Shake, Rattle and Roll 2k5
Last day of the year, decided to watch another MMFF entry. And afterwhich, attend the Mass. At least, I won't be shocked to my wits everytime a firecracker is exploded when I go to and from Church for midnight Mass.
Shake, Rattle and Roll 2k5 is supposedly a horror/comedy film. I was definitely shocked that I finished the film without walking out... hehehe! My niece let out some giggles because of ka-corny-han, even to how some of the actors in the film acted out. The movie is a trio of short stories titled "Halimaw sa Poso", "Aquarium" and "Lihim ng San Juaquin".
After the movie, we have extra time for my niece to buy a gift for a friend. Then, we had dinner at
heaven 'n eggs after the Mass.
World Pyro Olympics: Day Five (Bless!)
Declared a non-working holiday, decided to watch another entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. With my niece in tow, watched
Ako Legal Wife: Mano Po 4?!.
The movie is about the travails of a wife sharing the love of his husband with two other women. In Elton Chong's life is Chona, the legal wife, Patty, the lucky wife, and Gloria, the latest wife. The film tries to show how Chona tries to keep her man, coming out comical. There are lots of situations and dialogues which is enough to trigger laughter.
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United Arab Emirates
Philippines
After the movie, we immediately went home so we can prepare for the last day of the World Pyro Olympics. We were immediately informed that there are already a lot of people at The Esplanade and traffic is building-up. And to think, it is only 4:30PM! So, at exactly 5PM, we are already on the way to the venue.
Definitely, there were already a lot of people as we cannot find a place to set-up are things. So, we walked beyond the tents reserved for the VIPs. Luckily, the people milling there is not that many. But as the night deepens, the area is also filling-up with people.
The last participant of the Pyro Olympics is from United Arab Emirates. They provided an awesome display. And, I must admit, this contestant may snatch the trophy from Australia.
Around 9:30PM, the winner was announced. Australia won!
Afterwhich, the host country, Philippines, displayed what it's made of. And it is definitely WOW! Even heard some people from the crowd shouting "Panalo ang Pilipinas!". hehehe!
Leaving for home is another story. The last day of the World Pyro Olympics brought with it monstrous traffic jam. It took us 3 hours to reach home that would normally take 10 to 20 minutes. In any case, what we saw tonight, can't help but say that it is worth it.
World Pyro Olympics: Day Four
It's the last working day of the year plus the fourth night for the
World Pyro Olympics. It will be United States of America and South Africa's turn to display their artistry through pyrotechnics.
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United States of America
South Africa
Left at exactly 5PM from the office hoping that I'll be early to get myself a "space" for the viewing of the fireworks display. Good thing somebody is already there ahead of us to reserve a space in the sea wall where we would be watching the competition from.
My nephew also arrived at The Esplanade with another group of friends. They also hanged-out near us as our location is a good place to watch the spectacle.
One thing nice about waiting for the "show", we get to meet new friends as we chat our heads off during the wait.
The participants tonight showed excellence in their performance. But, I still fancy Australia to win the competition.
World Pyro Olympics: Day Three
My plan to leave the office exactly 5PM this week was broken. An emergency meeting was called. Thus, left the office around 6PM. Ergo, my plan to be at The Esplanade by 6:30PM is impossible. Wanted to be at the venue early so I can position myself a vantage point for the fireworks display.
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Russia
United Kingdom
When I arrived home, I learned that Manong was doing an errand for my brother. Thus, it was my brother who drove us to the venue. hehehe! It took me less than 30 minutes to change, eat dinner and pack my gear. This time, we are five in the group who would be watching Russia and United Kingdom do their stuff.
At the venue, the seawall is already full of people. Walked by it to see if I can still cram myself in the crowd. Good thing, a family agreed that I share their space. Thus, set-up my gear in time for the first fireworks show at 8PM.
In between shows, spent time chatting with each other and with our new found friends. My nephew, with his friends, also arrived to see the show. It is only when we are about to leave that we learned that the mother of the family who kindly shared their space knows my brother who used to work at Wyeth, Philippines.
