The Magic of Curtis
Ayala Center Management treated their patrons with a magic show. For their Glorietta Mall, it is a three-day magic show at the Glorietta Activity Center from September 27 to 29.
Since an officemate is going to Glorietta for lunch, I requested her to get me a ticket to the free show tonight... so that I'll be comfortably sitted while watching Curtis do his magic tricks. Being an Ayala Discount Cardholder, I am entitled to two tickets, depending on availability. She was able to get three... c",)
My officemate who was supposed to use the two tickets was not able to do so. So, with the two tickets in my pocket, went immediately to Glorietta after office. Once I arrived, looked for someone I can give the tickets. Found two kids who were just sitting in the sidelines waiting for the show to start. Gave them the extra tickets! Wow! One good deed for the day... ;)
Magic shows often leaves one in awe, wondering how those tricks were done. The fun part is being able to guess the trick! And I think, I "found" several...
- Curtis is supposed to levitate a young volunteer. With a plank in between two chairs, Curtis asked the kid to lie down. He then wrapped the kid with a blanket while removing one of the chairs and the plank. The audience can see that the kid is "floating". He then passed a hoop to show there are no ropes lifting the child. (See upper left of the second set of pictures.)
The trick? When the kid was wrapped with the blanket, he also wrapped with him a thin plank which is attached to one of the chairs.
- Curtis cuts a rope into several strips. The idea is to make them into one strip of rope after cutting them up.
The trick? When he first cut the rope into half, he would only cut one of the two strips, with the audience thinking he is cutting them equally. Afterwhich, he shows the audience the part of the rope that was kept intact. How was I able to say this? The rope he shows the audience after several cutting is shorter... c",)
- Curtis is supposed to levitate himself. He sits on a chair, he concentrates for a few seconds then he levitates.
The trick? The chair he is sitting on has a mechanical device which lifts his seat. I was able to see a metal rod and the thin metal seat when he partly opened his legs for a few seconds while he is going down.
Inspite of all this, the show is still fun to watch. And the kids, with their parents, loved it!
Sidelight:
While trying to get into the enclosed area of the Glorietta Activity Center where reserved seats are allotted for ticket holders of the show, nearby, a man had an attack. Several security were there with him trying to revive him, and a lot of uzi a.k.a. usisero (translation: curious bystanders) were milling around him. It took some time before he was lifted and carried to the clinic.
Blade of the Rose
Lest I may not be able to watch
The Huadu Chronicles: Blade of the Rose (a.k.a. The Twins Effect II), given that it is only shown in one theater here in Makati, I decided to watch the movie on a weekday. One can never tell... they might pull it out of the theater before I'll be able to watch it. hehe!
Charcoal Head of Blade of the Rose
The movie stars the son of Jackie Chan, Jaycee Chan. His acting reminds you of his father... but, obviously, his father has mastered to a "T" that comic style. The movie has a sprinkling of big stars, like Jackie Chan, Edison Chen and Daniel Wu, who gave special appearances in the movie and serve as a come-on to moviegoers.
The movie is about the land ruled by a cruel queen, where men are subordinate to women. It was prophesied, however, that a boy, the Star Rex, would restore the balance.
Advice: Don't expect too much from the movie. Just sit back and enjoy the comic antics and action sequences.
My Entries...
I joined a contest where I have a chance to win a Nokia N90 (if I get to be shortlisted) and to bring home USD 10,000!!! The last day for submission should have been last September 4, 2005. It was then moved to September 25, 2005. Announcement of winners will be within 14 days after the last day of submission. If my computation is right, the 14th day would fall on my birthday! Could it be a sign that I would win a Nokia N90? hehehe!
For the contest, we were supposed to submit a picture and a write-up about an "icon" which symbolizes the hopes, aspirations and/or values of the community/country where we belong. Whether or not I get the judges' nod (fingers-crossed), I just want to share the entries I submitted... (The more entries, the more chances of winning! LOL)
First EntryThe Philippine Jeepney, the symbol of Filipino ingenuity
Filipinos ability to improvise and create products given limited financial resources is best seen in the making of the Philippine jeepney. The army jeep left by the Americans after the Second World War II was resized, remodelled, repainted to accomodate a number of commuting passengers.
The jeepney is the most popular mode of transport in the Philippines because of the cheap fare and the convenience to passengers to board and alight particularly anywhere they want along the jeepney's fixed route.
