Penguins in Manila

It has been around for some time now but I never got the chance or the interest to go to Manila Ocean Park until this weekend. My parents were visiting and they brought my 10 year-old cousin so I suggested paid the place a visit.

I personally thought the rates were quite steep but I guess it takes that much to maintain such demanding facilities. It was a good time to go because they recently launched a new attraction; penguins! They are the cutest! See how adorable they are and the rest of their marine living friends below.

What a fun weekend. I still think of those penguins fondly.

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Fight!

This battle is certainly not easy. The numbers are alarming and no one is spared.

Even when I'm not active in the playground, I still get scared. And it's not just because I'm paranoid like that. Talking about it is one thing, actually doing it is a different story. It's a long, hard battle--and yes I'm aware of the naughty pun. I'm not one to preach because I've done some mistakes in the past and who knows up to when I can play my cards this well? Then again I think it's the same experiences that warrant me to sound the alarm. It's not fun being subjected to such emotional and mental turmoil while waiting for the test result.

So think about it. Yes, long and hard. Think before you fuck, before you suck or whatever it is that may expose you to risks.

On a lighter note, here's some Gaga goodness for some encouraging musical scoring.

Take care.

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Save the Date

See you.

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Sweet Saviors

There's so much going on right now and I can barely keep up. It's one of those times when I seriously, yet again, just want to break away and breathe. But since that's impossible right now, I try to relieve myself with more feasible options.

This one, unfortunately, is not very good for the waistline.

Thanks to relatives in Dubai and a friend who recently visited Austria and another friend who went to Japan.

It doesn't help that I've stopped going to the gym but what the fuck. I need the sugar rush and as much endorphins as I can get.

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The Boy With the Star Tattoo

I'm telling you it is such a small gay world. Seriously. It's not even funny.

After over a year, we see each other again. The moment I caught a glimpse of him I started rummaging through my brain trying to find a name for that face, for that tattoo. Then I remembered. And because I'm curious and perhaps also stupid, I managed to end up in the same jeepney as him... and his male companion.

So it looks like he still lives in the same place. I think about that time we met. We talked and walked around a spot near my place then ate a little. It was intimate but not carnal. He was charming but also quite lonely. He was also younger so I had my inhibitions, doubts. Then, we stopped talking to each other. After some time, I tried to meet up with him only to be cancelled on at the last minute. Something came up. He admitted it was because he was seeing someone else that night.

Then over a year later, here we are. Me, exhausted, just got out of work, with my earphones on, heading home early on a Friday night. Him, with that tattoo, carrying a guitar, and if I'm not mistaken, more muscular although still a little short. I think he recognized me. We exchanged a few glances. Those eyes. We didn't talk to each other though.

As for the other guy, he might be the boyfriend, the guy he saw that night instead of me, I don't know. I was more interested in what's inside the Topman bag he was holding.

After a few minutes, it was time for me to alight. I contemplated on giving him a look before stepping out but I didn't. I just walked away, picked up my laundry and headed home.

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Random Rants

November Friday

Italian film fest. Tofu chips. Japanese dinner. City lights. McDo. Late night walk. MFG. 11.11.11.

Bench and Georgina Wilson on ANTM

Georgina for Bench Body. Shot in Greece. Not my favorite photo of her.

This hasn't been shown on local cable yet but I already saw the entire episode online. Uhm, that's it? I expected girlfriend to get more airtime than 5 seconds. Great publicity for Bench though. Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco is also on the show. His creations will be featured on the final runway show which is kind of a big deal.

The One That Got Away

I'm still warming up to the song but the video is touching. And OMG Diego Luna!

It's refreshingly "normal".

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Crucifix

Have I told you my mom brought me a crucifix? Yeah. The last time they were here she noticed the absence of such in my room so when they came back last week, she brought me one. Not contented with that, she also left me with this wooden, foldable frame with holy images on both sides. It's like she's trying to perform an exorcism. A simple, minimalist cross would've sufficed really.

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Patchi

Thanks to my sister, I got a taste of Patchi, the revered brand of chocolate from Lebanon that opened an outlet at The Fort several months ago. Popular among celebrities, savoring this confections may just be considered a luxury.

This definitely ain't Goya. It's creamy, smooth, not too sweet, but I'm not sure if that justifies its price.

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Consumer Corner: Bench Fix Agent Bond

When it comes to hair styling, I've always favored the bed head look. I like the wash-and-wear principle so I can save time and worry less about locks being out of place. But when I do feel the need to change things up a bit, I normally brush my hair up (when it's long enough) for a sleeker more polished look. I have a thick head of hair so it's not easy. That's when Bench Fix's Agent Bond Styling Gum comes in.

Gum not gel.

I've been using Bench Fix hair products for years now and I'm very satisfied. First of all, they're inexpensive yet innovative, they come in different sizes, and are now available in department stores.

When we went to the SLIMS show at Fashion Week, I forgot to bring my hair paraphernalia (styling gum and a comb) so I went to SM Department Store and thankfully found Agent Bond in sachets (3 for only P15!).

PFW S/S 2012

Never mind that I did my hair with my bare hands. It looked good I think and as with all the Fix products I've been using, it also smelled great. I also like how they rate the shine and hold levels. It makes for easy decision making. Agent Bond gets a 4 at both components.

If I had more time, I would've been able to achieve a cleaner effect but I'm pretty happy with the way it came out. I find it really awesome that I can achieve the shiny, sleek, look free of worries about stubborn locks  without getting professional help. It just saves me time and moolah.

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Big Bad Wolf

OMG. Have you seen this?

I died. It's genius.

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A Visit to the ER

It's a good thing I no longer get nauseous over needles. As a kid, I'd practically faint.

Waiting for the result at the ER.

I spent an hour or so at the ER today. Not exactly how I would prefer to spend the first day of the month, or All Saints' Day, or any day for that matter but I just had to go because I was starting to freak out.

It started with a rash that appeared on my right arm the other day. I thought it would just disappear but it didn't and even spread to my legs. I called several clinics including those in malls but no derma was around so to the ER I went. It was a difficult decision because I seriously dislike hospitals. I was very uncomfortable there. There's just so much negative energy I think.

Based on my CBC results, nothing seems to be wrong. Platelet, white blood cells, etc. are normal. And except for the paranoia, I feel excellent really. No fever or vomiting so we're pretty sure it's not dengue. The doctor said it's a non-specific viral infection and prescribed me antihistamine. I'm hoping to see a derma before the weekend.

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