SSEAYP
And I thought it would be my normal quiet Sunday. It is definitely far from it.
The Nippon Maru, the
Ship for the South East Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP), has docked in Manila. Countries participating in this program have their own delegates as they go through several activities on and off the ship as they share culture, ideas, etc.
Having the ship dock here in the Philippines means the delegates from the Asian countries would be staying with their "foster" parents, who will tour them in and outside of Manila.
There are four young ladies staying with us and they are from Japan, Indonesia, Cambodia and Myanmar. Actually, my niece would be the one accompanying them. With much prodding, I finally gave in. Hehehehe!
Our first stop is at the mall. (The Philippines is noted for its malls... LOL) Actually, one of the delegates has dropped her camera and she wanted it fixed. Since the Nikon service center is at
Glorietta, brought them there. We also brought them at
SM Department Store, specifically, at
Kultura, so they can buy souvenirs. We had dinner at
Max's.
So that they can experience Manila at night, we stopped at
Rizal Park. Then, we proceeded to the
Manila Cathedral. Would have wanted them to go to
Intramuros' WOW Philippines but it seems that it is only open every Friday and Saturday. But, they were able to buy more souvenirs there. Passed by
San Agustin Church, the oldest church in the Philippines, and strolled at Manila's
Baywalk. And before proceeding home, went around the
CCP Complex to show them the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP),
Folk Arts Theater,
Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), and
Star City, where we would be bringing them tomorrow night.
Fragile: Day of Freebies
This week, received an e-mail that I am one of the winners of
Click The City's
The Covenant promo. Yes!!! Decided to pick up my prize today.
Got my loot bag! As I left the office where I picked-up my prize, good thing I checked on what's inside it. It has two items of each! Ooopppssss.. Immediately went back and returned one set of
The Covenant t-shirt, scented candle, pencil and a spider! hehehehe!
And for my movie day, decided to watch
Fragile, starring Calista Flockhart. From the trailer, somehow I have an eerie feeling that it is similar to another movie titled
Saint Ange (which I also posted in my blog ==>
link).
There are similarities, but
Fragile is better.
The Mercy Falls Children's Hospital is closing after a century of operations due to the deterioration of its building. But the transfer of the children from the hospital was delayed because of a major train accident which occurred, thus, no beds are available in the other hospital for the children. When the night nurse did not appear for work for two days, Amy was hired to fill the vacancy. Just her first night, Amy already "felt" the malevolent force who is determined to stop the transfer of the children to another facility and is determined to share its suffering to the children and the people at the hospital.
There are twists and there are twists. c",)
After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass.
Before heading home, decided to buy
chichiria (translation: snack food) at the
Landmark Supermarket. Doing so, I got myself a free 1.5 Pepsi liter!
Wag Kang Lilingon
Came up again with a list of movies to watch...
Casino Royale
- Wag Kang Lilingon
- Happy Feet
- Fragile
- Ang Pamana
- The Return
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Since
Wag Kang Lilingon is on its second week, decided to watch it after office.
A horror, suspense, thriller movie, it comes out as two stories but actually are related to each other.
Starts with the story of Melissa, a nurse, who gets spooked by the ghosts of the patients (and doctor) who died at the hospital where she works. Her boyfriend, James, a reporter, decided to help her solve the mystery. Is a killer really on the loose?
The second story is titled "Salamin" (translation: mirror), with Angel, her family's breadwinner, taking care of her mother and younger sister. They moved in to a big old house, unknown to them, has a history. While checking the house, Angel sees a big mirror at the cellar. With the belief that if you stay in front of mirror during a full moon, holding a candle, you can ask anything and it will show you the answer. With hope to see her future, she does just that and makes a wish. Unknown to her, she has opened a portal of the spirits. The future she sees is her family being killed one by one.
You can hear the audience screaming--a lot louder when a person, not a ghost, was after the family. Hehehe! The music helps raise goosebumps. Although, I do not like how the cameraman took the shot wherein Melissa and James were talking at the hospital's rooftop. There's a lot of movement as if the camera is moving at the same time the cameraman is breathing...
Ngek!
The Adventures of Gynaika in Strangetown via PerSePhone, Part 5
Division 47Hot on the trail of Doctor Dominion, Gynaika went immediately to Division 47 to meet with Lazlo Curious, Sinjin's cousin. Lazlo was able to get a provisional clearance for Gynaika so that she can meet with General Buzz Grunt and ask for a job at the base.
Barracks Upon meeting the General in his office at the barracks, she learned that the only job available is a janitorial job. The job may not be that pleasing for Gynaika, but as an after thought, a good enough cover so she can poke around the base without raising any suspicion. Before leaving the General, Gynaika was able to get a star behind the General's desk.
The tasks assigned to her: fix Tank Grunt's computer, clean the barrack's bathroom, and pick up all trash in the laboratory.
Gynaika first fixed Colonel Tank Grunt's computer. Doing so "cooled down" the hot-tempered Colonel.
Since Division 47's store is within Colonel Grunt's room, Gynaika bought some gumflower bulbs, the last item she needs to plant in Hazel's garden.
Gynaika whizzed through the second task of cleaning the barrack's bathroom.
