The Goblet, A Second Time Around
Bonifacio Day is on November 30. But, the government announced that today would be a non-working holiday in lieu of November 30. Thus, decided to continue with my Christmas shopping.
My niece was supposed to have a "gimmick" with her friends today but it went pffftttt.... So, she tagged along with me. The morning was spent checking-off those in my list. Then, we had lunch at the
Food Choices in
Glorietta 4. For my dessert, had a Peaches and Berries Sundae from
Iceberg. Burp!
Next, we bought tickets for the
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie since my niece hasn't seen it. Anyway, that's the main reason she tagged along. Decided to get the reserved seats, to ensure we are comfortably seated while enjoying the movie.
This leaves us three and one-and-a-half hours to continue with our shopping. This time, my niece mostly ate up the hours. The reason? It takes sometime for her to make up her mind. Hehehe!
The Myth
Must... bring... back... my... computer...
haayyyy....
The replacement memory wasn't any good. When I try playing SIMS 2 last night, the program just crashed. Hello...?! That does not happen with the original memory (RAM). Then, it affected the McAfee, then Windows (and its services). Good thing, Microsoft has online troubleshooter which just confirmed that there is a problem with the RAM. So, off I went and brought back my PC to the vendor with a monologue of what happened... :p
Of course, today is my movie and shopping day. So, watched
The Myth, a Jackie Chan starrer. Like any Jackie Chan movie, expect action and comedy to boot.
The movie is about Jack, an archeologist bothered by his repetitive dreams of a lady in white, and William, Jack's friend and a scientist in search of a mysterious stone that causes things to levitate. So, both embark on a journey which led them answers to their questions.
After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass and we had dinner at the
Banana Leaf Curry House. Thanks to a friend who has got a gift certificate, our dinner was subsidized... hehehe!
It's Ba-ack...
Finally, after two weeks and six days, my computer's CPU is back! Can't wait to pick it up from the computer shop when I learned yesterday that the "culprit" (memory) has been replaced... without charge. That's why, it is best to stress test any equipment, specially, within warranty. c",)
Can't wait to get home to set-up my computer.
Upon arriving home, have to puff and puff as I pull/push my computer table as it is blessed without wheels. Hehehe! No matter what, won't replace it... it is unlike any other computer table. It's got class! LOL.
Waaahhhh!!! False alarm. Tried playing SIMS 2 in my PC. That's when the problem with the replacement memory happened! Waahhh!!! (25Nov2005, Friday)
The Shoes!
It does not have to be a Naturalizer... nor a Lacoste... not even a Via Venetto. As long as it is comfortable to the feet and does not give a hard growth (
kalyo) at the heel. Thus, during the two days of the Double Midnight Madness Sale at the Ayala Center last November 18 and 19, I have been pressing the back part of the shoes that were displayed on sale. hehehehe!
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I always wear sneakers to and from the office. I leave a medium-height heels at the office which I wear during office hours. The sale is just in time as my shoes is begging that it be replaced.. c",)
Since I did not go to the office yesterday, today, I brought to the office the new shoes which I finally found during my second day of the sale. ;) Had it broken-in. The two-days search is definitely worth it! hehehe!
(Click above image to view bigger picture)
Heading for home, decided to walk from the office to Ayala Center where there is a terminal for my ride home. The walk would be a breeze as you can already feel the cool air. Christmas decors are already on display with their lights on. Starting from the lobby of our office's building, to the trees lining Makati Avenue and the street lamps along Ayala Avenue.
BTW, am not wearing my new shoes... I am back to my reliable sneakers! c",)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Tonight, I should have been at the PICC listening to Kuh Ledesma, Basil Valdez and Christian belt the songs composed by George Canseco. The concert is titled
Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan?, a tribute to George Canseco and his music. But, we we were told in the office way before to keep November 18 and 19 open for our planning session.
And the planning session? It went pffffttttt.... So, decided to watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I was planning to watch it next week as tickets has been reserved in advance--it would surely be hard for me to get a ticket now. Thus, have to be really early at Glorietta to try to get that ticket!
Harry Potter is the only movie which opened this week. If I'm a producer, I, too, wouldn't dare to have my movie face head-on with this sure-fire hit. But first, dropped by Brothers Burger. They finally opened a branch along Ayala Avenue. The only branch I know they have in Makati is at Rockwell, and you really have to get out of your way (in my case, anyway) just to taste those flame-broiled pure beef burgers... hehehe! With my Brother's Burger topped with Cream Cheese with Garlic safely wrapped, went to Glorietta for the movie.
Harry Potter is now in the fourth year at Hogwarts. For the school year, Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament wherein champions of the three European wizarding schools (Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang) will compete by completing three tasks. The champions are chosen by the Goblet of Fire. Only 17-year olds can join the tournament. Which is a surprise since Harry was also chosen. Thus, there are four champions, instead of three, that would compete. While all these are happening, Harry is also haunted by his dreams. Perhaps, a sign of the things to come?
