Rhapsody in Green

Green is the color that makes the world go round.

Earlier this week, I bought myself another pair of Advan shoes hoping to come up with a new addition to my collection. Having nothing to do, I searched the net, specifically Deviant Art for some ideas; rather than a specific theme. I learned that I can design my shoes by simply using my staedtler pens - and so I did. I took my favorite colored pen, apparently green, and began drawing the first things that pop out from my head.

To be completely honest, I initially thought this project was going to be a flop, - my first few strokes were far from perfect. Thankfully, I was proven wrong. Listening to Nightwish, Michael Jackson and Charice Pempengco's If I Wrote a Note to God. I was inspired to go for a more "Heal the World", "Let's Save Mother Nature" theme, and this is the product of my thoughts.



Not exactly Save-the-World-Captain-Planet-ish, but I think it has a few hints of it. I call it, "Rhapsody in Green" since there it's generally just a hodgepodge of muscle memory designs with an occasional plant or two beside it. But of course, we must admit, it's a prettier world if it's green. Don't you think?

It took me two days to finish (Saturday night to Sunday midday, but in total, it more or less took me 3-5 hours to complete). I managed to finalize it in Manila Memorial Cemetery, Dasmarinas, Cavite this afternoon during our Sunday visits to our grandmother's grave. Desperate to get photos of it so I can blog about it as soon as possible, I requested to use my dad's camera phone to photograph the shoes.

Most people are asking if the shoes are waterproof. My answer, not yet. My mom is telling me to buy a fixer/ varnish for the shoes to make them resistant to outside conditions that may take a toll on them. Even though they aren't proofed yet, I can be assured of their safety since they are part of my collection and are not really meant for wearing outside.

To see more photographs of the shoes, go here.

Other shoes in my collection:
Butterfly
Sneakers #2

Our Little World in Sims 3

Ever since we got to install Sims 3 into our respective computers, my boyfriend and I have been somewhat competing in making the perfect house for the both of us. First things first, we had to create characters to represent us - trying our best of mimic our appearances in the said program, below are our interpretations of ourselves in Sims form.

This is what we look like in real life.

My boyfriend's version of ourselves in Sims 3.

My version of ourselves in Sims 3.

I think he did a better job mimicking our features that I did. We even had a session where we had to point out the areas of improvement for his Sim to make it resemble him better. As for clothing choice, it's generally based on our personal tastes - he always wanted me to wear off-shoulder tops and I generally like green and black to care. I took to account that he loves blue, while he made his Sim wear a black striped polo similar to one I got him before.

We also tried to outdo each other in designing our houses. Not being any good with architecture and interior design - I cheated a bit, basing my design on the Chuachiaco Marikina residence designed by architect Michael Pena, which I found in a special White issue of BluPrint magazine.

This is the house I sort of took inspiration from for my Sims 3 house.

The exterior of my Sims 3 house.

The interior of my Sims 3 house.

My boyfriend, on the other hand, was more creative and diligent. He tediously designed and drafted schematics for his house - bulldozing it several times until he got the one that meets his taste. He wanted something uniquely modern - he did send me a copy of an image he was drooling all over to replicate if not in the Sims world, for our house when we can afford to get one. The images he sent me were of the unfurnished house - he admitted that he still had a lot of work to do on it. Unfortunately though, due to a hard drive failure, his files have been wiped out - thus including the Sims house. *sad.

The image he sent me where he drew inspiration from.

The exterior of his Sims 3 house.

The interior of his Sims 3 house.

Of course, competition, trash talking and taunts aren't the only things that bring us together playing this game. Having our own personalities within the game, it's like interacting with each other - in a monologue-sort of way. While requesting for his version of ourselves, he sent me this image... which brought the Awwwws.. with a matching butter-like melting heart.

Being in a long distance relationship isn't easy, but because of games and the internet, things are made so much simpler and easier.

Terraces at the 5th

Hearing positive reviews from friends and even via the net, I was quite intrigued to try out The Terraces at the 5th. It is located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center in Makati. Being so conveniently near my work place, my friend and I took one night off to dine there with his sister.


