Super Saturday

Jeezus, today was so much fun and productive! I paid the bills, got a haircut, shopped and partied all in one day.

Miki, Jojo, Monique, Kevin and some random pundit with oily skin

My sister and I just arrived from Fiamma in Makati and Ascend at The Fort, thanks to a balikbayan relative. Gawd, that was so much fun. I haven't had this kind of debauchery in months!

I smell like a chimney so I'll take a quick shower now. Will update as soon as I recover.

The Last Three Days

Good morning Fashion TV. I still don't have work tonight, yay!

Thanks to my approved leave applications, I've been able to do a lot lately. In the course of three days, I was able to hit the gym, go on overtime at work, celebrate my sister's birthday, window-shop for my little business, go to the sauna, lounge around the condo doing nothing and I also went apartment hunting.

But first let me talk about Bryanboy allegedly being responsible for last year's Chikatime. Apparently, I'm not the only one who doesn't have a life and cares enough about this issue. Because of my last entry, my hits have multiplied by five over the past days. Besides visitors from the local shores, chismosos and chismosas from the US, UK, Dubai, India, Hong Kong, Canada, Australia and wherever else around the world dropped by this blog after Googling the keywords 'bryanboy' and 'chikatime'. Aah... the power of gossip. It knows no boundaries. This makes me less guilty.

Meanwhile, there's no update on Victorina yet which is the blog that revived the scandal. As far as I know, Bryanboy has not addressed the issue either. I wonder how long he'll be able to keep mum about it. I also wonder why he hasn't been posting my last 2 comments on his site. My comments do not involve the chikatime matter but my URL leads to this blog which has link to the same sites that sparked the issue. Is anyone else experiencing this? Oh well.

Anyway, looking for a new apartment is so grueling. I made a few phone calls the other day and looked around the neighborhood yesterday. I haven't checked out any actual property yet but hopefully I'll be able to do so next week. We have barely 2 months left. Gawd, I need divine intervention, or better yet, Divine Lee!

Later.

Bryanboy Behind Chikatime?!

Remember that huge scandal that shook the Manila society scene last year with dirt that would put Pandora's box to shame? Well it seems the Chikatime controversy is back from the ashes threatening to open more LV luggages filled with more chika.

I was browsing Chuvaness today when I read about it. Brian Gorrell is behind this entry revealing that Bryanboy is Chikatime! Insane! I was totally floored.

Bryanboy?! Really? I'm not totally convinced yet but the fact that Chuvaness confirms it is such a strong draw. Bryanboy is yet to make any comments about this issue.

Spot A Prostitute

Just got home from a long overdue dinner with my friend Rica. We ate at Hawaiian BBQ at the SM Mall of Asia bay strip. The food was lovely but the conversation was better; juicy, crazy and funny but somehow always full of sense.

We spent the rest of the night strolling along the bay area cutie-hunting, blabbing and playing 'Spot A Prostitute'. Gawd. That was fun.

P is for Pagod

Instead of lazing around the condo doing nothing, I've been all up working, walking and doing all sorts of stuff during my time off from work.

Last night, I decided to go to the office and render OT with some colleagues. While today, I went to the gym, did some laundry, paid my credit card bill, went to Divisoria for a tiny business venture I'm getting myself into, and bought dinner. And to think I only had 3 hours of sleep. Gawd.

I'm beyond exhausted so tonight I intend to lay low and stay in the entire time because this zombie is about to fall apart. I'm looking forward to my very long weekend next week.

P.S.
The weather is such a bitch. I swear to god the heat is just unbearable.

Rich

Yesterday was exciting. I met up with this Brit guy who lives in Hong Kong. We didn't get to see each other when I was there because he was out of the country then. Coincidentally, he has had plans to visit Manila so we had a late lunch yesterday and hung out the entire afternoon.

He wanted to ride a jeepney and "see Manila" so we left Greenbelt and I took him to Malate. We got on a jeepney at the corner of Mabini and Quirino and boy was he pleased. He looked like a kid riding a toy car for the first time.

During the ride, a kalesa passed by but he was more amused by a cross-dressing "ladyboy" he spotted on the street. Funny.

It was fun playing tour guide and I'm glad Rich had a good time.

Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano are you reading this?

