Random thoughts of a UPSer.

Warriors draft

2009-06-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

So the G-dubs draft a G in Stephen Curry, after telling Monta Ellis that he is the point guard and that they will not draft a point guard. Hmmmm looks like Nelson doesn't like Ellis and is probably looking to trading him away. That's why the Warriors will NEVER win a championship.

Whoa

2009-06-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Man, I haven't blogged in so long. Hmmmm, maybe it's time that I revive this thing, instead of just putting a status on facebook.
I think I'll do that for the next time.

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

To all you mothers out there.

Sam Largo aka tiny bubbles, mac baby

2007-02-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

Last sunday a good friend of mine passed away. I'm still in a little bit of shock as I try and take in this dreadful news. Sam was a part of Likha and he was my room mate during the first tours we had in Likha. I remember him as someone that I talk to about anything and know that he will not judge me for it. He always listened to whatever I have to say and he always seem to enjoy life.

So to you my dear friend I bid you good tidings in the heavenly kingdom, may you watch over us from up there as you did down here.

Jet lag sucks

2007-02-20T04:29:00.000-08:00

I love traveling as much as the next guy, but man, I can't stand being jet lagged. Here I am wide awake at 4:30 in the morning and have a full long day of work ahead of me. I don't know how I'm going to survive, I guess I'll find out later on tonight.

Hong Kong

2007-02-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

So my family and I went to Hong Kong during the week leading up to the new year. We went and visited Disneyland, it was nice to be able to bring my niece and nephew while they are still young and were able to enjoy the magic kingdom. Although the place is not as big as the ones in the states, it still had enough charisma for kids to really enjoy a piece of disney.

I enjoyed my time over there. The weather was a bit cold but comfortable nonetheless. One thing is for sure, there are a ton of rich people over there as evidenced by the vast amount of expensive automobiles that you see on the roads over there.

So Far......

2007-02-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well, last week we had a birthday party for my dad. We rented a ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Makati and had a little gathering of family and friends to celebrate my dad's journey into being a senior citizen. He turned 60 and it was nice to see some of my cousins that I haven't seen since they were little kids, and boy are they big now. Some of them are even taller than me now and they are younger than me. Then it was time for speeches, and a couple of my dad's friends came up and talked about him, one even sang a song to him (we're filipinos, what's a party without someone singing a song or two). Afterwards, my brother presented a slide show that he made from all the pictures we could scrounge. As I was watching my dad's reaction as the show was being presented and I knew that he was touched by it. One thing I did notice is that it's not customary to set aside time for dancing here. You just have dinner then do a little presentation, thank the people for showing up and then call it a night. I guess filipinos in America tend to do things slightly different.

Since none of us, ok them as I refuse to drive, didn't want to drive, we booked two rooms at the hotel and decide to stay there overnight. Man, was I tired, as soon as we got to the room, I changed and was out in minutes. The next day we just took it easy, had breakfast then I took my niece to the pool area, but her mom forgot to bring her bathing suit, so we just walked around and enjoyed the view. Then we went home and just relaxed after.

Last thursday nite, I had a mini reunion with some of my old schoolmates from Aquinas High School, the school I was attending prior to me leaving for the states. Man is it ever so nice to see old friends that you haven't seen in quite a long time. It's good to see that they are all doing relatively well. One of them even flew in from Singapore ( where he is based for his job) when he heard I was in town. Boy did that make me feel special. I also learned that a couple of them are running for congress for this years election. I hope they win, then I can finally say that I have friends in high places, HAH.

Anyways that's all for now, I will be leaving for Hong Kong in a couple of days. I shall blog about that when I get back.

Greetings from the East.

2007-01-28T21:56:00.003-08:00

Hello there from sunny Philippine Islands or as the brazilian kids would say "fila-penis"

After a grueling 17 hour flight I finally made here to the homeland. i haven't done much my first day here except catch on some sleep and eat tocino with eggs and fried rice. No one is here at home with me as everyone has gone to work so I decided to blog, since damomoo keeps bugging me to update, so here it is bro.

As I was boarding my flight I ran into a friend from my route, along with his daughter and wife. Then I ran into an aunt and uncle (family friend) then I ran into five brothers whom all are friends of mine. So needless to say, I ended up talking to a bunch of people on the plane and it made the trip go a lot faster. Luckily the flight wasn't full so the cabin crew let me jump from one section of the plane to another as I seek out people to talk to during the flight. I also brought with me my handy dandy PSP and that kept me entertained for a while. I even finished a season on my FIFA 07 soccer game. (John, I have a few moves that I can try and teach Andres for his soccer classes.) That's all for now

I will try and update more as my vacation goes along. I will also try and post pictures. that's all for now.