The Terraces at the 5th, in my opinion, is a classy and fanciful restaurant trying to emanate the feel of English garden tea parties. The ambiance and decors are well unified and beckons a sense of calmness and serenity among its diners (that is of course, before other diners arrive and start making all sorts of nerve-whacking, loud-mouthed cacophonies). In fact, as a personal note, the place reminds me of MDM Design Project's bird and trees journals.

My friend mentioned that he wasn't particularly impressed with the menu offerings in the said restaurant, but has still agreed to push through with the plan so we can assess whether it's a place we'd like to go back to. The average cost per person ranges from 500 to 1,000 Php, which makes us expect the food to be worth the cost. You can click here to view The Terraces at the 5th's menu.

We've requested for some of the restaurant's pride dishes - the theory is, your restaurant is as good as the best dishes you're boasting. We didn't get the Angus Porterhouse though, I find it way beyond my budget.

We were each given complimentary herbed breads and butters to begin our meals. The bread was tasty and soft, but for some reason reminds me of McCormick's Italian Seasoning. My friend started off with an order of Minestrone, which he rates to be fairly good - but nothing near outstanding.

I ordered their Homestyle Confit of Pork Belly, which costs P520.00. According to the description, it's a "12-hour, slow-roasted pork rib belly in reduced balsamic sauce". Trusting the claim of the waiter, I ordered the said dish - I wish I had read more reviews online since most of them have practically advised their readers to stay away from this dish. But as a whole, it was an okay experience. The pork skin was crispy and the meat was generally soft to the bite, but the sauce seemed uniquely out-of-touch. I think it's trying to mimic the Chinese Haixian sauce a bit, but it just didn't work as wonderfully for me.

My friend, on the other hand, ordered Chins Cruz's Sole Meuniere (P480). He said it was alright, nothing extra ordinary. He was also not so pleased with the meal saying that it seemed overpriced. I couldn't understand his apprehension until I saw the picture and realized he was right - the presentation was extremely lacking - it further highlighted the fact that his plate was practically empty.

We've finished our meals, without any gusto for desert. Overall, the restaurant didn't meet our gustatory expectations, although it was fairly enjoyable, there wasn't anything orgasmic to tempt us back for another round. The price just didn't justify itself, had it been cheaper, we'd have been more forgiving.

Personal rating out of 5:
Ambiance: 4 (Yes, those noisy diners ruin it)
Service: 4
Food: 3.5

Hello Philippines, Hello World

It is strange that after I resolved to open up my schedule and get some well-deserved rest, do I find myself stuck again in another crazy project. A friend has asked me to take on a role in his play after his prime actor for the role was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. Either that tapped into my inner vanity, or I just sincerely wanted to help - I agreed to give it a go.

And so it begins again, rehearsal filled nights. The title of our play is called Hello Philippines, Hello World - presented by the UP Repertory Company and its alumni association. The play was written by Abet Cruz and directed by Dax Carnay.


With just one onstage play on my belt (taking on a minor character), I've suddenly been given a lead role, which is exceedingly daunting. I've been casted as Berna - the intellectually challenged heiress who wants to prove her independence by working in a call center. Being stupid is not as easy as I thought.


Synopsis of Hello Philippines:
"Hello Philippines, a one act musical, is a humorous take on call center culture. Team leader Tiffany tells five agents from his team that one of them is going to get axed. The twist, however, is that he will leave that decision to the five agents. So now, it’s up to ex-tibak Anton, clueless rich girl Berna, the slutty Toni, the probinsyanong Brichi, and the overly religious Elsa to do whatever it takes to keep their jobs. Whatever it takes.

Hello Philippines is viciously funny and holds nothing sacred as it skewers the “call center lifestyle”, a life cycle born out of fast money and desperation, shifting body clocks, and too much coffee, beer, and cigarettes. It attempts to put into perspective all the sacrifices one makes to stay in such an environment, albeit in an entertaining manner."

