after she heard it.

Concert tickets, plane tickets and hotel accommodations were bought at least 6 months before the date. We were well prepared. What we were not aware of was the fight of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton that will be held in Vegas a day after the concert. We really tried very hard to secure some tickets but the only available ones were $1K and up. I do watch boxing from time to time, and I have hosted a couple of boxing parties during a Pacquiao fight but, I will not spend one grand to watch the match live. We went over to MGM Grand an hour before the fight. We saw some celebrities with their entourage, and Filipino politicians with their goons spending taxpayers money that night (Objection to strike the statement from the records.. it's just speculation). The MGM Arena was packed, so we headed our way back to Caesars Palace where I had earlier reserved for dinner at Iron Chef Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. News on Pacquiao's win after two rounds was flashing at the casino screen while I was enjoying my coffee crusted filet mignon. Hatton hit the floor during the second round, I had no regrets not watching the game live.

It was very noticable that a lot of Filipinos were wearing a Philippine flag jacket by Adidas during the fight. I just came to know that those were banned in the Philippines and Adidas has to pull them out of the stores because wearing the flag was illegal and unconstitutional. Martin Nievera's version of the Philippine National Anthem was criticized too. Oh well, I guess I won't be serving 20 years in New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa for wearing my jacket. I'll push my luck.

Aftermath

2009-09-27T22:05:00.004-04:00

News of tropical storm "Ondoy" (international name: Ketsana) already left the Philippines but took with her almost 100 lives and thousands of families in perish.

I called my mom after I heard of the news yesterday morning from a friend. As usual, our town gets flooded when big storms like these hit Pampanga area. I still remember the awful way of dealing with flood. Barely any means of transportation, nowhere to go, hoping electricity is not interrupted, slowly getting bored to death. Waiting patiently until the water subsides. The best way to deal with flood I think is to move!

Rain makes me sad. I don't know why. Something about the way the skies are dark and gloomy washes away the smile on my face. Clothes get wet and it really messes up your look. The only time I remember enjoying the rain was when I palyed one on one basketball with a friend. It was a dare. He was thirteen, rich and had a homecourt advantage. I was fifteen, playful and stupid. LOL. HE won the bet. Defeat was a milestone, a vivid reminder of the things I should only do once. I resolved not play again in the rain. Hmm, didn't I just say that I enjoyed playing in the rain? Until now I still cannot make up my mind.

Series

2009-09-27T20:27:00.007-04:00

Lately I found that I have been recording a lot of TV programs in my DVR. A lot of good ones that I have been watching have started or will start their new season -- Project Runway (US and Philippines), Oprah and Ellen Degeneres, So You Think You Can Dance, America's Next Top Model, Dancing With The Stars, Modern Family, Cougar Town, Lie To Me and the one that I have been waitng for this weekend - Desperate Housewives. Lame choices! Don't get me wrong... truly they're funny and entertaining but, I don't think it will be a good topic for conversation when you try to impress my target age group. I guess I should just stick to The Soup with Joel McHale, and Chelsea Lately for my weekly dose of laughs.

Nothing compares to two of my choices this week in the big screen. The movies I watched focused on the future... on how boring it will be. One of them is Surrogates. I have raved to watch this on its first day of showing only to be disappointed with the pace of the story. Bruce Willis was just... well, I'll just say one of his forgettable ones. The better of the two was 9... not! Geez, I just made an old joke in there and it was not even funny to me. 9 was a yawn but the Occupational Therapist and I managed to get some laughs out of it.

I promise to stay away from the big screen until I get a good review of a movie that I would really want to watch.

Last August, when I was in Michigan, my uncle asked me if I have a favorite movie. It just dawned on me that I really have no favorites. Being a Libra, I have to be fair and play no favorites. No friend of mine will believe that. LOL.

Aftershock

2009-09-24T23:05:00.006-04:00

Birthdays should always be happy. I guess. I hope. Mine was a blast.... (?)

For the first time, I worked on my birthday. I usually reserve this day to relax and unwind.... maybe get myself drunk until I lose track of my age. Nevertheless, it was a very unusual day. I started my day, of course, thanking the Lord for another year of cherished good and not so good days which made my past year a collage of bittersweet memories that will definitely make my future shrink rake a fortune. Every year I am getting up the ladder of becoming a saint... LOL!