Gynaika's third task would be done thoroughly, that is, poking while picking the trash... LOL
Laboratory The first door on the right has a metal slab at the corner, which Gynaika learned after is called radio telecommunicator called YETI (Yonder Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence). She found a star on the left side of the room near a table.
The second door on the right has more science things, including plants.
Cleaning the first two rooms completed the tasks assigned to her by General Buzz. Gynaika left the laboratory to report back to the General, looking longingly on the third door opposite the entrance of the laboratory.
BarracksGeneral Buzz was impressed that Gynaika was able to complete the tasks quickly (or is he?). That's when she remembered that Colonel Tank Grunt asked her to talk to him when she's free.
Colonel Tank has an assignment for her. The Colonel is suspicious of Mister Smith, he thinks that the latter is holding out on something. Mister Smith's name used to be Pollination Technician Nine. When he got married, he changed it to Mister Smith. And that, in itself, is makes him suspicious in the eyes of Colonel Tank.
Gynaika first befriended Mrs. Smith. For surely, the first person to notice something is wrong with Mr. Smith would be his wife? When Gynaika was able to win the confidence of Mrs. Jenny Smith, she confided that every night, his husband goes out around midnight and rummages around the crash site. She, then, asked Gynaika to help her find out what is going on with her husband.
Gynaika, then, talked to Johnny Smith, Mister Smith and Jenny's son. Johnny is having a bad time at Division 47 that he wanted to get out from there. Johnny does not trust General Grant, the one who convinced his dad to bring them in the base. Johnny thinks that the General is doing experiments on his dad and his dad does not realize it! Johnny just wants to get out of the base even for one night and live a normal life.
Gynaika promised to help. She made him a fake ID so that the guard at the gate would allow him to leave the base and looped the security tape so that Colonel Tank would not see him leave (using Colonel Tank's computer).
GroundsSince it is midnight, Gynaika left the barracks and tried to look for Mister Smith near the crash site. And she did find him there as if looking for something. Gynaika confronted Mister Smith so that he would reveal his goings-on. (There's a star near the area Mister Smith is searching.)
Gynaika tried winning his confidence until he admitted that Jenny Smith is not her first wife, that is, he left his first family behind. (Mister Smith thought that he was able to pass himself as a human, not an alien... LOL). Mister Smith's alien friend came to earth to give Mister Smith a picture book of his family. But humans shoot his friend down. The humans took his friend and the picture book. That is why, Mister Smith is looking in the wreckage of the spaceship, hoping to find the picture book there. Gynaika promised Mister Smith that she will give him the picture book if she finds it.
As Gynaika left Mister Smith in his search, she remembered the third door she has not yet investigated. She will have to do it during her daily tasks so that she wouldn't be obvious.
LaboratoryThe following day, Gynaika decided to start with the laboratory. While doing her chores, she met Pascal Curious. Pascal asked for her help as his son, Tycho, is missing. Pascal thinks that the Dudes in Black have his child. Tycho is unlike any child--Pascal was abducted by aliens and when he came back, he is pregnant with Tycho. He suspects either Vidcund or Lazlo to have a hand in the kidnapping.
Gynaika first talked to Lazlo about the missing child. Lazlo pointed to Vidcund as he is said be going with the wrong crowd, that is, the Dudes in Black. With this information, Gynaika then tracked down Vidcund and questioned him about the missing child. Vidcund denies any knowledge and pointed his finger to Lazlo who is seen always with Mister Smith. Now, that just proves Lazlo is not involved in the kidnapping as she already knows the "story" of Mister Smith. Gynaika then accuses Vidcund. She intimidated him so that he would confess... and he did!
Secret SublevelThe only door Gynaika have not tried is the door opposite the entrance. And it is the right time to slip into it. Upon entering it, there is a long dark hall leading to a closed door that can only be opened by entering an access code. Gynaika tried befriending him but he is just plain grouchy. (Along the dark hall, Gynaika also got a star.) Gynaika opted to intimidate him such that he has no choice but to give the access code (access code to Secret Sublevel is 24601).
Once inside the Secret Sublevel, Gynaika searched high and low until she came up to a locked chest. Prying it open, she finds the picture book! (Near the chest, by the tires, is a star.)
Gynaika moved deeper into the Secret Sublevel and saw several doors. She first tried the first door on the left and saw a crib. Tycho! She quickly picked Tycho up.
She then tried the first door on the right. Near the bed is a star.
At the end is a metallic door. Upon entering, Gynaika saw a computer on the right side. On the left side is some sort of force field protecting an unknown tiem to Gynaika. She tried using the computer, hoping to hack it and turn off the force field. But Gynaika is not successful.
Since she already has the picture book and the baby, she decided to try hacking the computer the next time.
LaboratoryGynaika immediately looked for Pascal and reunited Pascal and his kid.
Then, Gynaika went to Mister Smith and gave him his picture book. She also told him that she got it in the Secret Sublevel. This angered Mister Smith as it proves that General Grant knew it along.
Just then, Isaac Rossum called and informed Gynaika that while he was going through the things of Doctor Newlow a.k.a. Doctor Dominion, he found a piece of paper saying "Division 47: Or4ngut4n". Gynaika remembered the computer in the Secret Sublevel and decided to try Or4ngut4n as the password.
