Friday, June 29, 2007

25 Years & My Life Is Still



tryin' to get that great, big hill of hope -- for a destination

Monday, June 25, 2007

Four Days' Worth

Right. So, life has been a little cramped since Friday, and even though I've been itching to write, certain familiar annoyances and other similar things always seem to manage rearing their ugly heads, keeping me from what I like doing best. Whining -- I mean writing.

I have to admit, I've been a little off my game the past week, acting all distracted and distant. I'm not really sure where it's coming from, but I need to get it off my system right away. It's keeping me from working at my normal pace, and I feel like I've been sending off excess negative vibes to people in my immediate vicinity. I'm thinking of chalking it up to the sudden changes in the weather, but that isn't really a valid excuse, is it? Ah, maybe it's just another one of my mood swings, who knows. Nevertheless, I should try being more grounded and level-headed this week. Write things down as they come, Podi, I tell myself. That'll help.


OK, so last Friday, our department celebrated it's first year anniversary in the company. It might have been a fun event for our team, had it not been scheduled four and a half hours after our shift. Naturally, the Big Wigs wanted everyone to be there, so we were required to come back to the office 9:30 PM, much to our dismay. It's not as if we could have done anything about it, so we simply agreed -- albeit behind gritted teeth and bound wrists.

My teammates were a little luckier than me since they lived relatively near the office, and it would be OK for them to go home and return before the event starts. For me however, who lived cities apart, I had to find something else to do to keep me occupied. So Thursday evening, I decided to txt R if he was free the following night for dinner and company. I had to give him his copy of Talecraft anyway, and he mentioned a couple of weeks ago he'd like to borrow my DVD copy of Night Head Genesis.

R agreed, thankfully, and come Friday evening, we met up at Fully Booked in Gateway. Awkward is as awkward does, I handed him the package as soon as I saw him. "Here," I blurted, without so much as a hi or hello. He only seemed mildly surprised as he took the paper bag from me, distractedly studying my face and saying, "You're... larger. What's with the new image?" I'd forgotten the last time we saw each other was three months ago, when my hair was still long and I was still quite slim.

Shrugging the question off, I asked where he wanted to have dinner. I'd assumed he wanted to eat at the usual Mongolian place -- and I was actually already steering our walk over to where it was -- but he said he'd rather not stay at the food court, preferring to eat at a place with less people. So after walking around the mall a little bit, we decided to stay at Teriyaki Boy.

While having dinner, I told him about the cards and Night Head Genesis and Death Note, and the usual series of knots my life has managed to get itself into during the time we hadn't seen each other. He, on the other hand, talked about his struggle to reform the broken bonds of his relationship with his boyfriend, as well as the recent discovery of his desire to write music. There was a persistent prickling and nudging sensation in my chest as I listened to him talk -- and yes, it took an unimaginable amount of willpower to ignore it -- but thanking the powers that be, I managed to keep my emotions calm and in check. I suppose one can say I am moving on, and I'm glad he's making things easier for me by having such a positive attitude while we were together. I hope the love I had for him which was once both blind and violent can finally allow itself to subside and grow to something more mature and mutual for both of us -- as friends.

Anyway, after dinner, we met up with his friend at Starbucks, "the gay branch," for coffee. More conversations about Fall Out Boy and Maroon 5 and the different stages of Trance music before I finally had to go back to the office -- not before having R sing one of the songs he wrote, of course. His friend teased him of sounding very boy-band-ish, even doing some moves of his own to complement the melody, but it was all in good fun. To be fair, R sounded good, and the song has potential -- with or without the moves. Crossing fingers this endeavor of his follows through in the future.


Getting back to the office, all the other teams have already started their preparations and every body was busy. It reminded me so much of Hogwarts during the first day of classes, except everyone was wearing green. The ceremony itself was OK, with lots of talking and shouting and howling, especially during the pseudo cheering competition. I personally think ours was a hoot. Paris was the star of the night, as evidenced by the visuals below:


La Grotte. "Abandon hope, all ye who enter."



Les Filles.



Les Garçons

The festivities ended at around midnight, and I got home 1AM, tired to my bones. Let's hope the office doesn't cook up something like this in the near future again.


The following day saw Fête de la Musique -- a fitting end to a heavy week. I was supposed to go with my teammates, but because of the erratic weather, we decided it was better to stay in Makati, instead of going all the way to Malate. I was a tad disappointed, but it was understandable considering they lived far from where the festivities were being held, and to be honest, I kind of felt they might not have enjoyed the kind of scene Fête had to offer.

So at around 11PM, after having dinner at Kitchen in Greenbelt and a round of drinks in Ice with les filles of San Mig Lai, I went by myself and met up with Barny and Jade at Malate. There was a light drizzle when I got there, but I figured it was part of Fête's charm and magic. It was my first time to go, but I couldn't help tasting a hint of nostalgia in the cool, crisp, midnight air, and already I felt the rain had always been a constant companion to everyone during Fête night.