Family from the Philippines called to greet me (as they have been doing since Sunday). I packed my overnight bag as I planned to spend my day with people. I was laughing with regret while I was on my way to my car. I can't believe I did not plan a better way to celebrate the day! What was constant in my mind was that I will have a better time this coming weekend meeting my friends.

The first person I met that day was my AIDS patient. How remarkable! Questions kept lurking in my mind...will it get any better?! Well, my schedule included seeing an apathetic patient. I swear I almost collapsed after I was enveloped by the rabid fumes coming from his mouth. Next was a sweet lady with shortness of breath. I was hyperventilating by the time I finished teaching her breathing exercises. Following that was a visit which has always felt like an audition for the theater guild in high school (that was the 6th week! the longest audition I ever had). To top it all, the last visit was a joint evaluation with the fill-in Occupational Therapist. A visit which required the presence of the patient's daughter. The patient was demented, combative, and aggressive - verbally and physically. The patient called me a FAKE! I really wanted to ask her how she saw through me.... she was really good! LOL. The highlight of the visit was when the patient attempted to hit me! I have never appreciated my tummy as her fist bounced. It could only get better! I really wanted to burst in laughter when I saw the patient attack the OT! Certainly, the climax of the visit. The caregiver rushed to intervene. I was anxious, excited to end my work day.

Dinner was definitely better. Japanese food with the first set of friends I met when I came in the US, and a couple of new ones. As a birthday treat, the restaurant gave a complimentary dessert and my lone shot of alcohol for the occasion. Satisfied.

Finally, I ended my day wringing my brain to finish the paperwork on the person who abused me on my birthday! What have I done to deserve this?!

Trivia: for two consecutive years now, I have spent my birthday with two topnotchers in the Philippine Occupational Therapy Licensure Examinations... in the same year!

Gift

2009-09-23T06:57:00.002-04:00

Countdown's over!!! Another year older. Age is just really a state of mind.

They say this is a time to reflect and renew your mantra. I think that's overrated. LOL. I will just enjoy today as it comes while doing my usual routine of work. No travel plans, no broadway shows. That's a first!

2009-09-20T00:33:00.001-04:00

I have just received news about the how successful the medical mission was in my hometown in San Jose, San Fernando, Pampanga. My brother single-handedly spearheaded the program through the Federation of the Knights of the Blessed Sacrament in Pampanga. The medical mission was held yesterday, September 19, coinciding with the birthday of the late founder of the KBS in Pampanga.

Mom said there were more than 400 people who had their medical check up with a handful of volunteer doctors, my uncle included, who devoted their time and support. My family backed my brother's program as my sister, a nurse, worked endless hours sorting the donated medicines from pharmaceutical companies and donors, and my mother headed the feeding program for the children.

I have always felt jealous of the time my brother spends with the Federation specially when I call during the weekends. I guess I just miss him a lot. Being a proactive member of our Parish was something I never did but, this would have been an exemption, and I, too, would have supported by brother's program. I have never been more proud of him!

Garfield

2009-09-19T00:56:00.001-04:00

It was an impulse. I left a comment on a picture my friend posted on his facebook account. His rebuttal to my comment was that I was still looking at his pictures and very much updated with his posts. LOL. I cannot dispute that. I was caught red-handed.

I have not seen him for a long time after graduation in high school. There was one time though, we were on the same bus coming from Manila to Pampanga. I was with my sister, and he was at the back of the bus asleep. I did not bother to acknowledge him that time. Years after that, in 2006, during the 50th anniversary of our high school Alma Mater, he mentioned that incident to me. I did not even know that he was aware I was on the same bus. Nevertheless, that started being in contact with him again.

Almost three years in the US, I still somehow keep in touch with him. Actually, we've just hung up the phone. He is currently reviewing for the Philippine MD Licensure Exams in February. I wish him the best of luck!.

The Lost Symbol

2009-09-17T23:15:00.001-04:00

A couple of days after its release, I finally bought my copy of Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol". Quite excited to read it.