While waiting for Manong to pick us up, we ate at Icebergs in Blue Wave. We were already seated at the table when in comes my nephew and his friends who also decided to eat there. Small world. hehehe! c",)
My ranking so far? Australia, United Kingdom, Russia.
World Pyro Olympics: Day Two
At exactly 5PM, left the office so I can arrive home early and be on my way to The Esplanade to watch the pyrotechnic artistry of Germany and Korea, the two countries slated to do their fireworks display tonight.
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Korea
Germany
Inspite of the rains, there are still a lot of people who went to watch the fireworks display. As expected, because of the rains, there were technical problems. Thus, the first pyrotechnic show for the night was delayed by an hour. The bands who were supposed to entertain the audience was not able to do their repertoire.
Yet still, the people stood their ground and waited for the fireworks display. And that included us (me, my niece and Manong)! hehehe! With people stuck on the same predicament, you get to chat and meet new people while trying to get cover from the rains. Anyway, the wait is well worth it.
So far, from the four countries I've seen, Australia is still on top of my list. c",)
Pyro Presentiment
Christmas season also means Metro Manila Film Festival for Philippine movies. Thus, the first on my movie list is
Kutob (translation: presentiment, hunch).
With my niece in tow, we went to Glorietta 4 to watch Kutob. It is a movie thriller about Erica, wherein a fortune teller predicted a big misfortune is about to happen. The warning signs foretold were ignored by Erica; thus, the grissly events slowly unfold. Marvin Agustin, as Lemuel, is effective as a guy obsessed with Erica. His cheesy dialogues can't help but cause a reaction from the audience through chuckles. There are situations that, if the characters were using their head, would not lead to a gruesome end. But then again, if they did, there would be no story. Hehehe!
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China
Australia
After the movie, went back home to rest and prepare my gear for the
World Pyro Olympics. Left the house around 6PM so that we could be at the venue (The Esplanade, Bay City Central Business Park, Pasay City, Philippines) around 6:30PM as the first contestant for the Pyrotechnic Competition will be displaying its form around 7:30 PM. There are nine countries joining the competition: China, Australia, Germany, Korea, Russia, United Kingdom, United States of America, South Africa and United Arab Emirates. Every night, from December 26, there will be two countries displaying their artistry.
If I were to base what I have seen tonight, through word of mouth, more people will be going to The Esplanade just to see the fireworks. Definitely, there were lots of ooohs and aaahhs. c",)
CHRISTmas...
Received the following in my e-mail...
CHRISTMAS... The late Fr. Dela Costa, the first Filipino provincial superior of the Jesuits, delivered this homily at midnight Mass at the Ateneo Law School. This reflection piece was selected for CDN readers by columnist Juan L. MercadoCHRISTMAS is when we celebrate the unexpected; it is the festival of surprise.This is the night when shepherds wake to the song of angels; when the earth has a star for a satellite; when wise men go on a fool's errand, bringing gifts to a Prince they have not seen, in a country they do not know.This is the night when one small donkey, bears on its back, the weight of the world's desire, and an ox plays host to the Lord of heaven. This is the night when we are told to seek our king, not in a palace, but in a stable.Although we have stood here, year after year, as our fathers before us, the wonder has not faded; nor will it ever fade; the wonder of that moment when we push open that little door, and enter, and entering find, a mother who is virgin, and a baby who is God.Chesterton has said it for us all: the only way to view Christmas properly is to stand on one's head. Was there ever a home more topsy-turvy than Christmas, the cave where Christ was born? For here, suddenly, in the very heart of earth, is heaven; down is up, and up is down; the angels look down on the God who made them, and God looks up to the things he made.There is no room in an Inn for Him who made room and to spare, for the Milky Way, and where God is homeless, all men are at home.We were promised a savior, but we never dreamed God Himself would come and save us. We know that He loved us, but we never dared to think that he loved us so much as to become one of us.But that is the way God gives! His gifts are never quite what we expect, but always something better than we hoped for. We can only dream of things too good to be true; God has a habit of giving things too true to be false. That is why our faith is a faith of the unexpected, a religion of surprise.Now, more than ever, living in times so troubled, facing a future so uncertain, we need such faith. We need it for ourselves, and we need to give it to others.We must remind the world that if Christmas comes in the depths of winter, it is that there may be an Easter in the springtime.