Secret SublevelBack in the Secret Sublevel, Gynaika was able to "get in" when she entered the words written in the note found by Isaac. But the computer asked for futher verification as Gynaika's verbal pattern does not match that of Doctor Dominion (the computer would only give the teleportation unit protected by the force field to Doctor Dominion). Gynaika has to undergo Identity Test... and Gynaika was able to answer the five questions thrown to her by the computer. The force field was put down and Gynaika was able to get for herself a teleportation unit.
Gynaika decided to go home and rest before she confronts Doctor Dominion as she feels she needs all her energy when that time comes.
Paradise PlaceUpon arriving at
Espiritu Estate, Gynaika paid the bills, talked to Emily, bathe and slept. As soon as she woke up, Gynaika dropped by Hazel's house to plant the gumflower bulbs and teleported herself to where Doctor Dominion would be.
The MonumentWhen Gynaika teleported to The Monument, Doctor Dominion is right in front of her, as if waiting for her. He rambled on and on. In order to defeat him, Gynaika has to hack in the computer, remove the hyper-attractor from Beelzebeef and confront Doctor Dominion.
And Gynaika won while Doctor Dominion disappeared, leaving his mind control device. Gynaika saw her car being used to power Doctor Dominion's machine (and would now be totally useless as a car) and Roberta's head. When she touched the mind control device, she was transported to the Rossum House where she was able to give to Isaac the head of Roberta.
Free PlayWithout a car, Gynaika has no option but to stay at Strangetown. She would just have to make her own adventure...
The Adventures of Gynaika in Strangetown via PerSephone, Part 4
The HeirDeadtreeGynaika decided to check other mysteries Deadtree has to offer to while away the time. So, she decided to befriend the merchant. Her logic: merchants usually have too many stories to tell. Pita Florica, the merchant, is Gimi's cousin. (Gimi is the garbageman Gynaika was able to save from the Beakers.) Pita, then, asked Gynaika for a favor. Their family used to own all the land of Deadtree. Now, all they have is the old van. There's a squatter, named Ophelia, living in the Meetinghouse, which she claims is her inheritance. Pita wanted to know if the will really exists; if not, the Meetinghouse is Pita's by rights.
So, off Gynaika went to the
Meetinghouse to befriend Ophelia Specter. That's where she learned that Ophelia knocked over the bookcase where her mother's will was kept. Before leaving the Meetinhouse for the Old Library, Gynaika found a star near the bed.
At the
Old Library, Gynaika found the overturned bookcase... and the will. Pita would be disappointed as the real heir is Ophelia. Gynaika showed Pita the will. With this, Pita asked for another favor. Pita revealed that the real reason she is interested in the Meetinghouse is because something special is buried in it's graveyard--a family heirloom--buried in their great-grandfather's grave.
So off Gynaika went to the
Graveyard behind the
Meetinghouse. She was able to find the Florica tombstone and dug up an antique viola with an unusual reddish stain (as you exit from the Meetinghouse's back door, the tomb is on the right side). A few tombs away, there is a star which Gynaika also picked up.
Gynaika returned to Pita and gave her their family heirloom. Now, Pita would no longer bother Ophelia about the Meetinghouse.
The VampireDeadtreeGynaika strolled through Deadtree and found herself inside the
Old Library. Here she met Lincoln Broadsheet. Lincoln offers her a job to get stories (secrets) for him. Her first story: Virginya Feng.
Gynaika's first stop is the
Graveyard behind the
Meetinghouse. Virginya was often seen in the graveyard visiting her favorite tombstone. Making sure not to have eye contact with the zombies, Gynaika examined each of the tombstones until she came up with one saying "Virginya Feng, 1875-1892". (The tomb is on the right side of the graveyard as you exit the back door of the Meetinghouse.)
With this information, Gynaika reported to Lincoln at the
Old Library. Gynaika was then tasked to research on who is the Virginya Feng who died in 1892. Going through the bookcases, she found a missing person's pamphlet with a picture of the 19th century Virginya Feng who looks exactly as the modern Virginya.
To further get information about Virginya, Gynaika went to Pita Florica, whose family lived in Deadtree for generations, to ask if they have other information on Virginya. Pita referred Gynaika to Gimi. When Gynaika asked Gimi, he is adamant to say anything as Virginya is his client. Gynaika has to intimidate him to spill the beans, that is, he is selling packets of plasma to Virginya Feng.
The next step for Gynaika is to befriend Virginya and see if she will confide in her. As she was able to do so, Virginya suddenly bit Gynaika! Virginya Feng is a vampire, and has been undead since the 19th century!
Virginya was sorry that she bit Gynaika--it is what she DO although she DON'T want to, that she has to bite someone. And because Virginya bit Gynaika, it is possible that she has turned Gynaika a vampire, too!
How would Gynaika know if she was turned into a vampire? If she hurts to go out in the sun, if she start getting hurt all the time and nothing makes her full that she needs to bite someone. Because of this this uncertainty, Gynaika promised to help Virginya (and herself in the process).