Peace out

2006-12-31T16:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

Stay and be Safe.

Blog Slacker

2006-12-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is who I work for and that's why I haven't blogged at all.

Happy Holidays.

Good Start for the season

2006-10-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well, it's hockey season once again and my SHARKS started their season against the St. Louis blues, whom they defeated in OT.
Nice way to start the season.

GO SHARKS!!!!!

more ingenious male toilets

2006-10-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Bathrooms

2006-10-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Obviously an idea from a very perverted person.

Better use it when you arrive at the airport and not hold it when you get to the "wall"

Busy weekend

2006-09-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend when by quick and it was a blur. Friday after work I decided to go straight to Santa Cruz where b-day celebrants
Rok star and Tina-maan decided to rent a house for the weekend to celebrate their respective b-days. I decided to take Hwy 1 as hwy 101 was sooo backed up from where I was coming from. It wasn't a bad drive, until I got behind a caravan of cars where the lead car refused to go over 30 mph even though the speed limit was 55 mph. I was getting frustrated as this went on for about 5 miles. I was high beaming to get the person in front of me to high beam the car in front and so on so that the car in the lead would either pick up speed or pull into the slower right lane when it shows up (hwy 1 is a 1 lane hwy, 1 per each direction)
When the goober finally pulls over, everyone else that was in front and back of me decided to pull over too and stop. It turns out that they were all together. Man, I was sure glad they did that 'cause I was getting real pissed off. Anyways I finally arrived at the house at a little past 9 pm. Just in time to catch dinner with Oj, Tin, Tina, Edward, Ed, Isaac, and Malaya.

The house was huge, it was a 5 bedroom house with a fairly decent size backyard and a hot tub. As I was finishing dinner, the Laxa's arrived and we just pretty much hanged around and talked (while drinking some spirited drinks) the night away. At about midnite, Manok, Herna and Scot finally arrive.

The next day, we all decided to go to the boardwalk and play at the beach. Ed buried Isaac in the sand up to his chest. Andres just kept standing by the shoreline waiting for the tide to come in, letting the water reach to him and then run back.
Some of us just lounged on the blanket that we set up on the beach. Afterwards, we just walked around the park, eating funnel cakes and cotton candy. Then some of us decided to ride the roller coaster, and the log ride. Play some of the games trying to see if we can win stuffed animal prizes. After a day of fun, we decided to go back to the house where we found OJ's parents have arrived already with a LOT of food and then Tin arriving saying she needed help with the cake. It turned out to be a full sheet and it weighed about 40 something lbs. THAT was pretty heavy for a cake.

As the night progressed on, some more Likha peeps arrive and we just ate, dranked, smoked and talked the night away, in fact all the way to the wee hours of the morning. (I'm still tired as I was writing this)

Sunday, we had our first meeting back after the big show. We also started our dance and music workshops. It was nice to see that we have a lot of new people that are partaking in the workshops. We even have a couple of bayanihan alums participating.

Afterwards some of us decided to go to Fenton's and grab a bite to eat. Then we all went our merry way home.
Needless to say, I'm tired and will call it a night soon.

2006-09-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

More Parangal Pictures (courtesy of Real Exposure)

2006-09-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Parangal

2006-09-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures from our past show entitled Parangal. All photos are courtesy of Real Exposure.

Excerpt of an email sent to me.

2006-08-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

Want to move to Australia?

What part of this is unfair?.....

Every now and then a good idea comes along. Share it with your family and
friends, and elected representatives.

Subject: Want to move to Australia?

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday
to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to
head off potential terror attacks.

A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to
Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John
Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a
crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted
that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did
not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by
parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has
Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you", he said on
national television.

"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws
governing people in Australia: one the Australian law and another, the
Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law,
independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the
opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then,
that's a better option", Costello said.

Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said
those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other
country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims
who did not want to accept local values should "clear off. Basically people
who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want to live by Australian
values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off", he
said.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying
he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques Quote:
"IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave it. I am tired of
this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their
culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in
patriotism by the majority of Australians." "However, the dust from the
attacks had barely settled when the politically correct' crowd began
complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.
I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is
seeking a better life by coming to Australia."

"However, there are a few things that those who have recently com to our
country, and apparently some born here, need to understand." "This idea of
Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our
sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own
culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle."

"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials
and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom"

"We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese,
Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become
part of our society, Learn the language!"

"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian right wing,
political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian
principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is
certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God
offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your
new home, because God is part of our culture."

"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is
that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us."

"If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like "A Fair Go", then
you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are
happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't
care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your
culture, but do not force it on others.