Given that the book is 728-pages long, the director was able to compress it to two-and-one-half hours by presenting the highlights of the story. Thus, the movie is fast-paced, with a sprinkle of funny moments. Of course, the
kilig factor which made the book exciting to read was also shown. Although, I would have liked them longer... hehehe! Couldn't wait for it's VCD version to be released so that my Harry Potter movie collection would be complete... until the next installment. c",)
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Oddly, even if
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (based on a true story) will still be shown in Philippine theaters starting November 29, it will be shown (at a regular price) for one day today. Decided to make a head-start.
The movie is about Emily Rose, a 19-year old, whose possession was recognized by the Catholic Church and has allowed exorcism to be performed. She was possessed by six demons: the demon who possessed Cain, the demon who possesed Nero, the demon who possessed Judas, the Legion, etc. The sixth is Belial himself. The priest who performed the exorcism was charged with alleged negligence that resulted to Emily's death. It seems those all involved in the case is being haunted by dark forces (with 3AM as the "witching hour"). This includes the priest's lawyer, who considers herself as an agnostic. Oddly, the prosecutor is said to be a devout church-goer and a Methodist.
The movie is of drama genre, a theme I rarely watch. But in this case, it is one movie I am not about to miss.
Slow Sunday
My normal Sunday routine was broken today... Received an SMS last night, requiring me to go to the office in the morning. Normally, I would have slept the whole morning, trying to make-up for the lost sleep during the weekdays.
After doing what I have to do, decided to walk from the office to Ayala Center. A good excuse to take pictures using my new mobile phone's camera. I have taken pictures of these landmarks before using my digital camera. But, I am joining a competition requiring that pictures to be submitted must be taken by a mobile phone's camera.
(Click on image to view the bigger picture)
Sultan Kudarat Monument
Makati Avenue
Ayala Underpass
Upon reaching the Ayala Center, decided to go first to Greenbelt before proceeding home. I might bring home
Brown Sugar Muffins' Belgian Chocolate... c",)
Greenbelt Park
Greenbelt Park
With my Belgian Chocolate Muffins safely tucked in my arms, decided to take another route back to the terminal. Inside Greenbelt 3, Marissa Andal's art is on display and are for sale. She utilizes indigenous materials for her work.
Marissa Andal's Art
Now, which one to submit...
Planned Sogetsu Flight
Today, everything happened is as it should be, as I slowly ticked one by one the things I should do...
- Bring the car for its annual rustproofing and diamond gloss (rebuffing).
- Watch a movie, Flightplan.
- Pick up the car.
- Attend the anticipated Mass.
- Eat dinner at heaven n eggs.
Flightplan is about Kyle Pratt, whose daughter, Julia, went missing in a state-of-the-art aircraft, which Kyle was one of the designers. There are twists to the story, that keeps you guessing, or let you change your mind from time to time whether Kyle is loose in the head or not. I find the film has the same "feel" as Panic Room (another Jodie Foster movie) that was put inside an airplane.
After the movie, checked the status of my car. It was ready for pick-up! So, hopped in a taxi to pick it up. Boy! Does it look like brand-new. It should... given that it is already one year with me, its mileage is still 1000. With my smooth, shiny, red car, drove back to the mall.
Spent sometime window shopping until I reached the Glorietta Activity Center. Alas! Christmas is really in the air. The Christmas decors were now lit up!
My legs, then, led me to Glorietta 1 where there's a display of flower arrangement. Being showcased is Sogetsu (Ikebana), a Japanese art of flower arrangment. While being awed by the display, that's when I noticed the time. Had to run to where the anticipated Mass is being held. Good thing, the priest was late... c",)
Numa Numa Dance
The uplifting song being played in the Disney movie's
Chicken Little and the "moves" of the "lead star" is quite engaging. This prompted my niece to "educate" me why the song became popular. It is all because of Gary Brolsma.
A self-
video made Gary Brolsma popular, similar to William Hung and his rendition of Ricky Martin's She Bangs. But I find Gary Brolsma's performance more appealing. c",)
Gary has gained a lot of fans, even making a website for him:
GaryBrolsma.Net. Check-out the
video and you'll understand why... c",)
Cry_Wolf
Too much work at the office, decided to watch a movie on a weekday... Besides, with the Harry Potter movie being shown next week, am not sure if the movie I would like to watch will still be in the theaters.
Cry_Wolf is about Owen Matthews (and his new-found friends) who spread a rumor via the internet that a serial killer, called "The Wolf", is on the loose. Everything went out of control (or is it?) when their made-up story is happening, with them as the victims. There is a "feel" similar to the movie "I Know What You Did Last Summer". It has lots of twists that you can't help but wonder if there is a "hand" behind all that's going on in the campus. So... whodunit? c",)
Treat
A former officemate arrived from Singapore for a short vacation. He dropped by the office to treat some of us for lunch.