Service StationGynaika went to the
Curio Shoppe to ask for Mambo Loa's help. And Mambo Loa was able to help. She gave Gynaika the recipe for a vampire cure potion (ingredients: garlic and blood). Gynaika is ever so grateful to Mambo Loa.
DeadtreeWith the recipe on hand, Gynaika went back to Deadtree and started to make two vampire cure potion. (She has been noticing that she is getting hungry often). She gave one to Virginya to see if the potion worked... and it did. Gynaika then drank the other potion she made.
Just then, Gynaika received a call from Sinjin asking her to go immediately to the Kine Society as there are things Gynaika has to do.
The Great Stampede
DeadtreeGynaika rushed to
Kine Dairy to know why she is being summoned. Sinjin Balani informed her that El Toro said that the Great Stampede is coming. The Great Stampede is the end of days wherein Mighty Beelzebeef will summon the Elder Herd to trample the earth clean of defilement. El Toro asked Sinjin to assign Gynaika the following tasks: redesign the cow idol with the imagination lathe, make a cowpourri and place it in the censer by the ritual floor and assist El Toro in the final ritual.
Just then, Emily called Gynaika informing her that the bills have arrived. The timing is just right. She would be going back to Paradise Place, pay the bills, rest, make the cowpourri, go to Rossum House to redesign the cow idol and be back to Kine Dairy with lots of time.
Paradise PlaceUpon arriving at
Espiritu Estate, Gynaika immediately paid the bills and updated Emily. Then, she ate a heavy meal, bathe and slept.
After a restful sleep, Gynaika made the cowpourri using her workbench, went to the
Rossum House, updated Isaac, then made the new cow idol. Now that she has completed all her tasks, she decided to go back to Deadtree.
DeadtreeThe first thing Gynaika did upon arriving at Deadtree was give the redesigned cow idol to Sinjin. Then, she placed the cowpourri in the censer. Like a well-oiled machine, the final ritual was performed with El Toro presiding.
As the ritual near its end, Beelzebeef appeared. Just then, El Toro transforms into Doctor Dominion! With the hyper-attractor, Doctor Dominion was able to "catch" Beelzebeef and teleported Beelzebeef and himself from the room. The "herd" was shocked, most especially Sinjin.
Gynaika explained to Sinjin about Doctor Dominion and how he likes to control people. Sinjin would now allow it and asked Gynaika to investigate. When it comes to mind-control devices, Division 47 will have the answer. His cousin, Lazlo, who is working in Division 47, will be able to get her a job there so she can poke around. Lazlo will meet Gynaika by the gate.
The Adventures of Gynaika at Strangetown via PerSePhone, Part 3
The Night BeastParadise PlaceGynaika woke up thinking of the Night Beast. She just has to get back to Deadtree and confront Annie.
DeadtreeAs soon as Gynaika arrived at Deadtree, she proceeded to the
Nighthowl Saloon to "unmask" Annie. Right in front of the people there, Annie transformed into the night beast. This happens to her when she gets very angry, which is often, given the type of customers of the saloon. Gynaika offered her some money so that she can take an anger management course to control her anger.
Kine SocietyDeadtreeGynaika then stepped out of the Nighthowl Saloon where she saw standing at the corner is Roland Calonzo (Hazel's ex-fiancee). He is selling the pamphlet of the Kine Society. Gynaika bought one and read the following Pillars of the Kine Society:
- Always stay with the herd. The stray cow falls into the thicket.
- Always keep your eyes on the cow in front of you. Attention yields obedience.
- Always look to the future. The path behind you is strewn with manure.
- Always be wary... the enemy tips the cow who sleeps.
With that, Gynaika runs to the
Kine Dairy, ready to answer Rick Wong's questions. And she passed!
As soon as she enters the restricted room, she looked for Roberta's leg (which is near the animals' stable).
Afterwhich, she went to Sinjin Balani to pass his inspection. (There is a star beside the bookcase in the bedroom.)
Sinjin Balani required her: (a) to have the Bovinomicon, (b) learn the daily ritual, (c) gain the sponsorship of one of the Kine Society leaders.
Gynaika immediately went to the Kine Dairy's store and bought a Bovinomicon (behind the register is a star). Then, she approached Sara Starr to teach her how the daily ritual is performed. Sara Starr acts so high and mighty, she will only teach Gynaika the ritual is she gets into her good side. With this, Gynaika tries to befriend Sara.
There are four steps to the ritual: the Crown of Horns, the Sacred Cud, Lowing at the Moon, and Fertilizing the Field.
Gynaika further befriends Sara to gain sponsorship from her.
Equipped with the things that would surely pass Sinjin's inspection, Gynaika went back to Paradise Place to give the parts she found of Roberta to Isaac.
Paradise PlaceAt the
Rossum House, Gynaika gave to Isaac the parts of Roberta she was able to retrieve. It just confirmed that what Doctor Dominion is really after is Roberta's brain, which is comparable to several computers. She promised Isaac that she will not stop looking for Roberta's head.
She went back home at
Espiritu Estate, for a good night's rest.
When Gynaika woke up, she came up with a plan. She would be staying at Deadtree until she gets accepted by the Kine Society for she has a feeling that this group has something to do with Doctor Dominion. She'll just go home if there's a need to pay the bills. Packing her things, she went to Deadtree.