We drifted from one stage to another, moving from the World/Electronica stage, to Hip-Hop, to Rock, to Universal, then back to World/Electronica where we stayed for the rest of the night. I told Barny I was [strangely] enjoying the Hip-Hop stage better than anything, but... well... I'm not really sure why we stayed at World/Electronica. Jade took a lot of photos, all of which shall be snagged once uploaded, where I will edit my slowly-enlarging self to more normal proportions. I also got to meet an old acquaintance again, Barnard, who turned out to be Jade's friend, and new people as well who, more than likely, have forgotten all about my existence by now. All in all it was loud, it was wet, beer was flowing like mad, and it was THE BEST FUCKING END TO A HEAVY, HEAVY WEEK.


I did have to go home early because the following day was Doc Eddie Day.

Yup. I made like Frodo and adventured my way early Sunday morning to Lagro, Fairview, QC where Eddie was residing. Bob, his computer, was sick and needed the touch of my magical fingers to be fixed -- which I did, of that there was no doubt. The rest of the day was spent in cuddles and short naps and finishing off two (!!!) large-sized boxes of pizza. Eddie never wasted a moment telling me how my tummy has been threatening to grow into its own separate sentient being. Must exercise.

After dinnertime, at around 7PM, I had to force myself to get up and prepare for the trip home. I would have wanted to stay longer, but Doc had to study and I had a long journey ahead of me. I went homeward bound with a smile in my face and a song in my heart, contenting myself with memories of the day past, and promises of the week following. :-)


And last but definitely not least, today I got tickets for this Saturday's 8PM showing of Zsazsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal! I get to watch it with the Bunnies, finally!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Anger Management

Perhaps one thing about me which I would not want anyone to contest is the way I handle stress. I am a very patient person when it counts, and rarely do I let any trace of anger and annoyance mar my nerves. Twenty-four years spent dealing with such baggage, I should have learned a thing or two on how to deal with them without letting spots of negativity leak off at the most inopportune of situations. Oft times, it can be tempered easily by simply closing my eyes and counting one to ten, a serving of ice cream, or maybe a lollipop (or three).

There might be moments when a dull sensation throbs on a random spot around my abdomen or neck area -- a usual physical manifestation I have learned to expect. But the only visible reaction which may cross my face, if pressed, is a faint combination of a smile and a nod. If any sound within my immediate radius ceases to a wall of silence, then that's a distinct sign a line has been crossed. If, however, I am required to talk, and I respond with a clear, solid, cold voice, then that's crossing a line further.

One more, and we're stepping on uncharted territory. Consider this a warning.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Rock Musical Bleach Saien

Isn't it funny how serendipity pulls its threads within one simple day? I was looking for something totally different, and instead, I found this copy of Bleach Saien in Mininova. As soon as it finished downloading and was playing on my VLC, everything else was completely forgotten.


Words cannot even begin to describe it.



"BLEACH! Always believe and you will have the power to change fate!"



Ichigo considering Rukia's offer to absorb her Shinigami powers in order to save his family.



Ichigo, telling Renji how absurd it was to name one's Zanpakutou.



Fallen Ichigo, thinking of Urahara's proposal to train him to regain his Shinigami powers.



"Cast away your fear! Look forward! Move forward! Never stand still! Retreat and you will be cornered; hesitate and you will die! Shout! My name is... ZANGETSU!"



The final chorus. Ichigo has a very beautiful face.



Rukia, looking wary of the conspiracy in Seireitei.



Rukia, weakened and unable to fight, offers to help Ichigo defeat the Hollows by transferring her Shinigami powers to him.



Rukia explains to Ichigo the tasks a Shinigami must accomplish -- to perform Konsoh, or Soul Burial, on positive spirits, and to destroy hollow spirits.



Rukia is imprisoned in the Tower of Penitence.



Rukia's childhood in Rukongai, spent with Renji.



Sado and Orihime, discovering their innate spiritual powers and defeating the hollows which attacked their friends.



Upon awakening his powers, Sado discovered that he could see hollows and other spirits.



Orihime, praying to her dead brother, and recalling the words Ichigo said. "The ones who died... The ones that are left behind... Both are lonely."



"Howl... ZABIMARU!"



This remains one of the most memorable lines in the series for me. I'm glad they included it in the musical. "Rukia has finally found a family. 'Don't get in the way. I can't get in the way.' That's what I kept telling myself. But if I think back now, I might have just been scared. The stray dog in me is dyed onto my bones. All I do is howl at the stars. But I don't have the guts to reach for them!"



Kira, stepping forward to protect his Captain from Hinamori.



"Don't you hear me telling you to stop?!"



"Don't you hear me telling you to move?!" In a blind rage, Hinamori charged at Ichimaru and Kira.



Hinamori, weeping over the tragedy that befell Soul Society.



Urahara, keeping the body of a fallen Ichigo dry after his first encounter with Renji and Byakuya.