Hong Kong Hustle: Vlogs

Here's some of the videos I took at Hong Kong. I know, I know, I have to get over it so let me post these videos as part of the purging process, ok? I have to look for a new place, and possibly a new job, then start a business. Jeezus, there's lots of things to do. But for the mean time, enjoy!

P.S. The third video gets so funny at 1:32. Oh, and ignore my annoying voice.

Geek Chic Glasses

One of the things that I bought in HK is this pair of sunglasses from Cotton On. I've been looking for big, clear framed glasses for the longest time and I finally got them. It's not the one I had wanted from American Apparel but it comes very close.

It originally had dark lenses so I paid a visit to a nearby Ideal Vision Center to have them replaced with graded ones. The optometrist warned me about the possibility of the frame getting cracked but thank god that didn't happen.

Yay! I can see clearly now and I can see how cool these spectacles are. Can't wait to take 'em out for a spin.

Ash Wednesday

Let me take a break from all this Hong Kong hangover blogging. I still long for the cold weather, the egg tarts and the shopping, but the reality of it is I'm back in the prime hub of the third world that is Manila. And boy was I reminded of this during an initially uneventful jeepney ride on my way to work just last night.

I was mentally bitching about the damn traffic and the pollution when this girl seated on the opposite side squaled, "Cell phone ko!" Then the next thing I saw was a boy, probably a teener, dashing away from the vehicle with the poor lady's phone with him.

Understandably so, the girl was spaced out throughout the rest of the ride while the jeepney was barely moving through the awful traffic jam. Staring at the few people with black marks on their foreheads, I can imagine how terrible and helpless she must have been feeling.

*Sigh*

That's Manila for you.

Hong Kong Hustle: The Shopping

There's no doubt that Hong Kong is a prime shopping destination in Asia. What with all the labels abounding this small cluster of islands, no one is spared from the retail fever that goes on all year round, day in and and day out.

There are shops and boutiques everywhere; around the corner, down the street, I mean everywhere. And they don't close until god knows what time. I remember strolling around the block at 11 pm, entering one store after another with a bag of grapes in one hand. Most, if not all, of the stores were still open and nobody seemed to mind the time nor the cold. It's exciting.

Gawd I love these socks! I got 14 pairs but I gave some as pasalubong.

On our last day, a couple of hours before we leave, we headed back to the Ladies' Market where, by the way, some of the vendors are very persistent bordering to desperate. We went back for the kitschy cute socks and the eclectic shoe laces.

Beautiful. Don't you think so?

By that time, I completely gave up on finding an H&M store. You see, one of my plans for this trip was to drop by H&M and Uniqlo. There was a Uniqlo store at the Miramar mall which is just a short walk from our hotel but it was quite disappointing. They have nice stuff and affordable too but I expected more.

Anyway, by the last day, I was ready to go home without a visit to H&M. H, my travel buddy, suggested we should go on separate ways and meet up after about an hour so we did. After I got the socks, I asked the clerk where I can find the nearest H&M store just for the hell of it. He said it's just a few blocks away and would only take about 10 minutes of walking. He added it's at "Loh-ho Places". So I went my way only to find out later on that I've been going to the wrong direction and the place I should have been looking for is actually the Langham Place. I did make it to the store though. It was a hallelujah moment. The men's selection was very limited but I manged to snag 2 shirts; a black, military inspired one and a white, crisp, long-sleeved number. There were many shoppers in the store. The ladies' clothes are great and a lot of the stuff are on sale.-- I swear to god if I were a girl I would have gone mad. After I paid for my loot, I literally ran back to meet H thinking "mission accomplished"! The feeling was so good.

I didn't really buy a truckload of clothes but I'm happy with my purchases especially since I managed not to overspend. All in all, I got a knitted sweater and a long sleeved shirt from ISO, then a supercool vest from IDC(?), 2 shirts from H&M, lots of socks from BSX, sunglasses from Cotton On, neon, waxed, and metallic shoe laces from a random store and some pasalubong mostly bought from the Temple Market.

Now I know why Hong Kong is touted to be the shopping capital of southeast asia. The energy is infectious and exhilerating. I'm certainly glad I was able to experience it first hand.

Speaking of shopping...

...I wonder when I'll get to watch this movie.