DeadtreeGynaika immediately went to the
Kine Dairy and was able to perform her first Kine Ritual. She, then, approached Sinjin for his inspection. Gynaika passed!
The Adventures of Gynaika in Strangetown via PerSePhone, Part 2
Finding Roberta and Nervous Subject's CharmDeadtreeAs soon as Gynaika arrives at Deadtree, she received a call from Isaac. It seems that the tracking device has a tracking device... LOL. He instructed her how to use the tracking device.
First stop is the
Old Library. Behind the office chair is a star. Near the computer is Roberta's arm used as a radar. But first, in order to get it, Gynaika has to hack the computer.
In the side street of the Old Library is another star.
Across the Old Library is the
Meetinghouse. Behind the Meetinghouse is a graveyard. Gynaika was able to find another arm of Roberta in front of one of the tombstone's (as you exit the Meetinghouse's back door, the tomb is on the left side of the graveyard). Then, she remembered about Nervous Subject's charm and started looking for an unmarked tomb (the tomb is on the right side of the yard as you exit the Meetinghouse's back door). There she found the charm.
Gynaika then went to the
Nighthowl Saloon. In one of the tables is Roberta's legs.
The Nighthowl Saloon is being managed by Hoot Howell and his sister, Annie Howell. Gynaika remembers that she is Nervous Subject's girlfriend. While talking to Hoot, she learned that a Night Beast is scaring the place. He, then, challenges Gynaika to get rid of the monster: First, identify the beast by LOOKING at it. Then, track the person and make him/her mad by zapping him/her with a taser (Gynaika needs to make a taser by buying parts and have a mechanical skill of four). It would then transform to a beast.
Gynaika, then, approached Annie and showed her the charm. This is when Annie learned that Nervous Subject was kidnapped and is now dead. And that Nervous Subject loves her all along...
(Inside the bar and in the women's comfort room are stars.)
Gynaika then went outside to continue with her search. That's when she saw the Night Beast. It scared the hell out of her. But what struck her most is that it seems that the Night Beast is in pigtails.
In the side street between the Nighthowl Saloon and the Kine Dairy is another star.
Behind a merchant is a chest. Gynaika picked it open and got Roberta's torso. Gynaika then bought some items from the vendor (items not being sold at the Curio Shoppe).
Then, Gynaika went to the
Kine Dairy (across the vendor). She also bought some items not found in the Curio Shoppe nor being sold by the merchant across the Kine Dairy. She attempted to get in further inside the Kine Dairy but was stopped by Rick Wong. According to Rick Wong, she should be part of the Kine Society before she can enter the enclosed room. And how to do that? Gynaika should receive an invitation from Sinjin Balani, Herd Leader, who also happens to be inside the restricted room. Or, if Gynaika is able to answer four questions about the Kine Society's beliefs.
Gynaika then decided to go home first before trying to get into the Kine Society.
Paradise PlaceBack to
Espiritu Estate, Gynaika talked to Emily and informed her that she has already given the charm to Annie. With that, Nervous Subject is free and Espiritu Estate is left only with one ghost--Emily.
The Adventures of Gynaika in Strangetown via PerSePhone, Part 1
Finished
The Sims 2 game with PerSePhone yesterday! Decided to play it once more and share Gynaika's adventures...
Service StationGynaika was driving her car when she noticed a glowing diamond. With her attention caught, she hit on a rock causing her car to swerve and have a flat tire. Good thing, she is near a
garage where she met Oscar Del Fuego. She then tries to have him fix her car. He keeps on insisting that it is not the money, but respect; that is, he is not just ANY mechanic but the BEST mechanic, an artist. All along, what he wanted is to chat. As they become friends, Oscar agreed to fix her car at a discount. He then directs her to the Curio Shoppe where she can spend her time while waiting for her car to be fixed. He also asked her to say "hi" to Mambo Loa for him, the lady at the Curio Shoppe's counter.
At the
Curio Shoppe, Gynaika talked to Mambo Loa who gave her some sort of "personality test" through a series of questions. Mambo Loa then gave her "reading" as to Gynaika's aspiration and personality. Aspiration is what you want out of life--money, friends, knowledge, etc.--affecting goals. Personality mostly affects wants--what makes you happy and what does not. Gynaika goes through several activities (this is to understand the "controls"). Secrets is one of the things to ferret as these can be sold for simoleons--either via chatting to know personal secrets, flirting to know intimate secrets (Gynaika was asked to try it to either Bella Goth or to Deputy Duncan), or intimidating to know dark secrets. With no more tasks to do, Gynaika left the Curio Shoppe to check on her car.
On the way to the
garage, Gynaika is aghast as the garage is nowhere in sight (including her car)! There is a phone ringing beside what was once the garage. She then answered the mobile phone. On the other end of the line is Doctor Dominic Newlow who seems to know that she has lost something. (creepy) He then offers her a job, but first, she must get a ride to Paradise Place and secure a home. Before going back to the Curio Shoppe, she spotted something at the end of what was once a garage. It looks like a star. She picked it up and found a secret! There's another star by the cactus. Behind the police car is another star, too! (Don't sell the secrets first.) Bella would be selling her mansion at Paradise Place (with a maid included) to Gynaika as she wanted to leave the town for fear of the aliens abducting her and Deputy Duncan would be providing a ride to Paradise Place, with a condition that he be given a donut being denied to him by Mambo Loa. Before leaving the Service Station, Gynaika got a star at the comfort room and near the cash register. Also, she sold some secrets.