King Kong
A day before Christmas, decided to go to the mall to have the pictures I took of my nephew's birthday and my brother's Christmas party for his staff developed. I also have my niece tag along with this little "errand".
But first, dropped by the cemetery to light some candles and say some prayers for my mom. Then, we proceeded to the mall to have the pictures developed. Since we can get them after an hour, we had our lunch first at
Italianni's. We had Grilled Pork Chops Au Poivre, Fresh Mango Shake and Dalandan.
(Note: Sam of Pinoy Big Brother was on the table next to ours. Been nagging my niece to take his picture with her mobile phone since it won't be that obvious if she was the one taking his picture. She's rather adamant about it since, according to her, it would be obvious. Surely, she can pretend she was sending an SMS? Bottomline, no picture. Anyway, I have TXTed all those I know who have a crush on Sam that we're having lunch with him... on separate tables! hehehe!)
We then watched King Kong after picking up the pictures. The movie is a remake. First, it was shown in 1933; then, in 1976. With the advancement in film-making, the new King Kong movie would have something new to offer. The set is great as it tries to get the mood of that time. I have not watched the first two films but I know that King Kong would die in the end. But inspite of it, I still shed a tear (and so does my niece). And for that greedy director (played by Jack Black), you can't help but be mad at him. And I disagree with his statement that "The airplanes did not kill him, beauty did". In the first place if he did not bring King Kong to the city, he would not die as he did.
After the movie, heard some activity where the Mass was being held. When I asked last week if there will be a Mass today, Customer Service informed me that the Mass will only be held at Greenbelt Chapel around 8PM. When we asked them (Customer Service) today after our lunch, they told us that there will be a Mass at Glorietta around 7PM. Good thing the movie ended around 5PM and we were near where the Mass is being held. The Christmas Mass at Glorietta started 5PM.
Celebrations...
First. Today is my nephew's birthday. But he had his party last night at
The Legend Bar and Restaurant in Malate, Manila. (His Dad made sure that the venue is exclusive for my nephew's birthday party.) This way, as the clock ticked past 12 midnight, he is with his family and friends in the first hour of his birthday. c",)
The party started slowly until the band, Major 5, played its repertoire for the night. But still, it seems that my nephew's guests are glued to their seats. With a little inspiration, my two nieces (his sister and my cousin's daughter) decided to take it to their own hands and went to the dance floor so that the others would follow suit. It took some cajoling from my nephew so that his friends will join in the dance floor. And that started the ball rolling...
The party soon had a life of its own. My two nieces danced with the "older" guests so that they, too, would have a grand time. Actually, we occupied two tables. One table sat my cousin and her husband, my other cousin and two lawyer family friends. I sat with my two nieces, where the young ones seat... hehehe!
Left The Legend around 1AM as I still have work the following day (or is it today?), tagging along my two nieces. I did ask my brother that I'll just leave the two with him as they are still having a fun time; but he insisted that I take them home (
check the sidelights).
My niece (from my cousin) slept at our house. Before going to bed, checked them and left the two still talking their heads off wrapping up the night's events. c",)
Second. Tonight is my brother's Christmas party for his people (at City Hall, political leaders, friends, his business, etc.). As usual, I am in-charge with covering the events; in short, photographer. But since there will be presentations, decided to take video instead. My niece was tasked to take the pictures. Oh! And I have another role--I am the game master.