Schedule dates of our show are still tentative though.

Mangatyanan

"Travel photographer Himalaya "Laya" Marquez has been running away from her traumatic past since she was 12.

When Laya is sent to Isabela to capture a rare harvest ritual called Mangatyanan by the Labwanan tribe, a series of events brings her hidden emotions to the surface.

Will she finally face her demons or will she keep running?"

After watching Cinema One's Best Director winner, Jerrold Tarog's Confessional, I felt a surge of hope that the Filipino cinema-scape is not doomed to brain dead slapsticks and overrated dramatic monologues. Confessional is clearly a social commentary of our current political structure, but playing in the context of Cebu's popular Sinulog festival. A deep and well thought out film that must be admired for its philosophical clashes and epiphanies, exemplary analysis of political and social structures coupled with impressive and extensive research. Confessional is the first Filipino film that made me feel challenged and inspired - yes, it's only Filipino film that pushed me to finally finish my Communication Arts thesis.

Now, participating in this year's Cinemalaya, Jerrold will be presenting the sequel of Confessional, Mangantayan. With a beautiful and provocative synopsis (above), I must admit I am extremely intrigued to learn what surprise Jerrold has for us up in his sleeve.

To view the screening schedule of Mangantayan, click here.

Related Links:
Mangantayan Multiply Site
Mangantayan Depicts Story of Woman with Tragic Past
Filmmakers gear up for Cinemalaya 2009

One More Time

Talk about Pinoy pride! One of our fellow Benders, Maila Mitra will be representing our country in an international battle of vocal prowess - the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) to be held at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, California on July 11 to 18, 2009.

Just this morning, I saw that she posted a blog note sharing a video of her singing "One More Time" - an original song composed and arranged by Rebel Magdagasang. The song is somewhat reminiscent of Aliya Parc's Seasons of Love. Thoughts?

For those interested, this song can now be purchased, along with her other original songs at www.fliptunes.net.

Personalized Sneakers No. 2

Do you remember what it feels like when you get new presents that you are totally dying to get your hands on for the longest time. When you suddenly find yourself unable to control yourself - you just have to use it at the soonest possible time. Well, that's what happened when I finally got my first set of fine tip Sharpies from my mom as a pasalubong from her visit in Canada. I've been waiting and praying for a set ever since I learned about them when I was working for Analog Soul, but unfortunately, these pens aren't available here in the Philippines.


Back in January, I decided to try and make an army of personalized shoes. Five months later, I have finally been equipped with the exact tools I need to accomplish this. I bought a pair of cheap sneakers in order to test out my new permanent markers since every marker is created different - some bleed and some don't. Yes I did panic when I first started since I found my work to be very dirty when the colors started bleeding all over the place. Good thing I was able to work something out, and now, it's more forgivable.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me present pair number 2. I don't know what to name it, so I'm refraining from baptizing it until I find the right name in my head. By the way, notice that I used colors, a rare treat since I usually prefer doing my art in black and whites. :D



This project took me three days to complete, half an hour to an hour each day with either Adele, Adam Lambert, Aida or Bare the Musical playing in the background.

For more photos, feel free to visit my multiply site.

Our Fourth Year Anniversary

My boyfriend is just the sweetest thing ever - which is why I love him lots.

Yesterday, we celebrated our fourth year anniversary together. Being in a long distance relationship, him being in the US and me being the Philippines, many of our friends commend us for being able to pull off this feat. I wonder if there is a real secret how we managed to keep our relationship going strong for this long - communication, thoughtfulness, understanding and commitment - but aren't those fundamental in any relationship?

We used to celebrate our previous anniversaries with a YM date - meaning dressing up (usually this is just half torso) and bringing a plateful of food infront of the webcam and eating together. That's as romantic as it gets. We do come up with a couple of surprises and gifts sometimes, which would usually arrive a few weeks late.

I wasn't in a very organize-freak mode this year, so I didn't prepare anything for our anniversary celebration - but apparently my boyfriend did his homework.