"This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you
every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining,
whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or
Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great
Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'."

"If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here.
You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find
the BACKBONE to start speaking and voting the same truths!!

Guess Who

2006-08-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

For all Likha and KP members. Can you guess who that is in the picture (third from the left)?

Day three

2006-08-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today was an exciting day, not only have I gone through two days of training and my trainer hasn't given up on me, I get to pull a double combination today. What's that you ask, well in plain english, I will be pulling two trailers that are connected by a dolly.
At first it seemed like a daunting task, I was nervous as I never have driven something that had an overall length of 70 feet, let alone one that has 2 pivot points. Talk about freaking out, I was never this nervous since the sixth grade when I met a girll named.......oops, thats another story for another time.

Anyways, so I proceeded to go around downtown Rohnert Park, through Petaluma and then got on the 101 freeway towing these trailers. After a while, it didn't even feel like I was towing anything, I was driving along and nothing was fazing me, until it was time to downshift, then my head started playing tricks on me, I started to panic a little bit and ended up rushing through the whole process that I douldn't get iti into the right gear. Talk about frustration. After the ride, my trainer asked me what happened to my down shifting he said that at the first half of the ride I was doing it well (I didn't even realized that I was) then he said towards the end I ended up not paying attention to the tachometer and that's what screwed me up. Oh well, at least he hasn't thrown the towel in for me.

Tomorrow, I work on my backing skills, which according to a lot of drivers is the one thing that will test your patience and will frustrate the heck out of you (unless you're a natural at it, which I'm not)

Truckin' On!

Day two

2006-08-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today I got to drive around Petaluma towing a 28ft trailer. It was daunting at first but eventually I got the hang of it. I'm still having problems downshifting as you have to do what seems like a thousand things just to get it down 1 gear. I mean you have to watch your tachometer, then take it out of gear, get the tachometer 400 rpms higher than where you took it out and then shift down, oh you're also double clutching and controlling the speed with your brakes all at the same time. Time span for all this to happen you ask, oh about 2 seconds. I tell ya it aint easy.

Oh it also took me 10 minutes to back up the trailer to a dock, at this rate I think my trainer might throw me out unto the curb.
Or I might throw myself out unto the curb.

Anyways tomorrow should be fun, I get to pull 2 trailers instead of one. Now really pray for me that I get through it unscathed.
UPS training is really accelerated, they expect me to learn this job in 10 days, when there are trucking schools out there that train people for about 6 months. I have got to be crazy to be doing this, but oh well that's the price to pay if you want a big bump in pay I guess.

Truckin' on!

uuuggghhh

2006-08-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

I started training today, for my class A certification. Can I just say double clutching, partnered with low/gear shifting and tachometer matching is very difficult and downright frustrating. I was struggling so bad today that I think I might've burnt out the clutch on the tractor that I was training on. We shall see how tomorrow goes when I hook up a trailer on the tractor and go for a spin around town. Pray for me (that I don't hit anything or worse, anyone)

Step 1 complete

2006-08-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo, I went to the DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles) today to take 4 written tests for my class A classification license. After sweating the last two days, cramming all kinds of info into my head, I passed all the tests. All I have to do now is wait for the UPS clinic to release my drug test results so I can hand over the medical forms to DMV and then pick up my permit.

After that, I get 10 days of training, and if I pass without a hitch, UPS will then endorse my permit and I will be holding an official class A license.

Then it will be a world of air brakes, double clutching, stab braking, double trailer pulling. Should be a lot of fun, I can't wait.

Hopefully

2006-08-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

In about 2-3 weeks, and pending if I pass the 10 day training period (ie: not hit anything or anyone and not be late) This will be my new ride. I know I turned this job down before, but you know what, the package division is just getting a little too hard for me to deal with physically. Only thing is I will be working nights and some weekends, but the pay is better. Truck On!

Sucks

2006-08-14T23:26:00.000-07:00

Last saturday nite, while chilling at home, the power goes out. It was out 'til about 11:30 pm.
then as soon as the power went back on, I smelled something burning, as I look around I noticed that one of my external hard drives has smoke coming out from behind it. Next thing I know, the dang thing won't turn on and I believe it's fried. I don't know how it happened, all my computer stuff are plugged into surge protectors, but for some reason the power supple on this particular drive burnt out.

I'm hoping that it's just the power supply and that the hard drive is still intact. It contains a LOT of my pictures and movies and some MP3's. I could care less about all the stuff except for my pictures. Those things I can't get back anymore if they are ever lost.

Crossing my fingers.

2006-08-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

Two more weeks before Likha has its show. One word-SCARY! (I don't mean it lightheartedly)

Can you find me?