Decided to include games which is seldom (or was never played) in parties I think our guests ever attended. Started with a heart-pumping game which I called "The Balloon Battle". Each player has a balloon tied to his/her leg. The aim is to pop the balloon of the other players while making sure that your balloon is safe. I was laughing so hard, I would think that my video covering the game would seem that there is an earthquake.
Another game is "Big Newspaper Dance". Instead of the usual pair stepping in to a newspaper when the music stop, used several newspapers taped together to form one big paper. The players must get in the big paper when the music stops. Those not inside the paper are out of the game. Before the music begins, the paper is then folded into half. This continues until only one "survives".
In between presentations and games, prizes are raffled off. And my brother ensured everyone went home with a prize. All in all, I would say the guests enjoyed themselves. And... I had a big laugh while watching them play the games.
Sidelights in my nephew's birthday party at The Legend:
- My two niece stole the "picture" from the other female guests of my nephew. They were giving them (my nieces) "the eye". Maybe they thought they are their "competitors" from my nephew's attention. Wait! I was sitting with my two nieces. Maybe, they are insecure with me? hehehehe!
- Major 5 has two cute guy members: the drummer and the guitarist. If I am to believe my niece's (tall) tales, these two are checking them out when they started the dance... and everytime they are in the dance floor.
- Whenever my two nieces go to the dance floor, two friends of my nephew follow suit and dance beside them... under the watchful eye of my brother. hehehe! One of them has a girlfriend. There was even a point the girlfriend stood up and went to the guy at the dance floor and wrapped her arms around him. Hello..?! (Same reaction from my niece... hehehe. My other niece even thought he was gay!)
- My nephew has a female guest on his lap while he is wiping her face with water to revive her. She must be drunk. Until my brother whispered to me, "Tingnan mo yang kaibigan ng pamangkin mo. Nag-iinarte lang. Hindi naman yan lasing." (Translation: Look at your nephew's friend. She's just acting out. She's not even drunk.) Which my niece seconded because she knows that the "drunk" girl is a party girl and can handle a number of drinks.
- I think these two has a point. When another male friend helped the "drunk" girl up, when she was able to stand up, she wrapped her arms around my nephew... Ugh!
- The drummer is at the bar during a break in their show. Since we are leaving early (my brother thought that many will be intoxicated by then and he wants his daughter and her niece safely home), my two nieces convinced me to talk to the drummer to have his picture taken with them. As soon as I took their picture, left them to have their chat. Rather surprised, as soon as I left them, they were on my tails. Must be a very short talk. hehehe! And to think, I think that the drummer is interested in one of them.
- They also wanted to have their picture taken with the guitarist. But he was on his way to the comfort room when we saw him. I don't think I would dare stop him to do his business... haha!
Remember My Birthday????!!!!!!
Remember My Birthday????!!!!!!As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time of the year, there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking about the fact that my birthday is getting closer and closer.It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face......... and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me.Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor!At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other ; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and.... do you know.... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, open the gifts, and enjoy the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart.I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside.Do you know how you can answer this invitation? It is by extending it to others whom you care for... I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year... I hope to see you soon.... I love you!-Jesus-Received this in my e-mail. A good reminder what this season really means...
(S)hoes, (S)hopping, (S)inging
Today, I would be watching
In Her Shoes. Heard good comments about the film, and I have to see it for myself.
The movie is about two sisters, who is completely different from each other. Maggie is happy-go-lucky and is jobless, while Rose is responsible and a high-powered lawyer. Inspite of their differences, the two are close to each other... until Maggie made an unacceptable thing which forces Rose to kick her out of her apartment. The story is good and engaging and the treatment in the film makes it more endearing. Both a drama and a comedy, even guys would like it.
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After the movie, bought a gift for the Christening I would be attending tomorrow, attended the anticipated Mass and we had dinner at
Italianni's. We had Sicilian Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Fettuccine and bottomless Dalandan. Being an Ayala Discount Cardholder, we were given a free Pepperoni Pizza. And finally, I was able to get a Bistro Group Gold Exclusive where I can avail a 20% discount whenever I eat at Italianni's,
Friday's or
Outback.