Prior to our YM rendezvous, he spent the whole night preparing our cheesecake, surprising me with his creation when we finally got to talk. It is special because we both love cheesecake and have tried to make this recipe together back when he visited me a couple of years ago. He also prepared and recited a letter, which he admitted not to be very good at. He then tried finishing our house in Sims 3, which I've been bugging to see - this unfortunately, he didn't finish in time for his big surprise, he later told me. But, it's always the thought that counts, and for me, it was wonderful that he took time and made all this effort to make our anniversary special.

My only complaint was - where are the toppings for the cheesecake? (And why can't I at least get a bite?)

Anyway, Happy Fourth Year Anniversary!

Who Am I

My fellow Scythes, Franz Lawrence Tan (Guitarist) and Prince Coyeesong (Vocals) with our adopted Scythes friend, Brznf Yu (Box) singing Casting Crowns' Who Am I. Bravo guys!

I miss the high school days jamming with they guys. The song is dedicated to all our fellow Chiang Kai Shek batch-mates of 2003.

For lyrics of the song, click here.

7 Months

It has been almost 7 months since that fateful night when I was awaken from my sleep by the loud pounding on my bedroom door. It was past midnight and mom was frantically calling me to wake up. When I finally opened the door, the first thing she told me was, "Wala na si Ama. (Grandma has passed away)". There were a few pregnant seconds when all my emotions began to build up, my shock rendered me generally blank as my brain slowly marinated and absorbed the thought. I was in complete disbelief; feeling like I was bordering actuality and fantasy - that this is not the sort of thing that happens for real.

It has been almost 7 months since I last slept in my room - avoiding the memories the room bore upon me. For the past 7 months, I slept with my grandfather, accompanying him - supposedly comforting him in these trying times, but to be honest, his company too was what I needed during those times when I felt so devastated - I cried a lot of times hiding my tears from my family, lest they evoke more feelings of sadness among everyone. But now, for some reason, I decided that I should be ready to move on.

Last Thursrday, I moved back to my room to play host to my best friend sleeping over. I had no intention of going back and sleeping there longer than that one night, I have no idea what caused me to consider returning to my room for good. Tonight is the third night I get to sleep alone in my room since my grandma's demise and now, my memories are returning and haunting me as I have feared - so I take to my blog and write my feelings out.

The heaviest recollection I feel at this moment is the learning of my grandmother's demise. The moment always seems so vivid in my memory, that the mere thought of it evokes a picture loaded with so many distraught emotions and thoughts that don't want to settle calmly. Of course, there are plenty of happy times too - of times when I'd be so tired from work that I'd fall asleep on my bed with all the lights on, and my grandma would come in and close the lights, leaving the dim one open since she knows I don't like sleeping in the dark. I remember the times when she'd just come in my room to call me to dinner or inform me that she prepared some medicinal drink that I can share with her. I remember her telling me that she'd one day instruct my aunt that the room will be mine and I'd get to decorate and fix it the way I want. I remember hearing the television outside my room as she would watch her 8 o clock Taiwanese series or her favorite game shows: The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Double Jeopardy - I'd often go out and sit beside her until dinner is ready and we'd go down and have dinner together. I remember her telling me to sleep with just the windows open so I won't need to open the air conditioner. I always remember her standing by the dressing table whenever she would have last minute instructions for me. I remember the way she would say my name and tell me good night. I remember her going in my room, scouting for things I would need or replenishing the almost used up toiletries. I remember the way I would hold her hand even when I was a little girl when I can't fall asleep - and she'd tell me to chant her Buddhist rosary - painfully, it was the same thing I was doing as we watched her body being embalmed.


It's been 7 months but the memories are still painful. It's been 7 months and I still cannot believe that this has happened. It's been 7 months and I still keep telling myself that she's just away - the way she would always go out of the country for some trip coming home with lots of presents for us, especially for me. It's been 7 months and I still miss her like anything. I miss my Amah so much.