2006-08-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

This is my class picture from my old school in the Philippines. I went to an all boys catholic school called Aquinas High School.
This was my last picture prior to leaving the country in order to reside here in the United States.

More Pictures

2006-08-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Intramuros

My parents house as seen from across the street

Me messing around with Chili, my sister's chinese sharpei.

My god daughter/niece in Tagaytay

WOW.....Philippines

2006-08-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

Here's some of the pictures I took from my last trip.

A kalesa in the walled city of Intramuros

A view of Manila Bay from the back end of the Mall of Asia

One of the bldgs. in Intramuros

Taal volcano, if I'm not mistaken I believe it's the world's smallest volcano.

The historic San Agustin Church in Manila, two centuries strong.

HOT HOT HOT

2006-07-23T00:40:00.000-07:00

OMG!!! It's Frakin hot today. When I arrived last thursday nite from the Philippines, the first thing I noticed as I stepped out of the airport was how hot the weather was and how it is MUCH hotter here than it was there.

That's global warming for ya. And the republican party still dismisses this phenomenon. Wake up!!!!!!

I'm back

2006-07-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm back from the Philippines. After a grueling 12 hour and fifteen min flight, I managed to get back to San Francisco and now have three days to shake off jet lag before starting work again.

Still tired so I will let write some more later.

Random observations

2006-07-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

I've been in the Philippines for about 2 weeks now and here are some things that I've noticed as I go around.

Some movie theaters offer assigned seatings for a little higher price.

You can bring in outside food (like this idea)

Lane divider lines don't mean jack shit when driving out here, every man for himself and the whole road is yours for the taking.
(oddly, I have yet to see an accident)

Clothes run in small sizes over here.

Food is real cheap.

Luxury items cost the same, if not more, when converted to US dollars.

Taxi drivers are the same breed of inconsiderate drivers everywhere you go, same as the ones in the United States.

Rich people are snooty.

You can go to a mall and be able to find a dermatologist, bank, food court, and a car wash, without leaving the bldg.

Fresh Buko (coconut) juice is the bomb.

Rich people always bring an aide when shopping, you can always tell by seeing them walking behind their employer, holding like 7 bags of items from different shops.

The weather has been pleasant, even though lately we've been hit by a tropical typhoon, but at least the wind is a bit refreshing.

People here are all into name brands when it comes to clothing.

When jeepneys are over their capacity, some passengers hang outside the rear entrance of the vehicle, holding on to the roof.

Rich people's bodyguards are dicks when it comes to driving on the road, like they own the road and everyone is beneath them. I would like to get my monstrous UPS truck and run those sons of bitches over. (oops thinking out loud again)

This country has over 90% literacy rate, 3rd behind the UK and the US. (although a lot of people in the US are still "ignant")

Happenings

2006-07-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Bird's eye view of the Mall of Asia, located in Manila (3rd largest mall in the world)

Well let's see now, I've visited a lot of shopping malls here, have done my share of damage to my bank account balance (which was low to begin with).

I've enjoyed spending time with niece and nephew (6 and 1 yrs old respectively). They are cute but my niece is a little diva princess. Whatever she wants she demands but in a cute way, Ahh... youthful exuberance I say.

I went to watched the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The show was titled "unpublished dances of the Philippines series 5". It was a nice show, different from what we normally see from filipino dance companies. There were vignettes on the different babaylan roles and how they were adapted to dance by the different tribes. A whole scene of celebration for a young muslim prince as he was circumcised and thus started his road to manhood. Unlike the garden variety of dances that one normally sees from "traditional" folk dance groups, it was refreshing to see dances that you normally wouldn't see unless you spend time with certain tribes and see them it their most basic form.

I went to Tagaytay province and saw Taal volcano. Took my niece to ride a horse around the track.

Lastly all it seems that I'm doing a lot of here is eating. I've never eaten Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on the same day. I normally would have liquid breakfast and lunches and then eat dinner. I definitely can feel it (weight taken on)

I think I'm gonna run a few laps around the neighborhood before the rain begins again.

Greetings from the Philippines

2006-06-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I just arrived this morning after a long 14 hour flight from SFO. I came in at about 4:15 am Manila time and I must say the airport is really nice. My mom and dad picked me up at the airport and when we got to the house, I didn't even recognize it. My parents renovated it and it was not the same house from what I remember back in 2001, which was the last year I was back home.

I finally saw my niece and nephew, they are so cute. I will try and post pictures later. Now I think I'm gonna rest up a bit.

review

2006-06-28T01:17:00.000-07:00

I saw superman returns with Maestro tonight and I'm telling you it's a refreshing movie to watch. it's still has the quirkiness of the old superman movies, but with a touch of romance and humanity. Kevin Spacey played the role of Lex Luthor with as much gusto as an academy award winner would have, he was cool. There's a few surprises in the movie, but there's one that will make you go WOH. I won't say what it is, you just have to go out and watch it.