Random Memories of HK

-We got lost at the airport. Neither of us realized we had to take the Airport Express MTR from the arrival area to baggage claim. The airport is massive needless to say. But it is very clean and there are signs everywhere.

-We stayed at the BP International. We booked our hotel reservation through Agoda and they rated it as a four-star property. It was a really good deal. I'm glad we stayed there.

-If you know how to read, you will not get lost in Hong Kong. Their railway system is dynamic and incredibly efficient. It's really impressive.

-The weather when we were there was gorgeous! It was around 17-20 degress. I loved it.

-There was this time when we took a cab from the Temple Maket to go back to our hotel which is along Austin Road. It was just a few blocks away but the driver didn't really hear us correctly and thought we were going somewhere else. When it was time to pay, the meter read HK$25 so I handed him the money but he gave back the HK$5. And he insisted too!

-The vendors at the Ladies Market (Tung Choi) are so, uhm, persistent! It was crazy. I got scared at some point. Tip: do not ask for the price if you have no intentions of buying the damn thing and do not even think of telling them about your asking price if you know what's good for you. They will match it and will go psycho bitch if you don't make the purchase. It was pretty funny but quite inappropriate.

-The egg tarts at KFC are sooo good.


P.S.
More pictures as soon as I get a copy from my friend/travel buddy H.

I Heart Hong Kong

I got back this evening from the shopping mecca that is Hong Kong. I had loads of fun but my muscles hurt with each move I make so I'll save the rest of the details for my future posts.

As of now, I just want to sleep. Massive pictionaries about my fantastic HK revelry will be showcased starting tomorrow. Good night.

Winner!!!

OMFG I'm a part of the Top 20 winners of the Nuffnang "My Shopaholic Confession" Contest and I have a chance to win a limited edition signature bag! This is the first time I joined a Nuffnang contest, or ANY contest for that matter in a long time, so it's uber exciting. But the bad thing is the awarding is tomorrow and I am leaving for HK early in the morning! Ugh. How awful since the prizes will be forfeited if the winner is missing in action.

Aside from getting to see the Confessions of a Shopaholic movie tomorrow before anyone else does, there will also be GCs and free exclusive merchandise inspired by the film, as well as a chance to mingle with fellow Nuffnang bloggers and of course a 1/19 shot at winning the grand prize.

It's very unlikely but if for some reason, the cosmos play a sick joke on me and I turn out to be the winner of that goddamn Gucci bag and I won't get it since I'm not around, I will either just kill myself or willingly admit yours truly to a mental institution. I swear to god.

*Sigh*

Breathe.

I have a headache. I'm not finished packing yet. I have to call my credit card provider. There's just tons of things to do. Gawd.

But I'm really psyched. Thanks Nuffnang and those who took time to read my entry. I'd love to hang out with the other bloggers but I guess maybe next time. For now, Hong Kong here I come!

P.S.
Fine. The bag is definitely for females but Gucci is Gucci. Right Celine?

Coming Out to a Stranger I Won't Have Sex With

Have you ever been asked about your sexual preference during a job interview?

When I learned we have to move out by May, that same night, I panicked like a psycho bitch. I was compelled to apply for a couple of new jobs online for some reason. Yesterday, I had an interview for the Events Associate position and somewhere between talks about my credentials and interests, the interviewer asked me, "Are you straight?"

After breaking into a smirk, I replied, "I'm not. I don't like labels so let's just put it that way."

She said there's no problem with it at all. But why the hell did she ask that? I'm not offended or anything, just puzzled.

Anyway, I'm not sure if I'll get the job. But I must have done quite well because I came back today for the final interview. They'll endorse my papers for the EA position and even offered another job as a sales executive. But I turned down the latter. I am not interested in selling "high-end office equipment" thank you very much. I can sell myself pretty well though. Is that why she asked that question? Did she want to know prospective customers?

Gawd, I hope I don't read this post one day and regret having been so damn picky.

Random Rants

Moving

Two nights ago, I got a phone call from a relative. I knew it. There was something up. Basically, we have to move out of this condo in 3 months because it will get renovated and the rent will be multiplied by more than 2 times the current cost. I understand though.

Just thinking of looking for a new apartment in Manila already stresses me out but I'm quite excited. Oh well.