I mentioned to my friends that I saw last night posters regarding a free concert titled "San Miguel Chorale Festival". Since I was not sure when it would be held, we went to Glorietta 4 Park to check if it would be tonight. And it is! Good thing we were early, we were able to get some chairs. My friend bought
Pasko CDs and she even have it autographed by no less than Mr. Ryan Cayabyab.
The concert started with the San Miguel Orchestra playing the Olympics theme, followed by songs from Star Wars. The second part of the show have the San Miguel Master Chorale joining the orchestra on stage and started serenading the crowd with Christmas Carols--a mixture of foreign and Filipino Christmas Songs. They ended with the song "A Christmas Carol".
A Christmas Topic Again.. c",)
Today is the start of
Simbang Gabi. It is a Nine-Mass Novena until Christmas Day. This is why they say that the Philippines celebrate Christmas the longest.
Maybe it is because everyone is in the party-feeling, there's not much pressure today. Also, a friend dropped by the office and we exchanged gifts... c",) Showed her around to see the entries for the Lantern Competition as well as the Floor Decoration Competition.
When I am about go home, saw our users in their cowboy costume. They'll be having their Christmas party at the Hyatt. Being a revenue unit, they can afford to have their party at a hotel. They also have good prizes for their raffle (either in their budget or is donated). Thus, they can mandate that only those in costume can join the raffle. This forces everyone to be in costume just to have the chance to be a raffle winner.
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Since the traffic is quite heavy (seems everyone is having their Christmas party tonight), decided to walk to Ayala Center. But this time, on a different route. I'd like to try to capture in images the decorations adorning the buildings along Ayala Avenue. There used to be a competition held by the Makati government. Am not sure if this year, there still is a competition. But, with or without it, the buildings were still adorned with lovely decoration depicting Christ's birth.
Next time, would try to use my dSLR camera instead of my point-and-shoot... c",)
Hug-a-Bear
A little more than a week and it would be Christmas. Still have to cross-out the remaining in my list. So, decided to buy after office.
Good thing, too! That's when I learned that it is the last day of the Hug-a-Bear promo of
SM Department Store. If you have any item bought in the store worth at least P500.00 and is an SM Advantage Cardholder, you can buy the Hug-a-Bear for P299.90. The original price of the teddy bear is P749.75.
Since I am really going to buy gifts, decided to shop at the store and avail of the Hug-a-Bear. The name of the teddy bear fits it to a "T"--it is big, soft, fluffy and, definitely, huggable!
The bear is selling like hotcakes! When the salesman is putting the items on display, in a matter of seconds, they are gone! So, what I did, waited for him while he got some more from the stockroom, stopped him as he pushed the cart back to where the bears will be displayed and got me a brown Hug-a-Bear! c",)
Christmasy Attitude
They say Christmas is for kids. For one, a long Christmas vacation from school. Next, lots of gifts they are expecting from their parents, aunts, uncles, godparents, even Santa Claus. Thus, as one grow older, during this season, there are times the feeling of Christmas is elusive.
But for me, you just have to set your mind to it. In no time, that elusive thing will be within your grasp (and this is not only true for the Christmas feeling but for most of your dreams and aspirations). Thus, my desk is surrounded by things which remind me of the merry season.
Since my workplace is already bedecked with Christmas decors, have to do the same at home. Alas! The Christmas tree we have been using for years (which my mother bought) is gone a-missing. Where would I put the gifts I have for my family and household?!
So, right after office, went shopping for one. Bought a fiber optic Christmas tree with a star and acorns adorning it. This way, I no longer have to buy Christmas lights and I would just be adding a few trimmings.
Usually, the missing Christmas tree takes me hours to set-up. But the one I bought only took me around fifteen to twenty minutes. Yes! And I don't even have to contend with sore fingers. c",)
Music bringing Good Cheer...
Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, throw cares away.