Rest In Peace

2006-06-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

Luz Sayo Salumbides
1914-2006

At 3 am today, my beloved grandmother finally decided to go meet God in his kingdom. She was 92 and she led a very good, eventful and happy life. She supported 7 kids all by herself (my grandfather died of a heart attack at 30 something years old) my dad was in the 5th grade at the time. Besides all this adversity, she managed to get all but one through school and through college. Everyone from her kids to us grandchildren and even the great grandchildren owe her a lot of gratitude and honor, for if it wasn't for her perseverance to make sure that my dad and the rest of his siblings ended up with good educations which eventually led all of them to have good lives which in turn gave us kids a chance to enjoy life as well. It is with a heavy and sad heart that I bid farewell to my beloved "Nanay".

We love you always and your legacy will be with us all.

Addicted to watching this.....

2006-06-12T01:44:00.000-07:00

I'm currently addicted to watching the world cup. It's very exciting to see this spectacle. It truly is a WORLD event. I mean the winner can truly say that they won against the very best the world has to offer. Unlike the so called world series of the American baseball, where its only teams from the US (and 1 from Canada) compete for it. They should call it the America's trophy series and not the world series cause it just doesn't include the rest of the world.

Anyways, if you get a chance to watch the soccer matches, I'm sure it will be a pleasant experience.
I can't wait until I go to the Netherlands and France in two weeks, with my dance company, and be there for the whole experience. Should be fun and exciting.

Movie Review

2006-05-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

I saw this movie tonight with Moe, Liza, and John. The movie was ok, I think the buildup led me to expect more out of it. But if you like action and you follow the X-men, then I think you will enjoy this movie. It think it's pretty neat to finally see them on the big screen. I know John loved it, but I think Moe was dissapointed, as was I to some degree.

I did like the movie, but I can't say that I loved it.

Top Chef

2006-05-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

Well, the verdict is in, Harold Dieterle has won the Top Chef competition on Bravo. This is the only show I watch that is reality based, not on the Discovery or TLC networks. I thought his dishes were pretty cool looking, too bad I couldn't taste them.

Too Lazy to post

2006-05-22T22:38:00.000-07:00

So for the guys, feast your eyes on this, in honor of the upcoming worldcup

Top Chef

2006-05-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

I've become what I said I wasn't going to do, and that is watch reality tv. I saw a few episodes on tv and dang I'm hooked. It's a pretty good show. That's all.

Congratulations to Mur and Rich

2006-05-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

on getting engaged (about time you guys). Cool, another wedding party to drink at (not that I drink or anything).

Moving on

2006-05-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

My Sharkies managed to dispose the Nashville predators and move on to the 2nd round of the playoffs. We don't know who we are playing yet, but it doesn't matter, we'll kick them out too.

Here's a couple more pictures...enjoy.

Tired

2006-04-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'm so tired this weekend. Friday we had rondalla practice at Donger's house. Since a lot of people came late, it ended up really late (around 11-ish). We then had an 8 am call at the recording studio at CC college for our 2nd cd recording. It went ok albeit we had a skeleton crew playing because of the confusion with the scheduling and a lot of people double booking themselves.
Even though we only recorded a third of what we wanted to record, it was tiring. We go back next weekend and hopfully finish up the recording. ( they let us listen to the raw recording afterwards and it sounded clear and so well.)

Today we had some of the bayanihan alumnis practice for their part in the big show we have this august. It was nice to see some of them, some of whom I haven't seen in a long while. It was a good practice, all the newbies were present and it was good to see that they were all willing to learn their new dances. The musicians were solid as usual, until Herna and warren started messing around with the gong part of the bagobo dance. I'm tired and I'm going to bed soon since I have to get to work at 7 am ugh. Good nite.

Congratulations

2006-04-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Congrats to our friends VJ and Michelle (sorry I can't find a picture of them together, my hard drive crashed). They just had another baby girl born this morning 6lbs 3oz, no name yet, but I'm sure they'll announce it soon.

Playoff Bound

2006-04-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

The sharks went up north and defeated the canucks (so sorry my vancouverite friends....especially Tina :-), which pretty much locks them in a playoff spot no worse than 7th. Albeit was the worse officiated game I've ever seen, I was scared for a bit, not because the sharks were tired, but because the canucks were a desperate team and that always makes for a dangerous team.