Chastising a weakened, yet still reckless Ichigo regarding infiltrating Soul Society to save Rukia without thought or direction.



"Awaken... BENIHIME!"



Urahara trains Ichigo and forces him to awaken his latent Shinigami powers.



Urahara-san wants to sing too!



Ichimaru sheathes his Zanpakutou, Shinsou, after his first encounter with Ichigo in Seireitei.



Ichimaru's second encounter, this time, with a more powerful Ichigo.



Aizen, suspiciously eyeing Ichimaru and his motives, and noticing how conveniently the alarms have been sounding recently.



Aizen, leaving his quarters quietly as to not disturb Hinamori's sleep.



Hitsugaya explains to Hinamori to be careful of Ichimaru, and to make sure her Captain, Aizen, is safe at all times.



Hitsugaya wonders who the traitor in Seireitei is.



Hitsugaya defends his childhood friend, Hinamori, from Kira's attack.



Hitsugaya breaks up Kira's and Hinamori's fight.



One of the last scenes -- Hinamori draws her sword against her dearest friend, Hitsugaya.



Byakuya's first encounter with Ichigo in the real world.



"Scatter... SENBONZAKURA!"



Ichigo and Rukia, at the final chorus.



The Gloomy Trio, as Ichigo dubbed these three. They... did something un-Taicho-like after the end credits. Hee hee.



The stage after everyone has exited. Can't wait for the next musical!

I'm a little miffed they didn't include Ishida. I can understand leaving out most of the other Captains, heck, I'm still wondering how they will be able to pull off showing Komamura, but Ishida's role as Quincy is important. He may not be my most favorite character, but his absence was definitely felt.

A Diary-Like Sunday Entry

Was finally able to watch Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer yesterday with Eddie. I loved how the plot was simple and contained enough moments to make people laugh or watch in rapt attention without making the rest of the story feel too muffled, artificial, or contrived. It wasn't as emotionally heavy as X-Men: The Last Stand -- which I loved, by the way -- but it had that classic, feel-good-super-hero-movie charm that left me smiling as I was exiting the theater. The first Fantastic Four movie left the same impression on me, but this one was better.

Anyway, after the movie, we decided to take a look at the new Ayala Mall, TriNoma. It was HUGE. Or rather, it FELT huge. It had many twists and turns, and it looked extremely asymmetrical from the inside, I almost thought having it stand there was an architectural impossibility. But yes, it did exist, and yes, we were already walking inside it, and HOLY CRAP DID THAT FOUNTAIN JUST SPURT FROM DOWNSTAIRS?!

OK, OK, I'm an easy audience, I get impressed by even the slightest show of ingenuity, albeit most parts of the mall have not opened yet. But really, the gardens and the fountains, and the overall look of the place are very, very pretty. I'm sure when everything is finished and the whole mall becomes bright and sparkly, the destination will be well worth the long trip from Makati to Quezon City.

Of course, the whole day would not have been as enjoyable had I not been with Eddie. :-)

Friday, June 15, 2007

Ten Truths, Five Lies

I'm blaming Aajao for making me do this. He knows I couldn't say no to him when he mentions the word love within any of our conversations. Good lord, the tingles it brings down my spine... shivers.

ANYWAY. There are supposed to be five false statements about me among the fifteen below. Guess which, win a prize. :-D

  1. I have been a Bosconian since 1988.
  2. I studied at a private school for girls at one point in my life.
  3. The one and only time I loved a Math subject was during 3rd year high, when we took up Geometry under Mrs. Connie So.
  4. I passed the UPCAT with Philosophy as my first choice but I went to College of St. Benilde instead just to spite my father.
  5. My deepest wish for the future is to have and raise a child, no matter what.
  6. Smiling at myself in the mirror is one of my guilty pleasures.
  7. Christina Aguilera is another.
  8. I will gladly take a bullet for TJ Trinidad.
  9. Perhaps I can consider one of my greatest accomplishments in life is finishing the two N64 Legend of Zelda games, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask.
  10. There was a time my mother got so worried about my mental health, she went as far as scheduling me for regular psychotherapy sessions.
  11. I know what it's like to kiss a girl.
  12. I am top.
  13. I am bottom.
  14. When I give someone white chocolates, I am actually saying, "I love you."
  15. I never say "goodbye" at the end of a phone conversation, or before parting.

So there you have it. Quite easy, no? Now I wonder if I have to explain myself with any of the items listed. Hehehehe. Oh well. My life's pretty much an open book anyways. One just has to read between the lines. :-)

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Ja Mata!

After almost two years of taking residence within my hard drive, I will finally have to say sayounara to fifty precious episodes, one prequel, one OVA, several bonus clips, and one "the making of" special of my beloved PGSM collection.


Arigatou Usagi-chan, Ami-chan, Rei-chan, Mako-chan, Minako-chan. Even though it pains me to press the delete button on my keyboard and see the files vanish before my eyes, I know the memories we have all shared will remain indelibly etched in my heart.