No jeepney is exactly the same as another. Every single Philippine jeepney is personalized--moving horse figurines, colorful lights, paintings, bonnets, mirrors and stickers. Each one is dressed-up and given touches that are often reflective of the sentiments at that time.
Second EntryJollibee, Filipino entrepreneurship at the helm
Jollibee is one of the Philippines' business success stories. Starting as an ice cream parlor, it expanded its menu and explored the hamburger chain concept. Thus, starting the revolution of the fast food industry in the country.
This fast food chain has become a part of the Filipino family. From weekly family activities to birthdays to graduations, Jollibee is there to help provide happy memories among Filipinos, their family and friends.
Third Entry
Coconut Tree, The Tree of Life
The coconut tree has been branded as "The Tree of Life" because, from its roots to its leaves, many products and by-products can be derived from it. This has created an industry which provided livelihood to Filipinos.
** First Time Mobile FilmMakers
Kids Day-Out
I kissed goodbye my plans of watching today
The Huadu Chronicles: Blade of the Rose (a.k.a. The Twins Effect II). My niece has other plans. She and her friends decided to have fun at Glorietta by spending time at the arcade and a look-see of the shops.
And for me? I am the appointed bodyguard a.k.a. escort a.k.a. chaperone plus photographer to record the activities with pictures... LOL.
Speaking of photos, there was also a tampuhan (sulking) incident with the kids. They were to have their pictures taken and printed on a card. But one of them does not want to have her pictures taken since, according to her, she's camera shy... hehehe! They wanted to have a souvenir for their "gimmick" that day. Anyway, since it was hard for them to convince that they all be in the picture, my niece made tampo. Good thing, the tampuhan blues is short-lived as they were back to their cheerful selves as if nothing happened.
Around 5PM, I sent the kids off as Manong (the driver) picked them up to bring them to their homes. Then, I ran like a speed of light to where the Mass is being celebrated.
Right after the anticipated Mass, we then, again, went to heaven n eggs to have dinner and try their other food offerings. This time, it's Pinoy Nachos for appetizer, Vigan Longganiza pasta, and Three Kinds of Mushroom omellette. c",)
Belated Mooncake Festival
Social activities is one of the way our office try to promote camaraderie. The first this year is the ITG Idol Contest which was held last June. For this month, it would be the Mooncake Festival.
Rather late, we celebrated today the Mooncake Festival after office hours. The first part of the activity is dinner!!!
After everyone had their fill, we grouped ourselves to 15 people per table in order to start playing the Bo Bing game. Each one is allowed a chance to roll 6 dice inside a bowl. Depending on the combination, the one who threw the dice will choose a prize from the pool of prizes assigned to the table. In case a die falls out of the bowl, he/she forfeits the turn. The game continues until all the prizes on the table has been won.
First Prize: 6 Ones, 6 Twos, 6 Threes, 6 Fives, 6 Sixes, 5 Ones, 5 Twos, 5 Threes, 5 Fives, 5 Sixes, or 4 Fours.
Second Prizes: 3 each of any number (e.g. 3 Ones and 3 Twos).
Third Prizes: 4 Ones, 4 Twos, 4 Threes, 4 Fives, or 4 Sixes.
Fourth Prizes: 3 Fours.
Fifth Prizes: 2 Fours.
Sixth Prizes: 1 Four.
BTW, did not play the Bo Bing game. I was busy taking pictures while the players per table are trying to outdo each other... ;)
This morning, made a presentation to Management. It came out better than what I feared.. hehehe! What I can remember most about it, they liked the picture I took (which is way off the purpose of the presentation).
For the first slide, I used the picture I took of Roxas Boulevard across the Manila Bay as a background. While waiting for the other attendees, I noticed that one of the big bosses was looking intently at the picture projected on the wall. Am not really sure of the sequence of events, until it came out that it is the picture I took. Whether the rest were surprised or impressed, my boss eventually mentioned that I took the picture because of my interest in photography. c",)
Grimm Heaven
Finally, I was able to watch
The Brothers Grimm. But first, have to make sure that the concern raised in the office has been addressed and the records needed at home was located before heading to Ayala Center to watch the movie.