But I'm glad that they got it, and I'm off to watch the same two teams tomorrow nite at the Tank where I'm thinking that it will be a much different game and Vancouver will be in a much more desperate position. But I still believe in my sharkies, although it would be nice to see Vancouver in the playoffs as well, but they are going to need to have Edmonton lose all their games from here on out.

Oh Yeah, one more

2006-04-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the flyer to the other one we are doing, this time in the Netherlands, while the other one is in France.

So Close...............

2006-04-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

This is the flyer for one of the dance festivals that my company (Likha) will be performing at this summer. I can't believe that it's creeping up so fast. Half of april is already gone and before you know it, june and july are here. I can't wait, it should be fun, I just hope we are ALL READY.

My possible new job with my company

2006-03-26T23:31:00.000-08:00

Something is looming on the horizon for me as far my job is concerned. There is a high possibility that I will be driving one of these, thus ending my tenure with the package division. I know it's not a glamorous job, but hey it pays well and all I would be doing is drive from one UPS bldg. to another UPS bldg.. I don't even have to deliver anything. Only thing that sucks is that my schedule will be at nite and I will probably end up working some weekends.

Happenings

2006-03-26T23:20:00.000-08:00

The sharks have beaten the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 and are now tied with the Vancouver Canucks with 81 points while playing
3 fewer games than the canucks. Oh so close to a playoff spot and they are only 4 points behind the mighty ducks for 2nd place in the pacific division.

At practice today my fingers were put to the test. We practiced all Maria Clara dances and we also played music for the auditioning members that were part of the workshops that we've had for the last month. We played Jota Paragua for what seemed like an eternity, but we also played Jovencita, Subli, Pandango, Malaguena, Asik, Sinkil, and Sinakiki. I can't even feel my fingertips anymore. It hurts now.

Afterwards we proceeded to go to Round Table to celebrate Emilio Laxa's 3rd birthday. It was fun to hang out with everyone that was there and it was good to see people that I haven't seen in a long time. Good Times.

Getting there

2006-03-17T00:09:00.000-08:00

Ern and I attended what seem like the fastest hockey game ever. Usually we don't get back to Foster City 'til about midnite, but tonight, we got back from the Tank at around 10:45. They are now just a point behind the last playoff spot in the playoffs. In fact if they keep up this pace, they would most likely overtake the Canuckleheads in the overall standings. I just checked the standings and they are just 3 pts. behind them. Looks like our neighbors from up north are starting to go south. (Good luck Nick)

Go Sharks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game Review

2006-03-09T22:09:00.000-08:00

This game is sick....umm no pun intended.

As some of you know, I've been sick the last few days with flu-like symptoms. So all I did was watch dvd videos and play this game. If you are into games that just shoot up bad guys and blow things up. This is the game. It's a little hard to play (unless you get the code to play in God mode) but it sure is a lot of fun. One word of caution, it's rated M so it's for adults only (18+)

uuuggghhh

2006-03-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

I'm stuck at home, having flu like symptoms. It sucks, I can't do anything. TV sucks during the daytime, and I've watched every movie I have on DVD that I haven's seen yet. This bug better bugger off. Oh well I guess I better get some rest now.

WOO HOO

2006-03-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Last nite, the donger and I went down to the Tank to watch the Sharks beat the Redwings, who by the way is the best team in the league. Not only did they get a much needed victory but they also killed the wings' 6 game win streak. It is so easy to get caught up in the spirit of things, especially now that the sharks are still very much in the thick of things.

2007

2006-02-25T00:21:00.000-08:00

By 2007 Randy M. will be riding one of these (with the teddy bear rims). You see, he doesn't believe that I've quit smoking. He said that if I was done with smoking, then he would by a Prius instead of the Evo (1st picture). This alone made me determined to kick the habit for good and see Randy in a eco-friendly but not so manly car. Game on!!!!!

ooops

2006-02-23T19:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I hit a bump on the road to sobriety. I smoked a cigarette yesterday. Albeit it was one and since I haven't smoked since saturday, it made me feel so lightheaded that I didn't even finish it and threw it away halfway through it. I've been good today.
It's actually not as hard as I thought it would be. I just gotta find something else to focus on. Ipod to the rescue, i've been listening to it during my breaktimes and lunches, makes me forget that I want a cigarette. Who would've thought that this thing will help save my life. Coolness to the max.

Sober

2006-02-20T18:36:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say that I've quit smoking. As a lot of you know, I have been smoking for a long time. I just started to stop smoking this past weekend and I haven't smoked for 2 days. I know it's not much, but as with everything, baby steps first before you can walk and then eventually run. So here's to a new lifestyle (without the vice) and hopefully I don't hit a wall that would make me get off the wagon.