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song...Music adds to the merriment of the season. Thus, inspite of the heavy workload at the office, buds tucked neatly in my ears and unmindful of stares when I sing out of tune, I still beat my fingers like a conductor to an imaginary orchestra...
Believe me, it works. The work seems much lighter (in spite of, or is it despite of, deadlines, pressure, intrigue, politicking, etc.)! c",)
...One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home.
Ding dong ding dong
I am also listening to songs in the High Notes album, which was a gift to me. The write-up goes..."Music is more than just notes joined together into melodies and used for entertainment. Clinical studies have repeatedly shown how it can soothe and cure; encourage and give hope especially to patients who are in pain."Encourage self-healing in your patients through the notes and melodies of HIGH NOTES, a compilation of soothing music and nature sounds, especially selected to provide the serenity and warm calmness that one seeks in a physician's clinic. See how, combined with pain medication, it promotes faster recovery and restores quality of life."How does music benefit patients in pain?- Helps reduce pain, anxiety, and nausea caused by chemotherapy.
- Enhances the health care of pediatric oncology patients by promoting social interaction and cooperation.
- Relieves muscle tension and improves motor skills
- Helps rebuild physical patterning skills in rehabilitation clinics
- Improves the immune function by increasing the levels of endorphins, natural pain relievers and decreasing the levels of stress hormone."
The Fog
My tasks for today were completed in a breeze... and plus more! c",)
- Bring car for its 6-month check-up.
- Go to my doctor for my check-up. I wonder how she knows I am still eating chocolates..?
- Pick-up my computer from the shop. Finally, there seems to be no problem with the replacement memory. The problem with browsing at the computer store, it's too hard to resist not to buy accessories. Bought myself a portable speaker for my laptop. :P
- Watch "The Fog".
The Fog centers around Antonio Bay and the town's "secret" history. In the form of a thick enveloping fog, evilminded force exacts revenge. As they say, revenge is best served cold. And cold it is...
After the movie, picked up my car. This is where my mini-adventure begins. Since there is heavy traffic inside the mall, I cannot get a taxi to bring me to Honda Magallanes. So, decided to take the MRT and get off at Magallanes station, just one station away from Ayala Avenue station. My plan is to use the pedestrian overpass to cross the South Superhighway. Alas! The pedestrian overpass is being repaired. I have to go through shanties and the railroad track amidst wet, muddy street due to rainshowers. Then, I have to cross the highway! Never thought I would do it. Guess I am good at patintero since I was able to pick-up my car and proceeded to go back to the mall.
I arrived just in time for the anticipated Mass. After the Mass, I slowly checked-off those in my Christmas list. Finally, I can count in my fingers those I still have to buy gifts to. ;)
Decided to buy my Christmas pastry gift for the other departments in our division. Went to the office on a Sunday and left them at table of the department heads to be shared among them. This way, it would be the first thing they would see tomorrow. A rather nice way to start the work week... (11Dec2005, Sunday)
Just Like Heaven
Finally, Christmas decor has graced the window of our workplace. Thus, it is also time to take out my CHRISTmas tree which I always put on top of my computer's monitor. A cute reminder of the season of giving...
Since I am behind my movie list (as well as my CHRISTmas list.. hehe), decided to watch a movie after office. This way, the coming weekend will leave me enough time to go through my CHRISTmas list. As it is, my Saturday is booked. First, there's the check-up for my car, followed by picking up my computer from the shop, then, a visit to the doctor for a check-up.
Just Like Heaven is about Elizabeth Masterson, a doctor who is so dedicated to her profession that she missed out on living. It is when she encountered a vehicular accident and is in a coma when she actually lived. This incident to Elizabeth has also affected another lonely soul in the person of David Abbot, a landscape artist. There are several light moments in the film which contributed in presenting how these two strangers have slowly but surely learn to feel for each other.
Par-teeeh!!!
Tonight would be our unit's Christmas Party. But first, the judging of the Christmas lantern per floor. The judges would be doing the rounds this morning. The winner would be announced during the party.