The fantasy-adventure-comedy movie is about two brothers who pretended that they can banish any enchanted elements, and earn on the side. Their adventures (and misadventures) as they roam from village to village will remind you of the legendary tales known as the Grimms Fairytales. There is The Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, The Frog King, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass. Afterwhich, tried the newly-opened restaurant in Glorietta, heaven n eggs. We ordered omellete, salad and their house-blended soda. Along with your order, you have a choice of dressings, syrup, etc. and mix them to your heart's content. Like the vanilla and cream soda I ordered, it came with a clear liquid in the glass and the vanilla in a small bottle. It is up to me if I will pour in the whole vanilla in the soda or just half of the bottle or a sip. The omellete already included fries and 3 dips/sidings plus pancake with 4 types of syrup and 2 marmalade. And the salad? It came with its dressing... hehehehe!
Another Flor Contemplacion?
When I heard from the radio of a slaying of a Filipina by another Filipina in Singapore, can't help but to think if this is another Flor Contemplacion case-in-the-making.
I have always been doubting Flor's guilt. Maybe, it's because of the CSI in me... (LOL) And not to be outdone, is the performance of Ate Guy in the Flor Contemplacion movie. (hehehe!)
If I were to weigh all possible suspects, Delia Maga's boss is on top of my list. That is, if we consider the means, the motive and the opportunity.
Flor Contemplacion
- Means: ---
- Motive: I forget. I find the reason for the killing as illogical when I first heard it.
- Opportunity: A friend of Delia. Visits the victim from time to time at the latter's place of work.
Delia Maga's Singaporean Boss
- Means: ---
- Motive: To get back at Delia for the incident with their child under Delia's care.
- Opportunity: Delia lives under their roof.
With the new murder case, let's hope that justice will prevail.
But the suspect (for the murder of Jane Parangan La Puebla), Guen Garlejo Aguilar, was held incommunicado by the Singaporean authorities for one week "for further investigation", before being allowed access to counsel. According to former Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Roy Señeres, this is a violation of international law. Hope this is not an indication of things to come...
Region 6 Video Shoot
It should have been a
The Brothers Grimm movie for me. But my niece has other plans... Instead of watching a video (movie), I would be doing a video!
They were supposed to submit a video about Region 6--the celebration, products, landmarks, views, etc. Thus, I was appointed cameraman and video editor, my niece is the director and scriptwriter, and four of her classmates are her talents.
Originally, it was planned that the shoot would be done at our house, but my brother (my niece's dad) suggested that we do a location shooting at the CCP Complex. So, off we go to our location, with his van and his driver, Manong.
I half-expected that our shoot would just take a few minutes as the script would only entail a few lines, introducing the different places in Region 6, like Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental. I should have known! They have not yet memorized their lines, and those not in the scene are making funny gestures, distracting the "actors". The 10-minute video took 2 hours to shoot!
(While the kids are memorizing their very short lines, walked around and took pictures for my collection.)
After the video shoot, took the kids for a bicycle ride. Then, passed first McDonald's for a snack before proceeding home. Our last scene is supposed to take place at home. So took the last scene and it took a lot of takes!!!
Hayyy...The rest of the night, downloaded pictures from the internet regarding the places in Region 6, made compilation videos of them, edited the video and burn the final result to a VCD. Of course, the bloopers were included at the end of the video! c",)
My niece presented her video project to her class. Her classmates and her teacher were impressed! Big points for her and her teammates. Obviously, what the class enjoyed more were the bloopers... LOL. (12Sep2005)
I M PEACHed (a.k.a. piqued)
The plan to impeach President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) has been hogging the headlines. Finally, the House of Representatives has come up with the decision regarding the Opposition's attempt to impeach GMA. (Or is it really over?)
Committee on Justice Report's dismissing all three impeachment complaints:
- 158, in favor
- 52, against
- 6, abstain
- 20, did not vote
Personally, I believe that after the process has been attained, we should get our acts together, be it the Opposition or the Administration, to move on and help keep our country's economy grow.
The Opposition knows that they don't have the "numbers". Although, they have been harping for the past weeks that they have the 79 votes in order to proceed with the impeachment trial. Obviously, they are lying. Their rhetorics keep on stressing about "moral votes". Who is to say which are the "moral votes"? The Opposition's? HA!
While on the way home for work last Monday, I was riding an FX which is tuned-in to what's going on in Congress, I suddenly blurted out "Magbotohan kayo!" (translation: cast your votes!) to the shock of the other three people with me at the back of the FX. hehehehe!