No H2O

Thank god the water supply is back! Imagine having none of this in over 48 hours! The management did let us know beforehand and provided some rationing during selected times in the day but still. Everything was supposed to go back to normal this Sunday noon but the faucet was still dry by Monday night! Maynilad you better straighten up your fucking act.

Hello Hong Kong

Just one more week. I'm crossing my fingers.

My Shopaholic Confession

Hi! My name is James and I'm a Shopaholic!

In fact, make that James Bloomwood. When I was reading the book, I felt like I was reading my life story with some prelude of the future--except of course I don't have a vagina, will never have one, thank you very much, and Manila is my London.

This extreme fascination and addiction to retail must have started when I was still in high school. I come from a middle class family somewhere in the Visayas. Apparently, everybody has the shopping gene because we would go to Manila at least once a year for a vacation and shop ourselves out. From Greenbelt to Divisoria, to Megamall, etc, there was never enough time nor too much shopping to do. Since then, I developed a passion for hunting down the best buys. And it's great to know everyone in the family appreciates a good shopping trip.

Now that I live and work here (Manila) with all the malls and shops practically calling my name whenever I'm free, "big city" shopping has become more available. There are countless shopping spots and frequent sales but sadly, there's never enough money to spend. It sucks when your credit limit allows the purchase yet eventually you would have no idea how to pay the bill you know. My parents are still very supportive but overspending with their money is out of the question. It sucks to be poor.

One October afternoon last year, a couple of days before All Souls Day and All Saints Day, a.k.a. halloween time, I decided to go out and spend some of my hard-earned money. Out of sleep and desperate to take a break from thinking how much I hate my job, I headed to Greenbelt to buy shirts my father had asked me to get. And of course I just had to buy stuff for myself. It was bittersweet because I was all alone. I felt homesick thinking of the times my family and I would camp at the cemetery during Fiesta Minatay to bond with relatives dead and alive. This prompted me to get more "therapy".

After hitting Greenbelt and Glorietta, with a shopping bag and a grande frappe in tow, I headed to The Fort just when the sun was setting.

The place was packed. It was brimming with both kids and adults in costumes. Everyone seemed to be cheery bonding with their families. Needless to say, jealousy bit me in the ass. It was funny because as I was walking, carrying my loot, I received a text message from a good friend that goes this way:

Money can't buy happiness...

But somehow, it's more comforting to cry inside a ferrari than in a tricycle.

It really made me smile. I don't have a ferrari nor do I have the capability to buy one, and I love tricyles because I grew up in a town where trikes are the main mode of transport, but this text message reminded me of how lucky I still am compared to other folks out there.

So with renewed optimism and high spirits, I raided Theodore's The Store and bought myself a shirt and compulsively threw in a pair of Cheap Monday pants too. After which, I rushed to Robinson's Manila to pick up a pair of red canvass shoes I had put on hold. I made it just minutes before the mall closed. Whew.

The day ended with me talking to my parents over the phone about my purchases and their plans for All Souls Day. It was tiring, physically and even emotionally, but damn, it was a sweet shopping experience.

Catch "Confessions of a Shopaholic" in Cinemas on February 18, 2009.

On The Edge

My Hong Kong getaway is in peril! I think I could've jinxed the goddamn trip. Ugh. My travel buddy may back out. Gawd. It's fucking killing me.

If she doesn't go, it's either (a) I go alone and explore HK on my own (thrilling but pretty risky as this would be my first time abroad), (b) I spend my money on somewhere else (i.e. a new computer), or (c) save my money for future expenses (boring!).

I swear to god I'm so confused.

Destination: Hong Kong

In less than 3 weeks, my ass will be gracing the exciting land of chinks, egg tarts and shopping!

It really is a trip that I need very badly but thinking about how I'll make my meager funds cover this 3-day bender in a foreign country bursts my frivolity bubble. I did save up some moolah but I'm supposed to get a new laptop computer for that. Gawd, I don't know. Whatever. Maybe it's time I sell my soul to the devil.

I'm going with my friend/colleague H. We don't have a hotel reservation yet so any advice and suggestion will be very much appreciated. Location is very important. We don't need a swanky accommodation but no stained sheets, busted toilets, molds, and run-down hostels please. I also need to know how the weather in HK is during February.