Sharkies Win

2006-02-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

So the Donger and I went to the Sharks game against the Blackhawks last nite. Man it was an awesome game in that 1) the sharks played a real good fluid game and 2) the black cloud has been lifted and we have finally attended a game where the home team won. Woo-Hoo. Hopefully the next two games we go to will translate to wins as well and hopefully help them get into the playoffs.

What Filipino Food are you?

2006-02-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

Rice: The ultimate Filipino food. Simple and goes

with everything.

Which Filipino Food Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

This was my result.

Congratulations

2006-02-05T23:19:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my friends Rodney and Jeanette, they are expecting their first baby this year, after (finally) getting married last year. Congrats kids, and good luck with everything. I'm sure you guys will be great parents.

I also want to congratulate VJ and Michelle, as they too are expecting their second one this april. Hopefully I get to see you guys this year. Take Care Y'alls

Sharks beat up the Ducks 6-4

2006-02-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

Alright, the Sharks beat up on the ducks, whic is a good thing, 'cause the race for the playoffs is getting real tight (at least in the West). I'm excited to be going to at least 3 more games at the Tank this year. Hopefully they can pull out wins in those games and make the playoffs. Maybe even meet the Canucks in the playoffs and shove them out the door afterwards. Hehehehe. Just kidding my canadian friends.....or am I?

Coldplay

2006-02-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

So I went to the Arena in Oakland to watch Coldplay. I haven't been to a really big concert in a loooong time. The last concert I've been too was a little over a year ago when I went to the Bill Graham civic center to watch the "not so silent christmas" concert featuring rancid and Jane's addiction, among others.

So I had fund hanging out with Ernie, Ed, Tin and OJ. I definitely can do this again soon.

Waking up in time for work the next day?.....that's another story

3-pack

2006-01-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

So the donger and I bought a 3 game mini plan. The Sharks will be playing the teams below. Should be fun times at the tank. I'm glad that Ernie is starting to get into hockey. I've been dying to have someone else follow hockey so I can have someone to discuss it with. ( I know, I talk hockey with Tina C. but she's kinda busy now with a new little one in the house).

St. Louis Blues

Chicago Blackhawks

Detroit Red Wings

Viva Las Filipinas

2006-01-22T02:07:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao won the rematch between him and Erik Morales in Las Vegas. He ended up getting a TKO victory in the 10th round of a 12 round bout. I was over at the double V hanging out with the Laxa's, Atendido and David clan and Mur and Rich, along with some other friends. It was a good fight, non-stop action and it was GREAT to see a fellow countryman prove Lampley and his cohorts wrong. That size doesn't matter, Manny might've been smaller, but he sure was the better fighter.

I want one.

2006-01-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo

2006-01-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

The Sharks beat the lightnings of Tampa Bay 3-1. Man I need to catch more sharks games, but they are so dang far from where I live. Oh well, I can always crash at the Donger's residence. Hey Dong, wanna catch another hockey game?

Sharks 2, Senators 0

2006-01-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

Now that the Sharks are getting back in the swing of things, I think I will make another venture down to the south bay and watch them live in action once again. Hmmmmm I wonder if I should invite the Donger, the Home team is 0-2 so far this year with him in attendance. Might have to bring him somewhere else where he can't hurt anyone. HAHA

Me and Mandy

2006-01-10T22:21:00.000-08:00

Sharks win 6-2 (without Joe Thornton too)

2006-01-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

Tommy's for dinner.

2006-01-09T20:46:00.000-08:00

Last Friday nite, some of us went to Tommy's burgers for dinner. If you don't know, Tommy's is a place where you order Chilli with a side of Burger. I mean their menu mainly, but not always, consisted of any kind of burger or hotdogs and fries and smothered with chili and cheese. Can you say adventurous ride back to the hotel and let's just say that the bathrooms were used simultaneously when we got back to the hotel.

Back from L.A.

2006-01-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Gang and I with my cousin at the Standard.

So I'm back from a mini show down in Los Angeles. The show went well. The crowd really seems to appreciate the show and I was little shocked to hear the Disney people (while they talked amongst themselves) were saying that this was the first time they had a Filipino dance group do a show for them. It made me feel proud that they really liked the show and was very generous with their kind remarks.

I was also glad to have spent a little time with my cousin Tina, whom I haven't seen for the better part of two years. She bartends at the rooftop lounge at the Standard hotel, and she put me down on the list so that I can get in right away and see her there.

The drive back wasn't too bad, but I definitely wouldn't mind flying next time. I was sooooo tired last night that I was asleep by 9:40.