I was brought up in a Catholic School from Kindergarten to College. My formative years were very much influenced by the priests and nuns. Being a Catholic, I do enjoy reading Brown's work. I keep an open mind to his creativity but it doesn't rock my faith. I guess my religion teachers will be very pleased to know that. LOL. (Trivia... I was best in religion when I was in my Fourth Grade... then came temptations)

I have a few days left with my vacation. I hope I will finish the book this weekend. :-)

America's Choice

2009-09-16T23:35:00.005-04:00

Well, America's got their winner with the 35 year old, unemployed, ex-chicken catcher from Kentucky, Kevin Skinner. Kevin won the hearts of the Americans after his very emotional rendition of Garth Brook's "If Tomorrow Never Comes" during AGT's audition. Truthfully, I'm not into the country music myself but, if I hear a good song, I would appreciate it. That was one of them.

Kevin continued to rise in popularity singing country songs. His very country southern accent on those heartfelt lyrics and his acoustic guitar worked wonders. I just didnt have that same fondness though with his last song, Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing". Nevertheless, here's to his win, and better opportunity in the Sin City.

Imelda Factor

2009-09-16T18:17:00.006-04:00

Recently, after watching Logan Neitzel wear his silver John Varvatos high top Converse shoes, I remembered wanting to buy the same shoes online on Saks Fifth Avenue early this year. What prevented me?! $145 + tax + shipping. LOL. Probably procrastination too, which often happens. Anyway, these were limited edition shoes and I cannot find them anymore online, at least in my size. :-( I guess I have to settle for the low cut ones, or a different color, or something classic.

Logan is one of the designers competing for Project Runway season 6 aired on MyLifetime network. He is the only fit and good looking designer to grace the show this season. His designs are edgy, and rock and roll except for the last one where he made a 50's blue dress with black lace complete with a feathered hairpiece... reminiscent of an 80's prom dress. His was one of the worst 3 but, he was not eliminated.

Tomorrow's challenge will be to create a design using newspapers. Interesting.

Surrogates

2009-09-16T15:08:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite actors of all time is Bruce Willis. Definitely got a thing for him specially after his movie "Color of the Night". :::blush:::

I have not watched a movie for a while and I would want to see Surrogates.

Real time chatting

2009-09-16T12:50:00.002-04:00

I am so happy right now. I am currently having a wonderful time chatting with my friends from the USA, Philippines and UAE. Everybody is talking about my weight!!! I promise I will try to lose some weight. My treadmill should be used more often... or maybe it should just be used (period).

I need a motivation... an inspiration. Shouldn't my health be one? LOL. Yeah, yeah... I should start meeting people again so I'll have the drive look better.

QAF

2009-09-16T01:03:00.001-04:00

Nostalgia. I am doing my own rerun of QAF. Can't do without playing the best gay thumpa-thumpa song from Kristine W.

Dell

2009-09-15T21:58:00.000-04:00

Funny how I am starting a blog with a new computer. I have all my old files in my old dead laptop. A few weeks ago it started to die slowly on me. Symptoms include screen not lighting up, slow connection, and sudden turning off. Everytime I try to revive it, it gives me that soft light on the screen before it closes again. It's like dying... only I put a whole lot of epinephrine shots to keep it alive, and then shoving an endotracheal tube, respirator, full life support, CPR, defribrillator when it already has dilated pupils.... time to let go. I felt like I was just hurting it everytime I try to restart it. Waiting for a short burst of light on the screen. Supernova.

OMG!!! How in the world will I get all my old files back? The poems I have been creating everytime there is an overwhelming blunt thug in my life are all gone! The hundreds of pictures I have painstakingly scanned one by one when I didn't know how to use a scanner and I have to ask my brother a thousand times to complete just 5 steps are all gone! My pattern for my resume is gone! All the contact numbers and e-mail addresses of my high school batchmates are all... well, I think you get the drift. (It's just my drama.) I do not give up hope anyway. I know some thin, awkward looking boy in nerdy glasses and flannel checkered long-sleeved shirt buttoned up to the collar will find a way of retrieving my old files. Until then, I have to suffice myself in my new computer that fits my budget. Was I surfing porn when my computer died? Nah.. I don't think so. But if I were, I'm sure my computer died a happy death. :-)

I can't wait until I get all my files back. Salvaging the important contents of my computer so I could transfer and use it. Gee, isn't that like... organ donor?

Green Light

2009-09-14T23:44:00.002-04:00

WOW!!! I finally started the blog which I have been wanting to do for the past few months. Just an outlet to express my opinion on anything. Create another time-consuming activity to prevent me from constantly committing one of the seven capital sins --- sloth! And then of course, add the other six!

Green light... my journey begins.