Where's the best egg tarts? Where's the best shopping spot? (You know, like Uniqlo and H&M kind of shopping.) Where are the best bargains? Are jackets a must? Where do we buy pasalubong? Where do we get the best deals for electronics? Where do you suggest we go out for drinks at night? What else do we need to know? I can go on and on. Help!

Jeezus. It's funny how this leisure trip is turning into an obligation that's putting so much pressure on me. Ugh. I only want this to be fun, great and awesome though. It's my first time to get out of the friggin' country for god's sake.

So yeah, I'm going to Hong Kong. Yay!

Pictionary: Star City Saturday

Yesterday was so much fun. I met up with my good friend Rica and painted the town rainbow. Okay. Not really but everything was so spontaneous, it was awesome.

First, we went to Harbour Square and had dinner at Shrimps Ahoy where the view, the breeze and the food are all good and inexpensive.

After dinner, we decided to go strolling around the area and eventually found ourselves in Star City. I've never been there before so it was exciting!

Rica and me in practically pambahay clothes.

We didn't buy tickets for the rides but we did get the ones for Snow World. It sucks that they don't allow cameras, phones, or any gadget for that matter, inside so I wasn't able to take pictures with my phone. It was a cool experience nonetheless. We spent just around 15 minutes inside because we were both wearing flip-flops! I got a little worried when our hands and feet started to get numb. Hahahah...

Anyway, check out some of the many attractions in Star City:

Tons of laughter, some churros, and a whole lot of spontaneity later, we left the place like silly kids again. This is the shit that good memories are made of.

Pictionary: Toontastic

When I'm not working at the office nor blabbing with my seatmates, I draw. Here are some scans of doodles that I made during down time at work.

The "look" of the characters is inspired by those Marc Jacobs cartoon designs.

Homo Romance

This is me in Burberry Prorsum.

Yves Saint Laurent with Balenciaga

That's all for tonight. What do you think? Take care.

Friends Who Kiss

Greetings from Greenbelt, Makati! I don't have work tonight because my leave got approved so yay! Anyway, I just had to get out because my housemate is pissing the hell out of me. I don't even want to talk about it.

What I do want to talk about though is what happened within the last 5 hours. I was having lunch when I thought I'd invite M over for some company. We have been keeping in touch you know. We didn't see each other for at least 2 months but we'd exchange text messages once in a while.

In about 15 minutes, he arrived and joined me at the table. It was like old friends hanging out and teasing each other about random things. The mood had a slight change when we got to the bedroom though. We started kissing. I took the opportunity to ask him what happened. Why he suddenly disappeared. He said he just got really busy and a lot of things happened. He asked if I was starting to fall for him then.

"Yes," I said casually.

He said we're better off as friends. I didn't say anything but I think I made it quite apparent that I agreed; that I'm over it. I didn't even initiate the cuddling.

To cut the story short, nothing happened. Yes, we got pretty intimate but nothing beyond that occurred. More carnal activities could have taken place but I was honestly not feeling it so I declined. I shrugged off the kisses on the back, on the arms and on the shoulders and ignored the embraces. I even pushed him away as politely as I could at some point.

I never say never but not today. We're friends though. We walked out of the condo together while goofing around. As Gwen Stefani sings, "I know we're cool."

Some Updates

• I'm now twice an Uncle. Welcome to the world and to the family Evan James!

• The weather is still gorgeous. It has been unusually cold it's all over the news lately--and it never rains, so it's perfect! In fact, I went out today wearing a long sleeved shirt and I didn't even break a sweat. According, to weather reports, the cold weather should stay up to next month! Woohoo! Never mind that my allergies have been in full swing, bring it on!

• After all these years, I'm finally on YouTube. I never thought I can figure it out. I'll upload some videos soon.

Why I Need to Move to Another City

You know you've slept with too many men when you start recycling them.

Today, I met up with a guy whom I've been talking to online for about 2 weeks. I was psyched because it's fun talking to him.

He had his back against the entrance so I didn't recognize the guy until I approached him. He clearly didn't remember me. I, on the other hand, know someone I slept with when I see one. He was able to recall our first rendezvous later on but not without me refreshing his memory. The first time we met was many months ago when he came over to my place.