So Cal

2006-01-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

So i'm down here in downtown L.A. for a little performance tomorrow. It's a balmy 75 degrees down here. We just finished rehearsing and we are performing outdoors, I can just imagine the heat that will be upon us, especially the musicians who will be wearing all black. But the place is nice, the Disney Center has a nice outdoor community stage and it's very acoustically friendly. Well, I'm gonna eat dinner now and then get ready to go to the Standard Hotel and meet up with my cousins for some drinks. Peace out.

Rose Bowl

2006-01-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

USC choked on the game last nite, losing the lead with about 2:34 left in the game and allowed Texas to beat them 41-38.

Suckas!!!

Leaving

2006-01-04T23:42:00.000-08:00

We are going to have a show in L.A. this weekend and it should be a fun mini roadtrip. We will be performing at the L.A. arts center/Disney center and we are staying at the Omni Hotel (pictured here). Should be fun. See y'all later.

Dallas beat up the Canucks 3-1

2006-01-04T23:33:00.000-08:00

Awww too bad.

What's that Nick? :)

Warriors fall to the Grizzlies 104-94

2006-01-03T22:20:00.000-08:00

SUCKS!!!!

Warriors beat the Rockets 94-89

2006-01-01T03:36:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah, Happy New Year to everyone.

Sharks beat up the Avalanche 5-2

2005-12-30T22:45:00.000-08:00

Double Yay

Warriors win 111-109 over Dallas

2005-12-30T22:44:00.000-08:00

Yay

Here's my version of "Bading-Bing" :-p

2005-12-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

Got Tickets

2005-12-29T22:20:00.000-08:00

On wed. the 11th me, the Donger and Rokkstar will be going to the game between the warriors and the Miami Heat. Of course we are going to enjoy what should be a good game. But the ones on the left should be fun to watch too.

Ode to the music makers

2005-12-29T20:26:00.000-08:00

Almost porgat dees two

2005-12-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

China and of course Las Islas de Filipinas

The groups that performed in Nova Prata

2005-12-27T22:10:00.000-08:00

Thailand

Lithuania

Brazil

South Africa

Easter Island

More Brazil Photos

2005-12-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

Merry X-mas

2005-12-25T00:28:00.000-08:00

To everyone that is. May it stay safe and enjoyable for you and yours.

Rock stars of Brazil taking a break from rehearsals.

2005-12-21T22:54:00.000-08:00

2005-12-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

Wanna be Wai Mar Lau's

Party on Filipinas

Pau and Bing?

2005-12-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

More Brazil Photos

2005-12-20T22:29:00.000-08:00

x-mas get together.

2005-12-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

Here's the crew that partook in the festivities last sunday. Thanks to Ernie for hosting

Saturday night fever?

2005-12-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

I'll let you ponder this picture.

"Liberty" is moving

2005-12-18T14:01:00.000-08:00

During our whole stay in Brazil, we were always assigned a bodyguard to always be there wherever we go during our performances and mini town tours. I never got to know this particular man, but he was always the one that was with us, even when we were on our way back to Porto Alegre (about 2 hours away from Nova Prata) he was on the bus to accompany us. So whoever you are, thank you for keeping us safe.

Capoeira

2005-12-16T22:27:00.000-08:00

During one of the rare nights that we didn't have to perform, we got to watch some of the local groups go up on stage and do their "thing". When the capoeira group came on, they asked that each country from the festival send a representative up on stage. Kuya Rudi chose Christian and he didn't disappoint. He represented the "pinoys" and did us all proud by busting a few good moves reminiscent of the old breaking days

Loiterers

2005-12-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

Passing time while we wait for performance time.

Fishing

2005-12-16T22:11:00.001-08:00

Me, Bing and Ewa looking for fish in the lake at Serrafina Correia.

Wai Mar Lau (2)

2005-12-16T21:59:00.000-08:00

Check out OJ at the end. I think he was on the verge of falling off his chair. It looks like Randy wants to hurl too. hahaha

Wai Mar Lau (Drunk)...enough said

2005-12-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

This is pretty much what we did at each and every Nations night party. No complaints (until the 9 am rehearsal call came around)

Headlines

2005-12-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

This was the picture that was plastered on the front of every newspaper in Nova Prata. Upon seeing this, is when I realized how big the festival really was for this small southern Brazillian town.

Brazilian Surprise

2005-12-15T21:06:00.000-08:00

No one had a clue that (except Christian, 'cause he was the one that got replaced) that Kuya Rudi wanted to dance Paseo. It was funny 'cause i didn't even realize that it wasn't Christian dancing until I heard the stomping and I knew that it wasn't Chris doing it. (I wasn't paying attention to the dancers, I was just listening to the music and watching my fingers on the fretboard.)