Paradise PlaceEspiritu EstateThis is Gynaika's new house. She met Emily Emory, her maid, who initially thought that Gynaika is a ghost. Espiritu Estate is haunted by three... er... two ghosts (according to Emily) namely Dennis, the ghost at the music room, and Nervous Subject, the ghost in the master bedroom. Gynaika, then, befriended Emily. This is when she learned that Emily has died in 1923, haunting the Espiritu Estate since then.
Gynaika wanted to help Dennis to move on. Thus, she was tasked to find his remains and give it a proper burial. And so is Nervous Subject. She must find the charm given by Annie Howell to Nervous Subject and return it to her.
Gynaika then went out to check on the neighbors. (Oh! There's a star at Espiritu Estate's garden as well as outside.) But first, talked with Deputy Duncan. From him, she learned that he is having a problem. First, the garbageman, Gimi Branko, is missing. Second, the whole neighborhood was built on a graveyard; thus, the zombies. Gynaika promised she'll try to help (and earn simoleons on the side).
Dente HouseHazel Dente is the wife of Dennis, being suspected to have killed him. Hazel is about to be married to Roland Calonzo. Gynaika accepts work from Hazel to give her a chance to investigate freely. Her tasks: plant the garden (buy garlic seeds from Mambo Loa and plant them in the garden), scrub the bathroom and make the hot dogs (must have cooking skill 2 in order to make a hot dog).
There's a star in Hazel's bathroom and at the corner of Hazel's backyard near the pool and house.
On the way to the
Curio Shoppe, there's a star. While there, Gynaika bought a road map (the better to go around Strangetown).
With the garlic seeds in tow, she planted the seeds and found a pacemaker. To be subtle, she investigated near the pool. By the pool's filter are shredded swimsuit. She then buried it in the garden.
Gynaika then confronted Hazel about her previous husbands (ring in the sink, note in the refrigerator and pacemaker in the garden). Upon much intimidation, Hazel confessed that she often blacks out. And when she wakes up, her husband is dead.
Back to Espiritu EstateGynaika then informed Emily that she was able to find Dennis' remains and have buried it in Hazel's garden. With that, Dennis left Espiritu Estate's music room...
Beaker HouseSuspected to be the ones who kidnapped Gimi, Gynaika introduced herself to Loki and Circe Beaker. (There's a star in master bedroom, beside the cabinet.) Gynaika found a door by the kitchen. When she tries to hack-in, Circe confronts her. Gynaika must find a way to get the Beaker's out of the kitchen so she can hack-in. Gynaika agrees to make a deal with Circe, that is, find out what Loki is hiding from her.
Searching the Beaker's house, she finds the patents in the closet. Gynaika gave the patents to Circe. But Circe never intended to keep her promise, that is, leave Loki (Loki would only leave the room/house if Circe is not around). Gynaika has no choice but to intimidate Circe to know her dark secret, which she can relay to Loki, and hopefully, for both of them to leave the room. Circe had an affair with Doctor Newlow.
Gynaika, then, told Loki of Circe's affair. While the couple is fighting, Gynaika hacks-in and was able to open the door and rescue Gimi.
Rossum HouseGynaika then introduced herself to Isaac and Roberta Rossum. Since Roberta is acting up lately, Isaac requested Gynaika to befriend his wife. Gynaika, then, spend her time with Roberta. This is when she learned that Roberta is a robot! Roberta requested Gynaika to get the "liberator" program from Doctor Newlow, that supposedly would free her. Gynaika promised that she would try. (There's a star behind the television and at the store room.)
Newlow HouseGynaika then proceeded to the house of Doctor Newlow, the one who called right after finding the garage (and her car) missing. What he wanted is for Gynaika to sell him five secrets. Doing so, he will give her a bonus. (There is a star by the bush in front of Doctor Newlow's house and behind the piano.)
After getting enough secrets that would interest Doctor Newlow, Gynaika "sold" five secrets. Instead of giving her the bonus, he disappears right in front of her eyes.
Mad, Gynaika tried looking for Doctor Newlow's hiding place. She found the entrance in one of the bookcase near the window.
Slowly but steadily, she entered Doctor Newlow's hiding place. There she finds Doctor Newlow a.k.a. Doctor Dominion wearing a mind control device. He then controlled Gynaika and instructed her to leave the house and he would call on her again. Before leaving, Gynaika found a star behind the desk and hacked Doctor Newlow's computer.
Back to Rossum HouseGynaika gave Roberta the program. And it worked! But Roberta still decided to stay with Isaac. When Gynaika was talking to Isaac, she received a call from Doctor Dominion and instructed her to do three things: go to the Rossum House and use the imagination lathe to create a small statue of a cow, take hold of the hyper-attractor and pull it free from its moorings, and give the cow and the hyper-attractor to Roberta and speak the words Newsreader, Waiter, Trousers in that order.