At that time, a congressman was delivering his speech (obviously from the Opposition) regarding "moral votes" and the "numbers". Admittedly, he is very fluent. And the way he delivered his speech, he can "rob a candy from a child". But somehow, the impression he gave me is that "we are right", "we are moral", "the numbers should not count"... Now, that got under my skin.
- What is his basis that they are correct? Do they think that they are high and mighty? That we don't know to how think, analyze and decide what is right, given the facts before us?
- Who are to say they are moral? As if they did not cheat in the last election, one way or another.
- Why should the numbers not be counted? Are they above the law? That the law will only apply if it will benefit them?
In the end, the picture playing in my mind, while listening to the congressman's speech, is a child having tantrums when he does not get what he wants.
The reason that the oust GMA would not take off is because of the uncertainty in case GMA steps down. The Opposition has a common goal but for different reasons. And it is exactly because of these varying reasons that the middle class, which is the key factor in the previous People Power revolutions, is wary on any move by the Opposition.
On a different train of thought... The impeachment is being pushed because of the alleged election anomalies done in favor of GMA. How about those done by the other Presidentiables? If we are searching for the truth, isn't it fair that our "investigation" include GMA and the other President-wannabees?
Worth a read:
Sky High
Would have done a movie marathon today, but sleeping in late the previous night (or was it early morning?), have to make do with one movie... c",)
Sky High is about the son of two legendary heroes, The Commander and Jetstream, who have yet to discover his powers, if any. He would be attending a high school for students with superpowers.
Like Harry Potter wherein the "hat" chooses what "house" you belong, in Sky High, freshmen undergo "Power Placement" where they identify you as a "hero" or a "sidekick" (nicely named "hero support"). Obviously, ego is affected by these segregation. Actually, I think, this is the basic reason why a mysterious (super) villain almost succeeded in destroying Sky High.
The movie is fast, with witty twists and a feel-good touch in it. Too bad, the "superpower" I wish to have turns out to be a.... (ooops!)
After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass and had Sicilian Chicken Salad, Pepperoni Pizza and Creme Brulee at Italianni's.
If you were to have superpowers, what superpower do you wish to have?
Blooper!
When I learned that Yahoo! Messenger has a new version with new features like PC-to-PC calls and drag-and-drop photos, I e-mailed all my friends and invited them to get the latest version.
Should have known! It seems that Microsoft and Yahoo! made an agreement. If you use the newest version of Yahoo! Messenger, which is Yahoo! Messenger 7 or more popularly known as Yahoo! Messenger with Voice, and the Windows in your computer is unlicensed (pirated), Yahoo! Messenger with Voice corrupts your operating system. There has been a number of cases here where the contents of their hard disk was deleted and partition corrupted. All these I've learned from the computer technician who, for the past few weeks, have been servicing computers with the same problem.
If you want to install the old version of Yahoo! Messenger (version 6), please follow these instructions:
- Uninstall Yahoo! Messenger with Voice (at Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs, remove Yahoo! Messenger).
- Open ""My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" to check if the "Messenger" folder still exists (Program Files>Yahoo>Messenger). Delete the "Messenger" folder. Preferably, the "Yahoo" folder should be deleted. If you want to do this, be sure to unistall first all Yahoo! programs you installed in your computer before deleting the "Yahoo" folder.
- Get the old version of Yahoo! Messenger here.
- A window will appear to ask you whether to Open, Save or Cancel. Check that ymsgr_1750.exe is the one being downloaded. Choose Open.
- After installing the old version, go again to the "Messenger" folder to rename the "yupdater.exe" file to "yupd.exe". This is to disable Yahoo! Messenger to ask you from time to time to download the latest version of Yahoo! Messenger.
NOTICE: (02Sep2005)
Looks like Yahoo! has beat me to the punch. They must have known I have been propagating the information regarding Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. The link I provided to download the old version of Yahoo! Messenger can no longer be accessed. If you still want to get the installer for Yahoo! Messenger 6, please click here and save it in your computer. Then, unzip the file and run it from your PC.
To verify the file downloaded, check the following:
File Size: 4.49MB
File Version: 6.0.0.1750
Description: Yahoo! Messenger
Copyright: 1997-2004 Yahoo! Inc.
Or you can get the old version of Yahoo! Messenger from this site: http://www.oldversion.com/program.php?n=yahoo
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