We had lunch at Triple V's
Kamayan in Glorietta. Since it's nearing Christmas, they already included in their buffet
bibingka and
puto-bumbong. And, my banana shake came with a fluffy pink puppy... c",)
Christmas countdown
It was said that the Philippines is the country who celebrate Christmas the longest. It is more because Christmas starts nine (9) days earlier as they attend the
Simbang Gabi as a form of novena, aside from the observation of Advent. But Christmas is already in the air as decors are put up in the malls.
Did not watch a movie today. First, because I have seen most of the movies I want to watch and what is currently being shown does not appeal to me. Second (and sadly), I have to bring my computer to the computer shop. It won't boot up!!! According to the technician, it really does not boot up if it detects that one of the components is not working properly. Thus, he will have to isolate which component is not working. Up until now, he has not called me to pick-up my computer or give feedback on what is wrong with it... :-(
After dropping the PC to the computer shop, passed by Greenbelt 1 to see if my Belgian chocolate muffin at Brown Sugar Muffins is available. Was able to take home four!!!
After lunch, went to Glorietta for some window shopping, attended the anticipated Mass and we had dinner at
Super Bowl. It's Super Bowl Combination Platter, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Crispy Lemon Chicken and Braised Tofu with Mushroom for us. c",)
Making a list, checking it twice...
Being declared a non-working holiday, today is a good time to check my (Christmas) list and slowly tick them one by one...
So, brought the car to the mall so I can safely stow the wrapped gifts for my nieces, nephews, godchildren, etc. to the car's trunk. I had my niece in tow who helped me choose the gifts and carry them to the gift-wrapping section. I also bought her advanced Christmas gift: a high-cut Chuck Taylor (Converse) rubber shoes. While waiting for the toys to be wrapped, we met with her dad and her sister. He bought them their Christmas clothes... c",) With the implementation of eVAT, now is the best to time to buy as the effect of this new tax will be much felt in December.
After lunch, we went our separate ways. But this time, my other niece is with me. She's the one who helped me carry the gifts to the car. Then, spent some time window shopping. We then met with my brother and my niece. Since my other niece (who helped me carry the gifts to the car) do not wish to watch Ispiritista, she went home with her father.
Ispiritista: Itay May Moomoo is a horror/comedy movie about Victor Espiritu (Vic Sotto), a widow, who presents himself as a medium and someone who can rid your house of ghosts. But the one who truly sees spirits is his son, Tom Tom (BJ Forbes). Don't expect much in terms of storyline, but it makes use of scenes when they try to talk to the dead or drive away the ghosts to inject humor. The story just keeps going... and going... and going. The kids sometimes upstage the grown-ups. Maybe, that's why they have a saying that in the movies, be wary of having a scene with animals or children... ;)
After the movie, we went to Timezone to play some arcade games; then, we headed for home.
Undas
Today, Filipinos from all walks of life troop to the cemetery to visit their dearly departed. Officially, the All Souls' Day is celebrated tomorrow, November 2; but, it has already been a practice by most to visit their dead today, All Saints' Day.
Woke up really early this morning so that we can go to Manila Memorial Cemetery at Sucat, Parañaque. This is in order for our car can still go inside the cemetery and be able to be home early. When my mother was still alive, it has been her practice to visit her sister who is laid to rest there. Now that my mother has moved on, I took it upon myself to visit my aunt.
Normally, we would have brought along flowers and candles. But this year, my cousin took the responsibility of taking the flowers yesterday to our dearly departed relatives. So, lit a candle at my aunt's resting place and said a prayer.
An uncle is also laid to rest at the same cemetery. Unfortunately, I don't know where exactly it is. All I know is after crossing the bridge, you turn right then left (or is it right?). Thus, on the way home, after passing the bridge, just said a little prayer for him.
On the way, we made several detours. First, a very early breakfast at McDonald's. Next, went to Sgt. Mariano Cemetery at Pasay City to light a candle (and say a prayer) for my mother, grandparents and uncles. Although we will still go to the cemetery in the afternoon, I just want candles lighting their resting place early that morning.
When we finally reached home, slept like a log... c",)
In the afternoon, with my niece in tow, went back again to Sgt. Mariano Cemetery.
Oh! While we were at the cemetery, we saw Diego, a gay TV personality who is in the Bubble Gang TV show, doing his "rounds" of the cemetery... ;)
The following were a common site in a public cemetery:
- Teenagers (girls and boys alike) walking to-and-fro from one tomb to another, as if walking on a ramp. Some are even in a skimpy attire. Are they looking for something or they just want to be noticed? :p
- Gays doing the same... And they would not to be outdone with their "look".
- Kids with plastic in hand containing melted candles. Either gathering melted wax or simply getting the candles that was left unattended. I believe they sell for P5.00/kilo.
- The chapel at the center of the cemetery plays music, with a spattering of announcements of missing kids, lost relatives, etc.
- On the outskirts of the cemetery are stalls where you can do your "last minute shopping" of flowers and candles. Food stalls are also prevalent.
- Also, saw one guy hawking a mobile phone at a very low price. Looks like somebody just lost his phone...