Now, controlled by Doctor Dominion, Gynaika did as instructed. Just when she mentioned the words, Roberta went berserk and left the house. Gynaika then told Isaac that she was under the control of Doctor Newlow and had to do them; that Doctor Newlow had infected Roberta with some kind of virus and now Roberta is with him. Isaac was devastated and knows that Doctor Newlow will take Roberta apart. Isaac, then, gave Gynaika a tracking device so she can find Roberta's parts. He also said that she might find Roberta in Deadtree.
There's a cheat I learned for the PSP version of The Sims 2. While in the "Buy Perks" window, press the Left + Right + Square button at the same time. Additional perk will be there (purple heart) which you can buy. This perk can be used to increase your simoleons, increase sanity, reset aspirations and increase skills.
Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao Wins!!!
A TKO on the third round!!!!
As expected, the streets are quiet as almost all Filipinos have their ears stuck to the radio or eyes fixed on their television as they watch a blow-by-blow fight between Philippines' Manny Pacquiao and Mexico's Eric Morales.
- As soon as he stepped on the ring, Pacquiao went to his corner and prayed.
- The first round already shows how the bout will proceed.
- Morales fell on the second round.
- With a heart, Morales still stood up when he first fell on the third round.
- The second time Morales fell on the third round was IT.
- Pacquiao went to Morales's corner to check on him after the referee stopped the game.
Clause Royale
A movie marathon for today, that is, two movies for me! There are four movies in my list of movies to watch currently being shown in
Glorietta theaters. One last week (with phone calls disturbing me while watching it) and two for today. Three out of four... not bad! c",)
But first, dropped my car at
Ziebart to have its annual diamond gloss paint protection and rustproofing. Then, proceeded to the
Ayala Center.
Casino Royale is a prequel to the other James Bond movies. As expected from any James Bond movies, there are lots of action, beautiful women, fast cars, etc. But unlike the other James Bond movies, this James Bond is not "perfect". In fact, the thought that the villain is much better than James Bond cropped up my mind. For example, the chase James Bond made with the guy with a scar who is cat-like in his attempt to escape. I never realized that the "00" is a status for MI6. With it is the license to kill.
Although Daniel Craig (James Bond) is not as "beautiful" as Roger Moore or Pierce Brosnan, I like him better than Timothy Dalton.
Next stop is
The Santa Claus 3: Escape Clause. Since it is nearing Christmas, Scott Calvin a.k.a. Santa Clause is busy with the preparations. But Jack Frost is determined to "dethrone" Steve as Santa. With his wife, Carol, about to give birth, Steve has to deal with Jack's mischief, toys produced by Santa's workshop and his in-laws.
After the movies, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at
Mexicali.
Meet PerSePhone
I call it PerSePhone, of Greek origin meaning "from Greek mythology". I like giving them names--remember Pixie and Apire?
Thanks to SIMS 2 PSP version, I was curious on its game play. And I was not disappointed. After (initial) charging of four hours, formatting the external memory and upgrading its operating system to 2.81 (battery should be fully charged and AC adaptor should be plugged-in when doing so), started creating my character, Gynaika ("woman" in Greek), and played the night away, which left me two hours to sleep. That's how time flies when I played it.
If only I don't have a meeting tomorrow morning, it would be nice to take a leave and continue to play. Hehehe! Ahhh.. but then again, I still have to buy some accessories to ensure the LCD won't get scratched. Enough excuse to go to the office tomorrow. LOL
Christmas a-adorning
It is still November but Christmas seems to be in the air. Or is it?
On the way home (I usually walk, as my form of exercise, from the office to Ayala Center where I can catch my ride home), lights are being put up to adorn the trees lining up the Ayala Triangle. This signifies the start of the Christmas season. Slowly, one by one, even the buildings would be adorned with Christmas themes. All these contribute to a feeling of the season... much more if the cool air starts to seep in.
With what's going on with our company, hope this Christmas would still be merry for us...
The Covenant
There are two movies showing today that I would like to see:
The Covenant and
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. Decided to watch "The Covenant" first.
The Covenant is an action, drama, thriller movie. It is about a covenant of silence that was formed to protect five families in the Ipswich Colony of Massachusetts who have great powers. But one of the families has to be banished when the greed for power grows. Down the line, every first born son of the family is gifted with such power--and with such power lies responsibility. When the descendant of the fifth family came back, he threatened to break the covenant which kept the families safe for centuries.
The special effects are great; the concept, intriguing. And observations raised by the movie have some truth in it... like power is addicting.
Just when the climax of the movie is being shown, where the protagonist is fighting with the antagonist, there came a call from the office regarding a problem. And the call is not just once, but five times!
Haayyyy... and I thought it would be a quiet weekend for me. Have coordinated with the people that would isolate the problem and those who can decide on the options I have laid out to them. Was spared for one hour of the calls during the anticipated Mass, had dinner at
Pancake House and proceeded to the office.