Anyway, we just talked and hung around Robinsons Manila the entire afternoon. No sexual activities. No hitting on each other whatsoever. --He did say he's going to give my number to his cutie friend though. :)

I don't know about you but I think this is hysterical. My friend H referred to it as a Samantha Jones moment! Hahahah... Oh well. There goes my Sunday afternoon. Moving on.

Random Rants

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Yesterday, I saw Brad Pitt's latest movie at SM Mall of Asia. It is a very intriguing film indeed. It doesn't disappoint. I wouldn't call it a favorite but the film really is mesmerizing.

Oh my god, Cate Blanchett is amazing. Maybe it's the lighting, make up, or special effects; she is simply ethereal in this movie.

This tale about life, time and love is certainly a must-see.

Visit the SM Mall of Asia bay area on Fridays and Saturdays (7 pm) to catch this pyrotechnic spectacle.

After the movie, I met up with my very good friend Rica. We went to the MOA bay area to watch the fantastic fireworks and had a nice marathon of talk about family, career, dating, etc. It just goes on and on.

Pasalubong

From Perry Ellis to Hollister, gotta love free clothes that are actually in the right size.

Don't you just love it when loved ones abroad send gifts--especially clothes, and everything fits? I do. Thanks to my dear sister and brother (and my in-laws and adorable nephew), I'm having trouble making enough space for all my things. This is a dilemma I'm glad to have.

Thanks again. I miss you so, so much.

Glorious

Happy Birthday to my lovely mother. I miss and love you. Keep exercising!

It's About Time

Say hello to my ticket to the world.

After a month and a half of waiting, two trips to the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), and several emails, text messages and phone calls, I finally got my passport. It's a few weeks delayed but at least it's here now. You know how horrendous it is having to deal with or go to third world government offices. Ugh. I'm glad I'm over that--at least for now.

I love my donuts glazed, plain and simple.

My good friend H accompanied me in picking up my pasaporte and we celebrated by dropping by Krispy Kreme (Ayala Avenue).

Are you ready world? I want the pages of this damn maroon booklet to be teeming with stamps by the end of the year! I wish. Hahah!

Cold

If you live in Manila, you would probably agree that the past couple of days have been the coldest period in a long time. The sun lazily rises considerably late in the morning. The cold fog wouldn't evaporate until brunch time only to settle in again an hour or two before daytime retires. It's beautiful. The best thing is, it rarely rains; just low temperature with the occasional wind gushing about.

On the other hand, while the mercury drops, my carnal episodes are anything but chilly. The heat between two bodies skin to skin permeates and temporarily displaces the cold. Still, I long for a different kind of warmth. A relief not just for the cold, nor just to cure boredom or tame raging hormones but warmth to enliven my heart and soul.

Enjoy the weather while it lasts y'all.

Top 3 New Year Wishes

The holiday season was fun, festive, exciting and heart-warming. But it was also tiring, nerve-wracking, expensive and a bit depressing which is why I'm glad it's done and over with. I enjoyed the many gifts, the massive quantity of food and the priceless cheers but it's a new year and I'm definitely ready for new things. So let's move on, shall we?

There's a ton of things I would like to have, do and accomplish this year but we all can't have everything we want, or at least not all at the same time. Nonetheless, here's the top 3 things I'm wishing for this year.

1. A serious romantic relationship- I've been playing the field forever and yet, still no luck. I came pretty close in 2008 but it didn't really get there. More luck and love this year please, yes?

2. A new job- This I would probably need the soonest. My job does not inspire me anymore at all. It's just all about the money as of the moment and I'm not sure until when I'll hold on. This time, I want to do something I'm actually passionate about.

3. A trip abroad- Paris, New York and/or Dubai anyone? Hahahah... Who am I kidding? I think I'll explore my neighborhood first before even dreaming of dining at a Parisian cafe. Asia is very interesting after all.

There's actually a lot more that I wish for this year aside from the vital ones (good health, peace of mind, etc.) but these have to be on top of the list.

Resolutions don't work for me but trust that I am making all the efforts to achieve these wishes. I have been reading The Secret lately too-- universe are you reading this? Hope it works.

There's still 364 days left. Let's see.