4th Floor Entry
5th Floor Entry
6th Floor Entry
7th Floor Entry
Guess who won? c",)
Christmas Competition
Deck the halls with boughs of holly... fa-lala-lala-lala-la-la...Christmas Season also means having decoration put up to help celebrate the festivity. Because of this, one of the units in our company held a competition among their departments to have their work area decorated based on a theme: a Filipino TV show/soap opera.
So, after office, visited these departments to see how they have it "conceptualized".
Encantadia
Ang Panday
Kampanerang Kuba
Sugo
Tomorrow, it is our turn for the contest. Each floor of our unit will have to display a Christmas lantern. We must use recycled materials to make it cost-efficient.
Note: I have to cover the eyes in the pictures as I have this thing about pictures and the internet... c",)
Of Cheating, Milkshake and Trains
Before going to the mall, decided to surf and check out blogs in my list. One that hit me is the post at
monologue, dialogue, analogue talking about the supposed cheating at the Southeast Asian Games, titled
Thaksin and Cheating. I couldn't agree more. The sour-graping of a Thai official has robbed Filipinos the "sweetness" of winning the games. And to think, his country's athletes (Thailand) has been banned before in the Olympics because of cheating.
For lunch, decided to go to Brothers Burger and have a go with their flame-broiled pure beef Brothers Burger topped with Cream Cheese with Garlic. On the side, I had a vanilla (milk)shake... c",)
Now, it is between a movie or watching a live musical at the Glorietta Activity Center. Since I can still catch the movie I am planning to watch next week, decided to watch Thomas Christmas Surprise: A Live Musical. This free show was brought by Ayala Management for their patrons. Was able to get a ticket (being an Ayala Discount Cardholder) so I can enjoy the musical comfortably seated. Frankly, I only know Thomas. But the kids who were watching all know the characters of the musical--Thomas and his friends. They ecstatically shout their answers as questions are thrown at them by the host.
After the show, went around the mall to look for items I can give away as my Christmas gift. Found them! Of course, also bought one for myself... hehehe!
Afterwhich, attended the anticipated Mass, we had dinner at heaven 'n eggs, then proceeded to SM Department Store to buy a gift for the Christening of my officemate's baby daughter. On the way, met Alma Moreno, an actress. Near the entrance of Shoemart sat Santa Claus "mobbed" by kids and their parents as they have their pictures taken with him.
I was able to buy my gift and have them gift-wrapped in time for the start of the fireworks display at the Glorietta 4 Park. Ayala Management, in celebration of the Christmas season, have a fireworks display every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8PM. There were lots of ooohs and aahhhs as we are enthralled by the dancing fireworks illuminating the night sky. Definitely, a nice way to end the day...
Planning Chicken Little
The planning session that should have been held at Tagaytay Highlands finally pushed thru. From Tagaytay Highlands, the planning session moved to Edsa Shangri-La. Ngek! c",) There goes the game of billiards and bowling we hope to do after the seminar...
After the seminar, my officemate dropped me off at Shoemart Makati where I met my niece at Glorietta who is doing her Christmas shopping. Unlike her big sister who takes sometime to decide her gifts to her friends, she is prepared with her list and knows exactly what she would be buying. This leaves us a lot of time to watch a movie.
Chicken Little is a movie for the whole family. It will be enjoyed by the young and old alike (if the basis would be the young boy beside us and two guys behind us as they laugh their heart out). Chicken Little and his friends (Runt of the Litter, Abby Mallard a.k.a. Ugly Duckling, and Fish Out of Water) are endearing. Surrounded by fast friends and loving family, Chicken Little is able to overcome major handicaps--size poses no hindrance to winning in life. The movie infuses nicely "the value of losing with dignity, persistence against all odds and a healthy dose of optimism".
While waiting for the driver to pick us up after the movie, my niece and I strolled around the mall, taking pictures of Christmas decor on display. This includes the very big Christmas Tree adorning the park across Glorietta 4.