12 midnight, have finally made it! c",)
BDO-EPCI Merger
Now, it is official. The merger between Banco de Oro (BDO) and Equitable PCI (EPCI) will push thru. Received the news from our office e-mail this Tuesday. Unlike the previous merger between Equitable Bank and PCI Bank, can't help but worry. With the Equitable Bank and PCI Bank merger, it is our bank who is buying out the other. With the new merger, we would be the ones being "eaten".
Haayyy...
Yesterday, our bank's senior officers were called for a meeting. What went on on said meeting was immediately relayed to us, down the line. Up until this day, the topic was what went on on said meeting.
Oh, no! My fear is slowly taking shape...
Words that sent shivers to information technology guys: "Wala namang problema sa sistema namin..." (Translation: There seems to be no problem with our system...)
- Without even a gap analysis, there is already a "verdict" as to what system to use.
- Since the systems have been "chosen", obviously, the most affected personnel are those whose systems they are handling/managing will be "dropped".
- Their system's platform is different from ours. Theirs is Linux, Java, etc. Ours is Microsoft, Visual Basic, .Net, COBOL/CICS, etc.
- Have they considered the volume of transactions? Can their system handle it? It is midrange versus mainframe. Have they realized that big banks are using mainframe? To cite: Metrobank, BPI, RCBC, Citibank, etc.
- Just to see the discrepancy in the volume: their transactions for a month is our transactions for a day.
There was a "joke" going around (I think there is some truth about it) as to the reason they are interested in "buying" our bank is because of our credit card system and remittance unit...
Oh! If you know of an opening, "tag" me... c",)
SIMS 2 Pets
Finally! I got my copy of the SIMS 2 Pets expansion pack yesterday. Immediately installed it and have my character in SIMS 2 own a dog. Of course, his (dog's) name would be Tyrone. Tyrone is a golden retriever. I remember someone promising to give me a golden retriever. I wonder what happened to the puppy? Hmmmm....
I already taught Tyrone lots of tricks. He's a genius! Now that he knows all of the tricks, he's already working in showbiz. From an extra, he became an understudy in just one day. Hmmm... How many days would be needed before he becomes a superstar like Lassie? LOL
Odd Sunday
Woke up thinking that I was late for office... Then, I realized that it is Sunday! Oh, my! What's happening to me? It is still the weekend and I am thinking it is already a workday?!
Hayyy... Something is wrong and I have to do something about it. LOL
As an excuse, maybe because I woke up because of the heat. My air-conditioner is not cooling my room!
Hayyy... again. Hope it won't give me a headache.
Spent the rest of the day watching television, surfing the internet and also watched DVD which my friend lent me--
Laws of Attraction. The movie is funny and has its
kilig moments. To top that, the story has romance spelled all over it, with the basic "ugly duckling" who finds her prince.
With the surfing, learned that two out of the ten teams of the
Amazing Race Asia are Filipinos. Aubrey Miles (real name is Aubrey Sandel), a Filipina actress, is paired with Jacqueline Yu, a model. The other Filipino team comprises of husband and wife, Ernesto and Jill Lopez. Good luck,
mga kababayan!
I can't wait for Tuesday, the day my air-conditioner would be serviced.
Hayyy...
The Marine
The movies which opened this week does not excite me. Have to make do with the action, drama, thriller movie (
The Marine) which starred a wrestler--learned that he is a wrestler from my niece...
John Triton (John Cena) is a marine who was sent home. He gets back in action when his wife (Kelly Carlson) gets kidnapped by a murderous gang who robbed for diamonds led by Rome (Robert Patrick). He took upon himself to get his wife back, his most important mission yet.
The movie is definitely action, from start to finish. I just wonder, what will happen to John (in terms of the Law) as he left several people dead on his wake as he tried to get his wife from Rome's hands.
After the movie, strolled around the mall. Bought myself a CD/DVD shredder. Don't ask me why, but what I am sure of, no one can retrieve the data I stored in my CD and/or DVD in case I decide to throw it away...
Then, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at
heaven 'n eggs.
All Saints' Day
It is the day that multitudes would troop to the cemetery to visit their departed loved ones. Unlike the previous years, a non-working holiday is declared a day or two before and/or after November 1. But this year is not the case. Thus, it would be expected that fewer people may visit their dead.
Started really early today. Woke up around 3:30AM so that we can leave the house by 4AM to go to the
Manila Memorial Park. My mother usually does this to visit her dead sister to bring flowers, light a candle and pray for her soul. But now that my
Nanay has moved on, I took it upon myself to do this for her. We usually visit the Manila Memorial Park this early cause as the day goes on, there would be heavy traffic to and from the Park.
After leaving the cemetery, we stopped by
McDonald's to have our early breakfast. Then, dropped by
Sgt. Mariano Cemetery at Pasay City
to light a candle and pray a short prayer for my
Nanay,
Lolo,
Lola and uncles.
As soon as we arrived home, slept the rest of the morning.
Late afternoon, with my niece, nephew, Nana and, of course, Manong, the driver, we went back to Sgt. Mariano Cemetery. We spent a few hours there and left just when the trickle of rain started to fall. It seems, all are in one to go home lest the rain would fall heavily. Just when we are near the gates, there was a black-out. What do you expect? There were screams... hehehe!
